PAUL QUINICHETE
Basie Reunion (Original Jazz Classics)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Basie Reunion was a group of seven ex-Count Basie band members and one Basie arranger, reunited for this session under the leadership of Paul Quinichete. Recorded in 1958 and recently remastered, the music consisted of five tunes, the shortest lasting almost six minutes, played extensively by the Basie band during the 1937 to 1940 period. Members of the group included Paul Quinichete on tenor saxophone, Buck Clayton on trumpet, Shad Collins on trumpet, Jack Washington on baritone saxophone, Nat Pierce on piano, Freddie Green on guitar, Eddie Jones on bass, and Jo Jones on drums.

The sound on this recording, especially the stereo separation, is outstanding. The remastering by Joe Tarantino of Fantasy Studios is near perfect. The various instruments literally leapt out of my speakers, producing an effect that made me think I was listening to a big band rather than an octet.

It's obviously this group of consummate professionals understood teamwork. Each member performed well in a unit, while handling their solo opportunities flawlessly. The one exception was Washington, the baritone player, who had not used that particular horn in eight years. Solos highlights included turns by Quinichete, Clayton, and Collins. Everyone played with a relaxed, knowledgeable approach, full of warmth, delight, and emotion. The results were memorable. I highly recommend this recording for fans of swing, big bands, or good music in general. All those horns playing so well in unison can't help but get your heart pumping and your feet moving.

Play List:

Love Jumped Out; The Blues I like To Hear; John's Idea; Baby Don't Tell On Me; Roseland Shuffle.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich