But no! The Count Basie Band is not only alive, it's well and it's SWINGING!

OK, this is what I'm talking about, we, Elizabeth, elder-daughter-in-residence Lia, and I took a trip to the other side of the moon.......about sixty miles through the city in traffic, so not just sixty miles down-the-road which to us is routine, this was a major journey to the town, OK the city! of Rio Rancho across the Rio Grande from Albuquerque, which thrives on terrible traffic and new construction.

We went to Rio Grande High School to see "The Count Basie Band". Since Basie's death in '84 I've seen the reconstituted band on three occasions, first led by Basie tenor man Frank Foster, in El Paso, Texas. This was a very good band with most of the original guys playing and with the incredible Dianne Schuur on vocals.

Great experience.

The next was in a little club in Santa Fe and the band was led by Ace Carter who had taken over the piano and the band. That was a good date because, again, most of the regular guys were still on board and a big band in a small club is really wonderful. In fact, the first time I heard Basie in person was in the "Blue Note" in Chicago, a sort of large three-car garage where, when the band let loose, they blew your hair off.

Which explains my creeping baldness.

Just trust me on this.

The third time was Ravinia, which is outside Chicago. I forget who led the band then but despite the fact that Joe Williams, Basie's formidable blues belter, was back on the stand the band seemed flat and uninspired.

When the band next appeared close to Albuquerque, playing a one nighter at a casino last year, I decided, reluctantly, to pass. I felt it would be a disappointment and I didn't want to remember the band on a down note.

But this time, for some reason, when I read of the fundraiser for the high school jazz band I was determined to check it out. Bill Hughes, one of the "originals", was leading the band and the last time I actually talked to Bill Basie, maybe in the late 70's, he mentioned Bill Hughes as being one of the ".great old timers.." he was glad to have back with him.

I guess I felt that if anyone was going to try to get the band to BOOT! the way it used to it was going to be someone who was on the stand when The Count was running it.

So, we endured the traffic and the bad restaurant food on the way (we stopped at "Tgi Friday's", avoid this if you can) we arrived at the gigantic high school, finally found the Performing Arts Center and got good seats, second row right.

When the band came out I spotted only two familiar faces, Bill Hughes and the great drummer Butch Miles who clicked many a Basie session into overdrive. So there was hope, though Butch was also in the Ravinia band and even he hadn't been able to spark it up then.

Hopeful though was the fact that there was a good mix of young and old and the band looked organized. Bill Hughes made a short intro and, knowing the proof would be in the blowing, counted off the first number.

It was immediately obvious that the Basie Band was alive!

Really alive!

Without going through the whole program, which included some well known and not so well known charts by Ernie Wilkins. Neil Hefty, Benny Carter, and others, what stood out was this, the section playing sound was pure Basie, this was no approximation of that sound, this was right on it. And the solos were not let's-get-those-old-famous-notes-right, but rather fresh, new takes from inventive, new, and talented imaginations.

Everybody was a pro here whether young to the band or been-around-awhile. And Butch, while noted as not feeling well that night, pushed everyone along just as well as ever so that even the ghosts of Jo Jones, Gus Johnson and Sonny Payne were happy to lay out.

The band had been on-the-road awhile and they were physically tired, this was only evident in statements that Bill Hughes made apologizing for any lack of energy that might be in evidence in the band's performance. But if there was any lack in that area I'd advise staying away from the front of this band when they are in top form 'cause they caused a lot of hair to fly this night.

And there is this; Bill Hughes carries the same brand of energy Bill Basie had when he led this legendary bunch. He's a kind and thoughtful man shakes the hand of every soloist upon completion of their stint. What a gesture! Bill Basie was known in the business as one of the kindest guys you could hope to work for. I knew him only a little and certainly felt that to be true. Along with the fact that this is no shadow of a band or a blast from the past, this band, and the man who leads it, is worthy of Basie's name.

The Count was interviewed on Sunday Morning by Charles Kirrault and asked to define "jazz". "Tap your foot." He said......too simply I thought.

Until I thought about it. "Tap your foot." Well of course! Why else would we love it so much. Bill Hughes has said that his motivation is to make it "joyful" to hear this band play. Well, go hear this one if they get within drivable distance. Tear yourself away from cable or politics or whatever else you are using for distraction and come listen to the Bill Hughes/Count Basie Big Band. Come Tap Your Foot and experience some JOY!

 

Dick Prosapio ©2006, All Rights Reserved
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