Bob Mintzer Big Band - Homage to Count Basie (2000/2020) [Official Digital Download 24/88]

This is the best kind of homage. When Bob Mintzer looks back at Basie, it’s with respect, not with intent to imitate. Mintzer has his own agenda: Basie-inspired arrangements, but with writing that is fresh, lively, occasionally tongue-in-cheek, always swinging.

The 17-piece band of New Yorkers responds to the charts with a healthy appreciation for Basie-type dynamics, and Mintzer rewards them with ample stretch-out solo space. “One O’Clock Jump” builds great concerted momentum, yet ends teasingly, with a fragmented, near-Dixieland postscript. “Cute” has a Bill Holman-type flavor in its voicings. On “Li’l Darlin’,” the guys seem to be walking on eggshells: It is beautifully restrained, lagging behind the beat just right; unfortunately, the trademark guitar arpeggio is virtually obscured.

Mintzer the soloist reveals a gutsy, driving tenor sound on his cleverly titled original “Lester Jumps Out.” Mintzer the writer likes to anchor the band’s sound with a solid foundation from baritonist Roger Rosenberg and bass trombonist Dave Taylor. “Home Basie,” another Mintzer original, is a monster chart, but its R&B pulse must have made Basie change key in his grave.

TRACKLIST

1. Bob Mintzer Big Band - Havin' Some Fun
2. Bob Mintzer Big Band - April in Paris
3. Bob Mintzer Big Band - One O'clock Jump
4. Bob Mintzer Big Band - Lester Jumps Out
5. Bob Mintzer Big Band - Cute
6. Bob Mintzer Big Band - Shinny Stockings
7. Bob Mintzer Big Band - Home Basie
8. Bob Mintzer Big Band - Lil' Darling



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