Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Elite dinner party music. Put this on while you’re putting those drinks out and rolling out the pizza dough.
Really lovely jazz!
Excellent really accessible jazz
A wonderful jazz album.
When I imagine music from the ‘50s, this is what I think of. Thank God I wasn’t born then.
I really liked it, just won’t listen on a stressful morning
Very cool lively big band songs! Enjoyed it
Love it
блин вот это было кайфово, мне прям заходит такая старая американская поп музычка, саксофончики-пианинчики, все как положено. такие вайбы! особенно мне понравилось джазово-танцевальное, the kid from the red bank и double-o
Ok, so this is very evocative of a certain time. Conjures up black and white moves, Some Like It Hot etc. While I recognise they are very talented and top of their genre this is not something I would ever choose to listen to, it gets a bit boring for me, may prefer some with vocals. Also, the up tempo tracks are more appealing
Outstanding album. I was really into this the whole way through. Incredible musicianship and orchestration. Flight of the Foo Birds was exceptional. Banger Jazz album.
Pretty smooth jazz...
沒有發現特別驚喜地方，舒服的專輯。
didn't quite like it
Solid background music.
Good classical
Of course, this album is full of great compositions and great playing, but big band just isn't my style. It's not bad, so I can't give it below a 3, but I also will never listen to it again, so I can't give it above that. :)
Well that was fun!
cool jazz album but not really my thing tbh
Instrumental jazz, probably the worst combo I can think of.
Swingy!
Wijs album! Heel groovy. Een beetje Fallout vibes. Nice! 4.0
O.K. but not my jam.
Not in love with the genre but it feels well done. The performers sound talented and the arrangement seems fancy. Fav Track: The Kid From Red Bank
These are the kind of albums I was hoping to find when listening through the 1001 generator. Something different and new (at least to me). Honestly, never intentionally/actively listened to jazz or big band but really enjoyed listening to this. Amazing playing and really dynamic. Loved 'Midnight Blue' and 'The Kid from Red Bank'. Drum fills in 'Fantail' and overall musicianship is great.
Never heard tis one before, and I'm glad it was on the list. Great album!
Classic jazz album between big band and bebop.
The final 1001 album at least for me. Big Band Jazz. OK.
Big band jazz at its best. Splanky sounded very familiar to me, and after a quick search I realised it was used as the end-tune for the Dutch current affairs TV programme Brandpunt, back in the 80s. Great album to have on the list.
Nice big-band music, after some time it gets on the nerves.
Sounds like a game show band. That is not a bad thing.
Boring! Just trad jazz from Mr Basie. I'm totally ready to be told that this is revolutionary, the first use of triplets in recorded jazz history, a powerful evocation of the era or whatever, but it just sounds like a few guys tooting out some standards to me. Sorry about that.
I'm not sure what I expected based on the album cover, but it wasn't this. I am pleasantly surprised though. This is a pretty enjoyable big band jazz album with good energy and my day is better for having heard it.
Enjoyed
pretty good, falls flat near the end but the outro track is probably the best on the album. 7.75/10
This shit slaps
fun jazz record, still think I can only really appreciate the genre fully when it's performed live
Fun and springy
8/10. One time, my Mama walked in on me listening to the album "Blues by Basie", and she responded with "Is that jazz? I'm proud of you". I felt so awkward, and so confused. What is there to be proud of? It's just jazz. That encounter still confuses me. Anyway, this album is pretty cool. A lot of grand music going on. Basie's cool! :)
(10) ★★★★★
Not my prefered style of jazz, but this swings hard and features impeccable playing. 4 stars
Objectively, I think it's great, but it's just not something I would ever really get the urge to sit down and listen too. Apologies in advance for the jazz nerds out there. 3.5 stars.
3.5
As Louis Balfour on the Fast Show would say, “…Nice!”
Entertaining but a bit samey throughout.
Yeah this is some pretty great swing/jazz.
Just meh, not the worst jazz, but not amazing to me.
Listened while getting an IV at the hospital. Kept me entertained
-not the most thrilling listen of my life but this is really pleasant. I love getting to listen to early big band and recorded jazz, I don’t think I would’ve ever listened to something this early on in recorded music if not through this website -Favorites are Double-O and Lil’ Darlin’
It's amazing music. Every song is a banger.
Great break from rock and roll into some solid big band Jazz. A wonderful playlist for a quick study session or throwing on a suit
Liked it a lot. This Album is the perfect Music Painting of OG Nuketown and the false acclaimed American dream. put some martini in my glass and see the world burn down. Its great 4.0/5.0
Solid jazz album. Big band breaking new ground I guess.
I was excited to get this one, but soon realized that as much as I enjoy jazz, I don’t dig the big band stuff so much.
Not good
"It took Basie's core audience and a lot of other people by surprise, as a bold, forward-looking statement within the context of a big-band recording." I guess. It's still big-band though. Not that that's bad, but there's only so much you can do while staying within the bounds of the genre. I'm not convinced that bounds are very big. It's good, but not great.
funky and fun, not as much to my taste so harder to rank. more songs caught my interest than i thought at first. favs: double-o, splanky, fantail, lil' darlin'
Might be good as the background at a nice restaurant
This music does not resonate with me at all. I enjoy jazz, swing, and big band, but while this album isn't difficult to appreciate, it makes me feel anxious and never fully connects with me.
This wasn’t for me. If you’re into big band I’m sure this is a masterpiece but it took a lot to finish this past track 4.
Μουσικη τυπου tom και jerry. Ναι οκ για την εποχη θα ηταν ενας καλος δισκος για χωρο δεν αφμιβαλλω αλλα δεν κανει απολυτως τιποτα για μενα και ουτε θεωρω ταιριαζει πουθενα στα ακουσματα μου. C-
A great wind, big band, just straight up cool music group. While this isn't something I listen to every day I can't help getting dragged along with the rhythm and instruments throughout this album. Just good music the has its time and plays even today.
Classic big band album. I don’t know much of the history or significance of Count Basie. I know I listened to an awesome jazz album, though. Standouts: The Kid from Red Bank, Flight of the Foo Birds, Whirly-Bird, Midnite Blue, and Lil’ Darlin’.
I haven't heard this old big band sound for a long time. I was unfamiliar with the album. I enjoyed listening to it and can imagine doing the same again. 4/5
Decent listen but not something I would return to.
Awesome album. Every song was a fun time. Not sure how this compares to other big band/swing albums but I enjoyed it a lot.
That is a hell of an album cover for how this sounds. Really skillful playing and composition. Cool listen. Kind of crazy how so shortly after this music changed so radically and this sound almost entirely disappeared. Good one to have on the list.
Amazing album cover, especially considering my expectations of Count Basie. Come on, you just know this is some of the highest caliber of a genre. A track like Fantail is so cool. This album is full of the trumpet content we have all been looking for. Stimulates the neurons.
>Badass mushroom cloud album art >Look inside >Boring jazz music
coole swing-musik mit jazz! den ganzen tag im hintergrund und: a) immer wieder neue details entdeckt b) kann die tracks nicht (mehr) auseinanderhalten :-)
Big Band und somit nicht meine Lieblingsmusik. Solide gespielt.
Smooth as butter!
Lovely on a Sunday!!
It's a nice change from the terrible post punk that I seem to be getting recently, but it's hard to get into a groove with this album as the tempo and tone is all over the place though. I would have liked a moody album and then more of a lounge album, but I don't know. Maybe that's how people listened to albums once upon a time?
This is a pretty cool listen, especially for a '50s swing album. The energy is infectious, and the band is as tight as it gets. Every track feels lively and fresh, even all these years later. Count Basie’s piano leads the way, but the whole band shines, and the horns bring the songs to life. It’s easy to see why this record gets so much love. You don’t have to be a jazz expert to enjoy it. Just hit play and let the groove take over. A classic that’s actually fun to listen to.
I haven't listened to a lot of Jazz, but I want more of whatever Basie has going on. A lot of the songs sounded similar to me, but I think that may be my lack of exposure to the genre. Regardless, I can't deny an album that has a song about a toad named Teddy. Favorite song(s): After Supper, Splanky Least favorite: Double-O Knew before? No
3.5 some good ol jazz
Bold big-band songs. It’s just a good listen.
Скучный джаз
From bombastic performances to slow and ponderous jazz, this album has been a delight to listen to. Well-put together and definitely a vibe. Best songs: The Kid from Red Bank, Lil' Darlin Worst songs (though still good): Duet, Teddy the Toad
I have thoughts about jazz. How it is joining classical music as a genre that is used for meticulous study. It sucks the fun out of a genre that is meant to be about fun and freedom. I was subjected to this. The teachers were archetypical sticks in the mud who would sigh at their students not being like their favorite jazz musicians. Now that I have explained my bias: The music is fun, vibrant and manages to capture images beyond what would require spoken word. Situational, but undeniably good
This was a lot of fun
Nice one
A lovely surprise. Wouldn't have chosen it, but very nice vibe
Última semana de octubre con artista y disco que desconozco por completo. Su nombre me suena pero no recuerdo haber escuchado nada de éste compositor. Ya desde su primera canción pienso en las temporadas más viejas de Tom & Jerry, cortos de Looney Tunes y así. Siempre conecto éste tipo de música con un fondo: para una reunión, para cocinar, para amenizar una cena a un volumen bajo. Y así. Hasta mañana
Bangers. Big band is a genre that needs to be revitalized. The energy that this album brings is incredible and only surpassed by the quality of the music being produced. I've learned from this journey that I need more Jazz/Swing/Big Band in my life as these albums are all fantastic.
Perfectly adequate swing music. I will not be listening again.
Absolutely brilliant. At a time when American suburbanites' love for Sinatra made big band swing old fashioned and unhep, an OG said, "dig this" and makes arguably the best album in the genre's history. Cutting edge jazz at the time was Hard Bop with its faster, faster / more is better / Thousands of Notes per Minute ethos. Basie carved space into every arrangement and let very simple melodic lines dangle almost impossibly behind the beat.
Albumi #90, 26.10.2024 Jazzpianisti Count Basien mainio albumi vuodelta 1958 on yksi kuuluisimpia jazzklassikoita. Albumi on big band swingin kulmakivi. Albumin kappaleet on sovittanut mm Batman-tunnarin säveltäjänä tunnettu Neal Hefti.
#385. This sounds like something from a Tom & Jerry cartoon. Or maybe something that would be playing in the vaults in Fallout. 3/5: silly Song added to playlist: Flight of the Foo Birds I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Average
I don't know how to feel, I liked the sound but it doesn't seem that interesting or nuanced.
Calm jazz.
I won't say it's outright bad but this isn't for me. Best track was probably Flight of the Foo Birds. I liked some of the more downbeat stuff towards the end.
3/5
I know next to nothing about swing or big band, but this is a fun, up-beat thing to listen to.
Not much to say - just good, fun big band jazz. It made for excellent background music while working on some art.
Pure genius. Excellent playing and composition. Not much else to say, music speaks for itself. And the cover art is fucking HARD
I liked the piano but am not really a fan of the big band sound. Favorite song was: 11. Lil' Darlin' 5/10
Is there anything finer than when a trombone goes "Bwwwwaaaaaaaa"? Album cover: A+
This album really rocked. I experienced it as one long track, so don't have too much to say about the individual songs. It was a fun pace and didn't feel old. As many people of approximately my age do, I associate big band swing music positively with walking through the apocalyptic wastelands of America in the Fallout games. "Whirly-Bird" had an awesome trumpet? saxophone? some wind instrument? solo. I loved it. "Splanky" had sections that would be perfect background to elaborate heist scenes in cartoons or comedy shows. I liked the entire album and will definitely listen to it again. Fantastically engaging background music. Great length, it ended right as I was thinking I could enjoy something different. 9/10 Additional comment: making the album cover a mushroom cloud in 1958 is bold.
Absoluut nice jazz
Not my style of music but it was entertaining and musically complex
I feel like I’m listening to the chips a hoy ad from the 90s. Like, I get this type of music takes a lot of skill and thought but it just doesn’t do it for me.
theres not much to say. its nice jazzy music. solid but i dont feel much.
Las grandes bandas de jazz tienen un nombre destacado en Count Basie y su Orquesta. Con agilidad interpretativa desde el pieano y enorme capacidad para dirigir la sección rítimica, Count Basie siempre había sido considerado uno de los mejores en el ámbito de las big band. Con su carrera estancada finalizando la década de los 50 consiguió relanzarla al editar este álbum en 1958 abriendo una nueva fase creativa. Una grabación sólida sobre la que destaca el tema que más me gusta (siendo como soy poco aficionado al jazz), que no es otro que "Splanky". Pero cabe destacar también la apertura del disco, "The Kid From Red Bank", con una magnífica interpretación al piano de Basie, "Flight of the Foo Birds", "Whirly-Birds" y el estupendo final de fiesta con "Li'l Darlin'".
3/5
It doesn't quite live up to the atomic bomb on the album cover, but it's still good old nostalgic '50s big band music that's fun to hear any time.
Good
Not a huge jazz lover
I’ve always been a bit of a sucker for big bands. I remember one coming to my school many years ago and the other kids finding it dumb, but I loved it. Today’s album sounds most definitely like something that could be on a Fallout soundtrack, and I love every minute of it. There are not vocals here, with the instruments saying everything necessary without any voices coming into the mix. This quite simply provided the level of bombast that I like. A definite recommend for me.
An extremely listenable big band record. The nuclear fireball on the album cover really exemplifies the feeling in the 50s that the world could end at any moment. The music drives that feeling home: "screw it, let's party!"
Went from a 4 to a 5 as the album swang along. Beautiful playing, a jubilant atmosphere and enticed everyone in the room to listen, enjoy and discuss. Surely what a true work of art is about. Will now class this as a new future favourite
tes
Best jazz album I've gotten so far but that is an extremely low bar. If there's one thing I've learned from this list, it's that I hate jazz.
Love it!
I liked this album A TON. I sadly am behind in the albums so I could only do one listen through but man it was a joy. Perfect for a rainy day honestly. When I get caught back up I am 100% throwing it back on.
Poppin, this is exactly what I want from a jazz album, very exciting the whole way through
I won't lie, a lot of big band songs sound "samey" to me even when I do like them. And I do like all of them on this album despite their "sameyness". But man does this album make me want to play Fallout. 4/5.
Liked the last song ‘lil darling’. It’s warm and comforting. Great song to reset to. Soothing textures and depth of bass on the sax.
This isn't really my style of jazz, and I don't think the compositions hold up among the jazz greats, but you can't deny that this is an amazing group of musicians at the top of their game.
inizia col botto
A fun big band album, full of vitality. It truly sounds like a party at the end of the world. Lil Darling playing out as the bombs drop would be a pretty nice way to go out.
Right off the bat this is great. The kid from redbank swings fast and hard and then “duet” slows it down. This is possibly my favorite jazz album now.
Glenn Miller may have been the King of Swing but Count Basie did it better! I think it was at the end of musical cycle for Basie (40years) when this album was produced but he and his orchestra sound on-point. What I like as well is Basie himself takes some opportunities to prove his mastery outside of being a band leader on songs like Midnite Blue, where his subtle piano paves the way for the rest of the musicians. Key tracks for me are Double-O, and Duet, though the entire album is great. Basie is a badass who can blow me away any day!
I liked this one quite well. I'm down foe some Count Basie. This isn't the known tracks from my days playing in jazz band, a la April in Paris. This is a burner of a big band album. I wonder how it was received in pop culture in 1958? I tried imagining hearing it played at a diner or on the radio. Were kids or middle-aged adults into it? Was it the equivalent of dad-rock in 1958? Anyway, solid jazz tunes. Will listen again.
Pretty fun music.
Basie in the Placie London!
An absolute pleasure to listen to. The King of big band swing on a Sunday- can't be beat.
Hard to argue with that. 5
My parents perhaps. Definitely not me. Hated the bass section
Usual upbeat jazz from the 50s it sounds like.
Not enough base, but def some nice brass pieces
Preferred the slower jams on this one (After Supper, Splanky) - had no idea this dude existed!
Outstanding, intelligent, danceable. We did not need rock and roll, this is a million times better.
En liten dos av jazz kan man väl stå ut med.
Amazing high energy, big band sound. Great for easy listening all day long
Liked this very much would be a 4.5 if there was half stars but i did like it was great
Big Band / Swing is not a big interest of mine but found this pleasant enough while working.
big band big rating
Enjoyable, reminded me of the soundtrack from the Fallout TV show, which of course was all this style of music!
Really enjoyed this jazz, beautiful compositions
Amazing album a bit of everything - easy listening!
This made the voices go away. Jazzy.
enjoyable listen, love some jazz.
Classic big band jazz. I prefer the tracks without piano but leaning more to 4 stars than 3
Very good big band sound in its time.
Amazing stuff.
It’s a really strong and sophisticated big band swing album but there’s not really any stand out tunes (other than maybe Splanky) or ridiculously good solos to elevate it to a higher level
It's fine, but not the vibe I could ever see myself being into.
Big band isn't really my thing
I enjoyed this but I don't know that I would listen to it again, on purpose. I feel like I should be baking a cake and smoking a cigarette lol. Or a character on Mad Men!
I usually comment on orchestral music like this that it doesn't translate in a recording. However, it works here. I enjoyed this music and it feels timeless.
Very nice album, liked all the jazz. Very reminiscent of Fallout and other early cold war music. Also reminded me a lot of apollo mission music. Liked the flow of the album. Strong start with some nice calmer songs sprinkled troughout. Nice finally with Splanky and Frantail being more upbeat and the nice epilogue to calm everything with Li'l Darlin'. Solid 8/10 would listen to again.
Certified hood classic
Duets Love it and glad to hear it, not exactly my style but can see the merit in the work.
Since I stayed awake for the whole thing I guess I can spare 2 stars or D- as a rating.
I haven’t given much thought to jazz before so this was a nice way to start the '1001 albums' listening challenge. I can appreciate that this music was truly revolutionary when it came out, very dynamic and energetic. It is personally not my thing, but it is beautiful nonetheless.
lots of good cello and base, very upbeat, but not overly engaging. Good background, low-key music.
there really wasn’t much with this album. it felt tiring to listen to because the only consistent aspect was the genre
This album was nice to listen to, but thing really stood out to me. Pleasant, but I think there’s much better jazz and swing out there. I would have been just fine if I died having not listened to this album. Still good though.
This album makes me feel like I'm an 80 year old man who wears leather jackets and smells like cigarettes... and that's not a good thing. I feel like with this album there was either too much going on or not enough with no in between. I can respect jazz but this just didn't connect with me. Favourite song: duet
Did not expect to like as much as I did. Listened to every song. Not my normal music, but I would listen again.
If you like old cartoons music, this album is for you!
# Playlist Track - Flight of the Foo Birds # Notes - Fun Jazz, amazing band name and album cover!
I thought it was pretty enjoyable even though ive never really listened to this genre. fav: the kid from red bank. Least:after supper
I put this on and forgot it was playing at various times. I guess that means it's pretty forgettable.
This is like the 5th 50's Jazz album that we have seen on this list. It's not bad music, some of it is even worth revisiting and I enjoyed some of these tracks. but not my normal day-to-day. I'm sure there is some significance to Count Basie, but it didn't fall on a day when I had a ton of time to dig into him.
Artiste connu de nom, je n'ai jamais eu l'occasion d'écouter un album entier. Celui ci contient des morceaux très entrainants et d'autres plus calmes, avec des très bon chorus. Morceaux remarqués : Kid from Red Bank ; Lil Darlin' (morceaux que j'ai reconnus, l'un très dynamique, l'autre plus calme). Double-O ; Whirlybird ; Fantail (Excellents chorus de sax) Un plaisir à écouter ! Je ne lui met pas la note maximale, j'ai quand même un peu de mal avec les Big Bands. =>4/5
When music was music - before the electric guitar reduced everything to the lowest common denominator- good listening here.
Pretty typical big band stuff
This is way more energetic and hard hitting than like a dozen metal and punk albums on this list
Good syncopated jazz
The Atomic Mr Basie Nice cover. Interesting one this. I think had I listened to this back at the start of the year I would have really struggled with it, but now there’s quite a bit I do like and can appreciate, but I would also still say that I’m not yet a fan of the more frenetic dancier Big Band numbers. Luckily on here they are counterpointed by some slightly more lower tempo tracks The Kid from Red Bank is a case in point - the slightly fraught tempo, piercing horns and rinky dink piano isn’t really my cup of tea - but I can see the skill and I can admire the energy. With something like this you can almost feel the breath of Rock’N’Roll on its shoulder. Duet is a bit more palatable, at a nicer tempo and the horns seem to be used more melodically rather than rhythmically and forcefully as on the opening track. After Supper is even better, you can still hear the Big Band-ness but it’s so gracefully performed, the piano is great and the horns have a restrained and tasteful feel. Pure 1950s black and white US sitcom theme music feel to Flight of the Foo Birds. And pure 1950s US chat show theme music feel to Double-O, despite the great piano intro. Teddy the Toad is good though, kind of similar to Duet, and very nicely arranged. Whirly-Bird would be my favourite of the uptempo dance numbers, there’s a real punch to the drums and the horns. Midnight Blue is probably my stand out, it feels more cinematic and widescreen than some of the others and despite sounding jazzy, the arrangement seems more like a mid 60s pop song - replace the horns with a guitar and it would sound pretty cool. Splanky has a nice sophisticated feel, again the horn arrangement has a nice restraint and the piano is great. Fantail doesn’t quite do it for me, not sure why, but it probably just falls too close to the franticness of the first track. Li’l Darlin is rather lovely though, a real softness and delicateness to it, definitely one of the standout tracks. I rather enjoyed this, although I think that's more enjoying it for a late 50s jazz album, rather than as an album in its own right, but I certainly wouldn't be averse to hearing it again. I’m not into it enough to go 4, so it lands as a solid mid to high 3. ⚛️⚛️⚛️ Playlist submission: Midnight Blue
1950s not really my bag
I'd be lying if I didn't say I got into big band music because of the Fallout 3/New Vegas games, lol. That being said, I wasn't expecting music like this to be on this list, so I was pleasantly surprised to see this entry. Much like the big band/orchestra music of the mid-1900s (Sinatra, Frankie Carle, etc), this album has a lot of energy, jazz, swing, and ambiance to it. From the fast-paced tracks like "Kid from the Red Bank" to slower or more low-key tracks like "Lil' Darlin'" and "Duet", this album has quite the range to it in terms energy and tone. No song feels too long or overstays it welcome. I personally get annoyed when most songs on an album exceed 5min, especially if it's because of a very long intro or outro, but that's just my personal preference. Definitely a fun listen if you already like this kind of music. One of my faves on this list thus far.
Kid from Red Bank 4 Duet 3.7 After Supper 3.5 Flight of the Foo Birds 4.1 Double-O 3.8 Teddy the Toad 3.7 Whirlybird 4 Midnite Blue 3.7 Splanky 4 Fantail 4 Li'l Darlin' 3.7 Score: 3.836363636
Few songs were weak and They didn't seem to be made for an album, but more as background music at the bar. The others were amazing, full of energy.
Me ha gustado bastante
Escucharlo en la calle con mucha gente suma puntos, el album del al que pertenece está muy bien
Another one of those albums where I've grown up with one of the songs, and the rest are interesting and fun to hear. The upbeat jazz feel here is great.
Enjoyable bombastic jazz, I presume this is what the cover hints at! 4*
Really good album, loved listening
Really what I think about when I think about jazz. Wouldn’t listen in repeat but would definitely listen again
Finally, some BIG Band!!! I know this genre well. It was my mothers era, so we heard this growing up. This music is so beautifully done, just flawless!!!!
Lively big band stuff, not really enjoyable for me.
Amazing sound
Started off strong but lost me little less than half way through. Thought it be more of a Jazz album but seemed more into the BIG BAND style Standout tracks were - After Supper, Teddy the Toad (great melody) , Midnite Blue was decent and the album ends on a great note with Lil’ Darlin’ which is beautiful and you could sing over the instrumental Least fav was Double O and Splanky (was almost falling asleep in my car ) Some of the songs seemed to remind me of background music in Adam West Batman. When it comes to “Jazz” I like things to be either more adventurous or really smooth ballads. This as said before leans more into big band and swing. Overall probably a 3/5 (leaning more towards a 2.5 personally, but for what it is can see it being a classic album and a 4 or 5 for certain people )
Love this. It's possible I was born in the wrong era. This music feels like the soundtrack to life.
I love the swing of this album, the third track was my favourite
Very good album. It’s easy when you stick the best musicians at the tome together and let them jam!
Very good album! 4:5
Huge swing. Big sounds. Bombastic. Exhibitionistic. It’s big band but not as you know it. Grrrrreat
Fico eh ma posso sopportare un assolo di tromba solo fino a un certo punto
il jazz è sempre un genere mega affascinante, ma mi piace di più quando sconfina in altri generi come la samba o il blues. comunque un piacevolissimo ascolto e come sottofondo è perfetto.
Late 50's jazzy big band. What a vibe, I had a good time from start to finish, it does blur together a little and the runtime is long and still enjoyable.
I love music like this and this album was pretty dang good! Plus with a cover like that how could you not like it!
Fav: The King From Red Bank Least Fav: After Supper
Smooooooooth Jazz for that ass!!
love a good classic big band album
- feels like listening to music that would go with b/w popeye or tom and jerry - not sure i like the more upbeat songs, more of a fan of slower piano/sax notes - fav: after supper
gotta love a little bit of swing!! the walking bass is fun to listen to. brings back memories of playing in big band favorite: after supper
I know nothing about classical music but this was just fine to me.
You know it's a banger big band record when every single member of the ensemble has their own Wiki page.
With a cover like this you could be cheated into thinking you’re getting a banger thrash metal record - instead it’s one of the greatest big band albums ever produced. Either way, you won’t leave disappointed.
Fantastic!
My love for jazz knows no bounds. This is not new. And not something I need to talk about any more than I already have. But now, I am going to ramble about another jazz album I like. I’ll start off by confessing something. It might break some people’s hearts, and by some I mean no one. As much as I speak so positively about jazz on a regular basis, I rarely listen to it on my own time. I know, devastating, right? So much of my time spent listening to music is focused on super crazy and aggressive albums. But it’s why I enjoy hearing a new jazz record for the first time. It’s a welcome break from all of the other madness I’m hearing. Except in this case, this album may not stray too far from all of that craziness. Out of all the jazz records I’ve talked about so far, this is easily the most energetic. It encapsulates the vibe of life in the 50s, and the way that American culture was evolving. Especially through jazz, which was a vessel for all walks of life to come together. I guess you could sort of categorize this as the last hurrah of a dying breed of jazz. Because when you look at the 60s and 70s, big band and swing music had left the center stage. And some of the big names began moving avant-garde and jazz-fusion. But what a way to go out. The heroin was really cooking back then, because they guys are rolling. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of playing a game from the 90s called Grim Fandango. And the soundtrack featured there feels very reminiscent of this wonderful period in the 50s. Except this album doesn’t contain all of the Day of the Dead, noir crime thriller aspects. What it does contain is some of the most impressive brass arrangements and dynamics I’ve ever heard. Neal Hefti definitely deserves a shoutout here for his fantastic compositional work. And each member of Basie’s band plays their role excellently. This isn’t necessarily boundary pushing material. And it probably won’t blow your socks off. But it was a fun album to sink into on a beautiful Labor Day afternoon such as today. Rating: 7/10
Yes it's BASIE ladies and gentlemen!!
OK, Wow! Not my go to genre. Big band. I do love a nice jazzy background when I study, but often go with a more contemporary style, more smoky cafe. Yet this stuff is "alive" and energetic and frankly, amazing! Wow! One thing I can do to know I like an album is when I need to take a break and I unconsciously pause the music instead of letting it play on in the background. When I came aware I had done this on this album I realized how much I really enjoy it. This is still niche for me, but if I am working on something boring or last minute, I can absoulutely see coming here and just letting the music energize my last bits of effort. To me this is like the "back in the day" version of big beat techno.
Really enjoyed this album. It was great background music to start my workday
Can see how people liked this in the 50's but not great by modern music standards. Lots of the songs very repetitive. Don't think I'll be listening again.
not my kind of music but well put together and everything.
Sorry for being uncultured but I tend to dislike jazz. I get bored with it oh so quickly and then I have to sit through the whole thing, it doesn’t help that jazz is usually so unbelievably long. I didn’t have that problem with this one. It was very easy to get through and surprisingly fun and although it isn’t my thing I can appreciate it for what it is
This "Big Band", Jazzy album showcases some of the most talented musicians in the history of music. Who needs lyrics when we can rock out like it's 1958 again? Favorite Track: "L'il Darlin".
A pretty fun album, I enjoyed the upbeat songs. However, it does get a little samey as it goes on. Very Fallout-core music. high 3
its music
Reaalllllllllllly love me some big band. It’s just so fun to listen to and this had a good mix of big and small stuff. After supper was a great little mix up and might be my fav.
- Jazz der, so finde ich, etwas mehr "erzählt" als sonst - fast schon soundtrack-artig, wie ein Filmscore. Einfach sehr deskriptiv - nichtsdestotrotz verstehe ich erneut zu wenig vom Jazz, um zu erkennen, warum das jetzt besser ist als alles andere 3/5
- erster Track gibt mir direkt das Gefühl in "The Incredibles" aufgewacht zu sein irgendwie - generell sehr Soundtrack Vibes - war in Ordnung, manchmal ein wenig nervig
Bombastic sounding jazz that is as in your face as an Nuclear explosion. Count Basie really set a rhythm and bop.
This slaps
Det var fedt! Gammel swing-agtig jazz :o hyggeligt at have i baggrunden eventuelt til mad 4/5
lovely
My wife loves Count Basie. I'm a bit of a Jazz-head myself, but this is not my favorite style. Namely the Big Band elements. I favor Jazz that focuses on a few select ingredients rather than a whole stew of instruments. There are some nice, stripped back Bop tracks on this, but there is a lot of Big Band that I could give or take. It's a pleasant listen, but not my style. That said, for 1958 that cover goes hard. Holy.
stars are, sleeping in counting, twice per beat
I love the count
banger
While recognizing it's merits & skill required, I talk a lot of shit about big band music. It's just not appealing to me in terms of jazz as I favor smaller combos and find the ever-punctuating bombastic blast of horns to be an overwhelming wall of sound that undercuts the individual talents and improvisational interplay that I usually gravitate towards. This one is wildly appealing though, dialing back a lot of those sensibilities and highlighting a more spacious approach. Being familiar with some of Basie's other works, this one had slipped under the radar and I'd gladly revisit it. Ballsy album cover for the era as well, damn bro, respect for the bold statements all around.
Obviously it’s great. It’s Jazz.
There is nothing not to love about this except it isn't longer.
Just all round good fun
Great album. Opened strongly. I don’t usually go for swing but I enjoyed it
Solid album to be sure.
ok
The elation that came through upon seeing this album pop up. I don't even know the album, but I am familiar with Basie. This was a joy to listen to and a breath of FRESH 64 year old air. The list needs more jazz.
Ik heb hier helemaal niks mee en ik heb er ook niet bijzonder veel geduld voor vandaag. En dan heb ik hem al een paar dagen uitgesteld. Wild toeterende trompetten met van die dempers, zenuwachtige basloopjes, saxofoons. Dit was in die tijd live vast ontzettend gaaf, omdat je verder ook weinig om handen had, maar nu staat het me gewoon tegen. Ik vergelijk hem even met toeterhel Bitches Brew en dan kan ik hier nog wel een 2 voor geven.
didn't mind it, didn't love it
Big band greatness! I love the sound, but find it hard to distinguish one song from the next. It kind of just washed over me.
This has to be one of the most badass album covers ever.
This album gets off to a slow start, but once it picks up it cooks all the way through.
hell yeah i feel like im in a movie from the 50's at a dinner party wearing a cute dress with my hair all done up whilst slow dancing with my lover like heellooururrr 5 stars nothing to dislike about this album
To me, Count Basie’s music feels like simply background jazz that needs vocals to complete it. Which isn’t fair to Basie, because his sound defined 40’s and 50’s jazz before the Bebop era. 3/5 for the history, but not an album I’ll be returning to.
Very good jazz. A bit more fast paced than the stuff I usually like, but very good nonetheless.
Unfortunately I didn't give this a full listen, but here are my thoughts from listening to the first half: I feel like this is well written music, however it really doesn't catch me. It just seems busy and kind of bland. I really should listen to it again and in full though.
Big band swing music. Good listen. Not sure when I'd choose to put it on again 3.5
Love big band but this is only 'good.'
pleasant! if more anonymous than that fucking cover suggests 6/10
Been waiting for this one 🙏 this list needs more jazz
Great for a bit of background Jazz, not sure that I'd enjoy it for anything more
Hard to argue with this one. Not something I would listen to regularly though.
This album is full of instrumental jazz music. I found it to be somewhat enjoyable.
**In-Depth Review of "The Atomic Mr. Basie" by Count Basie & His Orchestra** **Introduction:** "The Atomic Mr. Basie," also known simply as "Basie," is an album that was recorded in 1957 by Count Basie and His Orchestra. It stands as one of the most iconic big band jazz albums, celebrated for its groundbreaking arrangements, tight ensemble playing, and the seamless integration of various jazz idioms. The album is a definitive example of the Basie sound, with a combination of swinging rhythms, sharp brass, and dynamic performances. **Music and Arrangements:** The musicality of "The Atomic Mr. Basie" is its most defining characteristic. The album was arranged by Neal Hefti, whose work on this project became some of the most well-known in the jazz world. The arrangements are sophisticated yet accessible, allowing each section of the orchestra to shine without overshadowing the overall cohesion of the ensemble. The album opens with "The Kid from Red Bank," a high-energy track that immediately sets the tone. This piece is notable for its driving rhythm section and the interplay between the brass and reeds. The title refers to Basie's hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey, and the composition is an homage to his roots. The arrangement captures the essence of Basie’s style – economical, swinging, and full of life. "Duet" follows, offering a more subdued yet equally engaging performance. This track is a feature for the trumpet and tenor saxophone, showcasing the band's ability to move effortlessly between high-energy swing and more introspective moods. Hefti's arrangement here allows for a dialogue between the two soloists, creating a conversation that is both playful and respectful. One of the standout tracks on the album is "Flight of the Foo Birds." This piece epitomizes Hefti’s use of counterpoint and dynamic contrasts, with a tight rhythmic foundation that allows the brass to soar. The track is both modern and rooted in the swing tradition, demonstrating how Basie and his band were able to push the boundaries of big band jazz without losing the genre’s core elements. "Lil' Darlin'" is another highlight, known for its slower tempo and bluesy feel. The arrangement is deceptively simple, with a laid-back groove that contrasts sharply with the album's more uptempo numbers. This track has become a jazz standard, often performed by other big bands, which speaks to its enduring appeal and the effectiveness of Hefti's arrangement. The closing track, "Splanky," is a quintessential Basie number, with its driving swing and punchy brass. The piece is built on a simple blues structure, but the execution elevates it to something far more sophisticated. The rhythm section, particularly Basie on piano, is locked in, providing a foundation that allows the brass to punch through with precision and flair. Overall, the music on "The Atomic Mr. Basie" is a masterclass in big band jazz. The arrangements are both intricate and accessible, with each track offering something unique while contributing to the album’s cohesive sound. The orchestra’s performance is tight and energetic, demonstrating why Count Basie was one of the most respected bandleaders of his time. **Production Quality:** The production of "The Atomic Mr. Basie" is notable for its clarity and balance, particularly given the technological limitations of the 1950s. The album was recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, known for its superb acoustics and engineering staff. The recording captures the power of the big band without sacrificing the nuances of individual performances. The brass is punchy without being overwhelming, the reeds are smooth and well-blended, and the rhythm section is clear and propulsive. This balance is critical in a big band setting, where too much emphasis on one section can easily throw off the entire mix. One of the standout aspects of the production is the way it captures the dynamic range of the orchestra. Tracks like "Flight of the Foo Birds" and "Splanky" benefit from the recording’s ability to handle both the quiet, more intricate passages and the louder, more bombastic moments. This dynamic range is a key element of the Basie sound, and it is well-preserved in the recording. However, there are some limitations in the production quality when judged by modern standards. The recording, while clear and balanced, lacks the warmth and depth that later recording technologies would provide. The sound can be somewhat compressed, particularly in the louder sections, and there is a noticeable lack of low-end punch. This is not necessarily a flaw, but rather a reflection of the era in which the album was recorded. Despite these minor limitations, the production of "The Atomic Mr. Basie" is a triumph. It captures the energy and precision of the band, allowing the music to speak for itself without unnecessary embellishment or studio tricks. The result is an album that feels alive and immediate, even more than six decades after its release. **Themes and Atmosphere:** While "The Atomic Mr. Basie" is not a concept album in the traditional sense, it does have a thematic consistency that runs through the music. The album’s title and cover art, which features a mushroom cloud, suggest a sense of power and energy, which is reflected in the music. This was an era when atomic energy was a symbol of both technological progress and existential threat, and while the album does not explicitly engage with these ideas, there is an undercurrent of modernity and forward motion in the music. The atmosphere of the album is one of sophistication and precision, yet it is also deeply rooted in the blues and swing traditions. There is a sense of confidence in the performances, as if the band is aware that they are at the top of their game. This is music that is both accessible and challenging, inviting listeners in while also rewarding close attention. The themes of the album are largely conveyed through the music rather than lyrics, as this is an instrumental album. The compositions and arrangements often evoke feelings of excitement, contemplation, and nostalgia. For example, "Lil' Darlin'" has a wistful, almost melancholic quality, while "The Kid from Red Bank" is exuberant and celebratory. There is also a sense of playfulness in the music, particularly in the way that Hefti's arrangements use unexpected turns of phrase and rhythmic shifts. This playfulness is balanced by the serious musicianship of the band, creating an atmosphere that is both fun and intellectually stimulating. **Influence and Legacy:** "The Atomic Mr. Basie" has had a profound influence on jazz and big band music. It is often cited as one of the definitive big band albums, and its impact can be heard in the work of countless other musicians and arrangers. Neal Hefti's arrangements have become standards in their own right, with tracks like "Lil' Darlin'" and "Splanky" often performed by other big bands and small groups alike. The album also played a role in revitalizing Basie's career. By the mid-1950s, big band jazz was beginning to fall out of favor, with smaller groups and bebop becoming more popular. "The Atomic Mr. Basie" helped to reaffirm the relevance of big band music in the modern jazz landscape, proving that the genre could still be innovative and exciting. One of the key elements of the album’s influence is its integration of swing and modern jazz elements. Hefti's arrangements are rooted in the swing tradition, but they also incorporate more contemporary harmonic and rhythmic ideas, bridging the gap between past and present. This synthesis has been a model for other arrangers and composers, showing that it is possible to honor tradition while still pushing the boundaries of the genre. The album's influence extends beyond jazz, as well. Its crisp, powerful sound has been admired by musicians in other genres, including rock and pop. The album’s sense of swing and groove has been an inspiration for artists looking to incorporate jazz elements into their own work. **Pros and Cons:** **Pros:** 1. **Exceptional Arrangements:** Neal Hefti’s arrangements are innovative, sophisticated, and perfectly suited to the strengths of the Basie Orchestra. Each track offers something unique, contributing to the album's cohesive yet varied sound. 2. **Outstanding Performances:** The musicianship on the album is top-notch, with the entire orchestra delivering tight, energetic performances. The solos are expressive and technically impressive, adding depth to the arrangements. 3. **Strong Production Quality:** For its time, the production quality is excellent. The recording captures the power and nuance of the big band, providing a clear and balanced listening experience. 4. **Cohesive Themes:** While not a concept album, there is a thematic consistency in the music that ties the album together. The sense of energy, precision, and modernity reflects the era's cultural and technological climate. 5. **Influence and Legacy:** The album has had a lasting impact on jazz and beyond, influencing countless musicians and arrangers. It helped to revitalize big band music and remains a touchstone for both musicians and jazz aficionados. **Cons:** 1. **Production Limitations:** While the production is strong for its time, there are some limitations in terms of dynamic range and low-end presence. Modern listeners might find the sound somewhat compressed compared to contemporary recordings. 2. **Lack of Variety in Tempo:** The album, while cohesive, does not feature a wide range of tempos. Most of the tracks are either mid-tempo or slower, which could be seen as limiting the overall dynamic range of the album. 3. **Accessibility:** For listeners who are not familiar with big band jazz, the album might not be immediately accessible. The sophistication of the arrangements and the instrumental focus may require multiple listens to fully appreciate. 4. **No Lyrics or Vocal Tracks:** As an instrumental album, "The Atomic Mr. Basie" lacks lyrical content, which may make it less appealing to those who prefer vocal jazz or songs with lyrics. 5. **Era-Specific Sound:** While the album’s sound is a strength, it is also very much of its time. Some listeners might find the style dated, particularly if they are more accustomed to the more eclectic and experimental approaches of later jazz. **Conclusion:** "The Atomic Mr. Basie" is a landmark album in the history of jazz, showcasing the power and versatility of the big band format. With its masterful arrangements, outstanding performances, and strong production, the album stands as a testament to Count Basie and Neal Hefti’s artistry. While it has some minor limitations, particularly in terms of production quality and tempo variety, these are far outweighed by the album’s strengths. Its influence and legacy continue to be felt, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in jazz or the history of 20th-century music.
Good mood music for a dinner party or as background music.
I suppose the reason there are no real big bands anymore was because these guys mastered it. Also, it just feels old, but it should. Great background ambience.
This style of jazz is probably my favorite
A very goofy album cover (and title) for a surprisingly great collection of songs. The horn arrangements here are the most obvious highlight, written to impress jazz musicians and admirers of more accessible music. They're tight, sly, and playful, acting as a substitute for vocals in an otherwise entirely vocal-less album. Great piano playing by Basie, too – just the right balance of musicianship and pure joyful energy. I love the little off-kilter, slightly jumbled chords he plays. Was that intentional, or just Basie having so much fun that he lost a bit of his precision? Who knows? This style was very much the norm for "pop" music in the 40s and 50s (along with string-accompanied ballad songs), but that was soon to change. As another reviewer pointed out, The Atomic Mr Basie is a kind of last hurrah for big-band presence in popular music before rock 'n'roll completely took over in the late 50s and early 60s. Unfortunately, as good as this music is, I'd be hard-pressed to give 5 stars to any album without lyrics, because purely instrumental sound lacks the verbal element that really blows me away. But Count Basie and his orchestra get pretty darn close. Replace a few of the virtuosic trumpet lines with stanky soul singing (a la Ray Charles) and you'll approach something really special. 4/5 Key tracks: Splanky, Lil Darlin', The Kid from Red Bank, Fight of the Foo Birds
3.5
Jazz album, funny but not great. The piano very poorly deployed. I like a more involved piano, not only random melodic patterns with one hand.
Reminded me of cuphead which is stylish
Cool album cover, with some (in my opinion) pretty generic, but sweet, jazz. Don't feel like I have the skills to determine what differentiates this from other similar albums. I liked it, but it doesn't feel like anything special to me.
Was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Really interesting big band music, great solos and fun tunes. Got flashbacks from a lindy-hop course when hearing "Splanky". Not much to say except I it was good and choosing a mushroom cloud as an image in 1958 sure is a choice.
Day211 - a big band banger
Wear a tuxedo Dance in a black and white film Be classy, have fun
I am taken by surprise how much I liked this album. My first thought was "oh no jazz". But honestly I enjoyed it a lot. It was a fun listening. Favourite song: Lil' Darlin'
God I would have slayed a sock hop
Paul drive fast to swing music
What can I say beyond "music"
A fun little ditty. Makes me want to swing
Solid big band.
A pretty dope album when it wasn't trying it's hardest to give me a headache. So half dope. 2/5
Brilliant jazz. Like jazz? I don't. That said, there's some fun, big band dance music on here as well as the usual Sunday sleepers.
I like this big band vibe, dynamics and the wind instruments
A very nice instrumental album
Loved it. Fantastic grouping of jazzy beats.
Objectively a good piece of music but I really could not be any less interested in a Jazz album from 1958.
nice background music
I could get behind this. It's Friday afternoon. Soon it'll be cocktail hour. I don't know much about jazz but this is ok. I'd listen again, but not on purpose. Three swinging stars.
Still disappointed that plutonium jazz isn't a real genre, but I guess this explosive statement is close enough in terms of vibe
🎧Excellent and lively jazz/big band/swing
3.5☆/5 07.22.2024
A really good album, I like the older orchestral/jazzy style songs. Splanky is my favorite song on this album and I've added the majority of the songs to my likes playlist.
It's not as good as I'd hoped but I do like Lil Darlin'. Sinatra and Basie is better.
Sounds like it's come out of a looney tunes cartoon but in a good way
You like jaaaazz? 7/10
Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.
Worth knowing better
The album was cozy, it was fun, but it all felt the same, i would not be able to tell you about a single number from the album. But if I was in need for some background noise that most people wouldn't mind, this one could be put on
Now.. This is music where someone actually plays and just enjoys the experience. We are left with a weird combination as listeners though. Duet wants me to just walk along an LA concrete foot path.. 3 songs in and I feel like I'm eating breakfast at a cheap hotel.
Very enjoyable listen, but I also struggle with picking any one track out. They all flow together very well and that becomes a bit of their downfall. I'd happily have it on in the background while sitting around relaxing or enjoying a good time that isn't necessarily focused on the music. It's nice jazzy and I enjoy the contrabass quite a bit. A very cohesive listen where no one track stood out to me as particularly above or below the others Standouts - 3/5
Too Jazzy
I am not the biggest fan of this genre of music, but I will be doing my best to give it, it’s fair shake. The song “splanky” was excellent. The other songs on the albums were good, but again this genre is not something I listen to any of at all.
Nostalgic
It's a classic swing album
Really nice 50s band/swing style music. Instrumental
A master. Great collection.
I’d like this to be the soundtrack to my life.
Enjoyed, preferred other albums with Basie
Another record that would benefit seeing in a live format. These instrumental Jazz/Big Band records just aren't as interesting in audio format. I want to watch it. I want to see the emotion in the artists. I don't get any of that in just listening to this type of music. Which is a shame because it limits my enjoyment from it. I do like what's going on. The arrangements are interesting. But my enjoyment and curiosity is limited to just the sound. And I know there is a lot going on that I am just not getting. Oh well.
Good jazz! Not too mental! Expected extreme drum and bass based on the cover. I was NOT disappointed! 3.4
Awesome