klueger's Full Review: First Time! The Count Meets the Duke [Bonus Tracks...
The Count Meets The Duke – First Time Duke Ellington/Count Basie, wow could two greater bands play together. Let me say that I first checked out on the web whether or not this cd still can be purchased. Yes it can at Half.com for $5.75 or Buy.com for $11.99.
Now to start my accolades
This cd is of who I feel are two of the greatest bands of all time. Now I know many people will argue, that Nirvana or a host of other rock bands are the greatest, but in my opinion nobody can touch the Duke and Count. (Yes I like rock, classical, easy listening, and polka, yes I said polka.) So as you can tell I like a variety of music. The rhythm and beat that these two bands have though just makes my feet tap and hips swing. They truly are the best.
The CD consists of the following songs:
Battle Royal: this is a Duke Ellington piece it is a swinging upbeat song that features the solo voices of Cat Anderson and Thad Jones.
To You: Written by Thad Jones this is an orchestral piece that features five trombones playing in the background. I think I love this song because it features the trombones. I played the trombone in grade school through high school. Sorry, you won’t hear my wonderful playing on any CD. (Your allowed to say, thank you Lord)
Take the “A” Train: This is a Duke classic. The Count said the Duke wanted him to lead it, but Basie declined saying the master has to do it. I can’t say enough on how this song gets my heart beating, and my legs to dancin’.
Until I met You: Is written by Freddie Green it was originally recorded under the title Corner Pocket. This is a good tune, but not the best on the CD.
Wild Man: Another of the Dukes works. It features Sam Woodyard on the hand beaten drums to introduce the piece. The rhythm and the way they incorporate both bands on this song is superb.
Segue In C: Is a Frank Wess creation. Basie is the arranger for this song and it is a classic for his band.
B D B: This stands for Basie, Duke and Billy it was written by Billy Strayhorn with help from the Duke. It is the blues song for the album. It is a nice balance to the mostly jamming dance tunes.
Jumpin’ At The Woodside: Count Basie at his best. This is a to take the word from the title a jumpin’ song. I feel that is the best adjective to describe the song. The song features solos by Frank Foster and Paul Gonsalves and then the two have a battle above a fourteen brass instrumentalists. It really is a great song to listen to.
To conclude
I am a big jazz fan (nah, really) and I feel this is a masterpiece. If you love jazz get this one. If you have never really listened to jazz get this one. If you hate jazz well some people can’t be accounted for.
After this last little blurb I will be quiet, THIS IS THE BEST JAZZ RECORD OF ALL TIME.
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![First Time! The Count Meets the Duke [Bonus Tracks] by Count Basie/Duke Ellington/Duke Ellington & His Orchestra](http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/dc/e7/4c/2001974619-177x150-0-0.jpg)
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