Search - Joe Turner, Count Basie :: Flip Flop & Fly

For Archivists Only

William Jones | Rockville, MD USA | 12/23/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Everything about this looks good--especially the band. How can it be that a live set with Count Basie's band, including Freddie Green (guitar) and Lockjaw Davis (Tenor), could be disappointing? First of all, the band sounds tired. Recorded in Europe in the early 70's, it just wasn't a good night. Second, the sound quality is terrible. The horns sound like they are on another planet. The first tune sounds like they improvised it on the spot and, perhaps I misheard it (I listened and re-listened), but Joe Turner says over the microphone that they need to get a new drummer! Later, he tells the audience that Basie's finger is broken. If true, it didn't affect his playing, which is as sparse and tasteful as ever. The lack of significant liner notes does not lend a clue as to what was really going on that night. As a curiosity, this recording serves to amuse. For listening purposes, however, check out "Boss of the Blues" which takes the lp Joe Turner Sings Kansas City Jazz, adds a few selections, and, subsequently, will not leave your listening rotation EVER. Similar band, different result. Maybe it was the seventies."