The Atomic Mr. Basie

Description

Explosive is a word that describes Count Basie's big band (and bang!) recordings quite well in the thirties and forties. In the second half of the fifties, he was back with a new orchestra (15 musicians!) just as roaring as the old one. In keeping with the times, Mr. Basie is no longer just explosive; he has become atomic. The first track of the album, “The Kid from Red Bank,” should be listened to near a defibrillator, as it goes so fast. Then, it calms down a bit, only to pick up again with fierce instrumental duels and frantic choreography. Rarely has so much energy been unleashed on a jazz record. Moreover, with its unbelievable cover that evokes more of an underground punk band than a respectable jazz veteran, this album has entered the realm of forever cool objects.