Billie’s Bounce – 1975
Count Basie Jam
A heated performance of an uptempo blues
In 1975 producer Norman Granz, who always loved jam sessions, turned some of his greats loose at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
“Billie’s Bounce” is taken at a fast tempo that is driven by pianist Count Basie, bassist Niels Pederson, and drummer Louie Bellson.
Trumpeter Roy Eldridge (64 at the time) was always quite competitive and combative in his playing and his explosive solo sounds as if he is climaxing the piece rather than being its opening soloist.
Tenor-saxophonist Johnny Griffin never shied away from a challenge and his improvisation is filled with heated ideas.
Vibraphonist Milt Jackson takes a hot solo, Basie has a short spot, Pederson displays his virtuosity, and the two horns, with Eldridge letting loose with some screams, bring the memorable performance to a close.
-Scott Yanow
