Live in Paris 1957-1962 (2CD)

Recorded in Paris in 1957, 1960 and 1962, this set presents three concerts by Count Basie, the jazz legend and King of Big Band Swing, who modernized jazz during his whole career. Count Basie, like Duke Ellington, will always be remembered for writing some of the finest chapters in orchestral jazz; and Basie was at his peak in the early 60 s, an iconic figure after albums like April in Paris or Atomic Basie . Here we have some of the greatest big-band pieces in Basie s book, by composers like Thad Jones, Neal Hefti or Quincy Jones. Today these are unavoidable standards, and this set swings generously, live in concert, led by one of the greatest conductors in jazz. Patrick FRÉMEAUX The Live in Paris collection by Michel Brillié allows listeners to hear previously-unreleased recordings (made at concerts and private- or radio-sessions) by the great 20th stars in jazz, rock & roll and song. These live takes, and the artists rapport with their audiences, gives these performances an additional soul and sensibility in counterpoint to the rigorous demands of studio recordings. Particular care was taken when restoring the sound of these tapes in order to meet CD standards while preserving the original colours of the period. Patrick FRÉMEAUX & Gilles PÉTARD