GENE HARRIS - All Star Big Band

Dejection Blues

A big-band date that slightly predated pianist Gene Harris' association with the Philip Morris Superband, this CD is ostensibly a tribute to the recently deceased Count Basie, but surprisingly, only two of the eight songs ("Swingin' the Blues" and "Blue and Sentimental") were played by Basie, although one original ("Captain Bill") was written in homage of the bandleader. Harris' 16-piece orchestra does bring back the spirit of Basie's band in spots, with a lightly but steadily swinging rhythm section and such soloists as trumpeters Conte Candoli and Jon Faddis and tenors Plas Johnson and Bob Cooper. But in reality, Harris dominates the solo spotlight, and the music (which includes a memorable version of "When Did You Leave Heaven") is a bit predictable.

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

Artist	Credit
Ray Brown	Bass, Composer, Guest Artist
James Leary	Bass
Herb Ellis	Composer, Guest Artist, Guitar
Plas Johnson	Guest Artist, Sax (Tenor)
Jeff Hamilton	Drums, Guest Artist
Bill Watrous	Guest Artist, Trombone
Conte Candoli	Guest Artist, Trumpet
Jon Faddis	Guest Artist, Trumpet
Snooky Young	Guest Artist, Trumpet
Gene Harris	Performer, Piano, Primary Artist
Bill Green	Sax (Alto)
Marshall Royal	Sax (Alto)
Jack Nimitz	Sax (Baritone)
Bob Cooper	Sax (Tenor)
Garnett Brown	Trombone
Thurman Green	Trombone
Charles Loper	Trombone
William Frank "Bill" Reichenbach Jr.	Trombone
Bill Waltrous	Trombone
Bobby Bryant	Trumpet
Frank Szabo	Trumpet