This 1969 recording was subtitled "Three Eras of Basie Recorded Live at the Tropicana Hotel, Las Vegas," and that's what it is. This set features updated takes on the
Basie songbook's greatest instrumental hits of the '30s, '40s, and '50s. Engineer
Wally Heider set up the stereo mix to match the classic stage formation of the band, resulting in a potent sitting-in-front-of-the-band feeling for the listener. Besides
Basie himself, featured soloists include trumpeter
Harry "Sweets" Edison, who reunited with the band for this occasion, tenor saxman
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and
Eric Dixon on flute and tenor. Arranger
Sammy Nestico has renovated several of these classics in subtle ways from their original studio recordings. The music is, of course, great, and the players respond to the excitement of the live audience. ~ Jim Newsom