Billie’s Bounce – 1975
Count Basie All-Stars
An all-star jam session spearheaded by Roy Eldridge
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In 1975 (and again in 1977), producer Norman Granz had an opportunity to feature many of his all-stars at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
While most of the sets were released as Lps (and later CDs), decades later the filmed versions came out, saving for history many memorable performances by jazz veterans.
On this version of “Billie’s Bounce,” the uptempo blues features some typically heroic high note work from trumpeter Roy Eldridge, a heated solo from tenor-saxophonist Johnny Griffin, vibraphonist Milt Jackson swinging up a storm, a bit of Count Basie piano, and a speedy solo from bassist Niels Pederson while drummer Louie Bellson keeps the momentum flowing.
It is not surprising that Count Basie is seen constantly smiling.
-Scott Yanow
