THE GENE HARRIS ALLSTAR BIG BAND – Tribute To Count Basie

COMPLETE RECORDING

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.

Ray Brown     Bass, Composer, Guest Artist
James Leary     Bass
Herb Ellis     Composer, Guest Artist, Guitar
Monty Alexander     Composer
Jeff Hamilton     Drums, Guest Artist
Plas Johnson     Guest Artist, Sax (Tenor)
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