Count Basie/Duke Ellington Orchestra: Big Band

  • AllMovie Rating
  • User Ratings (0)
  • Your Rating

Share on

Synopsis by Nathan Southern

The release Big Band: Count Basie/Duke Ellington/Harry James features performance footage of three big bands conducted by the titular leaders. First on the program is a 1964 concert film of Count Basie and his orchestra, who open and close with their signature theme - "One O'Clock Jump" - and interpret three standards: "Pleasingly Plump," "All of Me," and "Corner Pocket." Next, in a 1965 appearance, Duke Ellington and his orchestra open and close with their trademark "Take the A Train" - and cover five numbers: "Cottontail", a medley of "Caravan"/"I Got It Bad,"/"Don't Get Around Much Anymore,"/"Mood Indigo"/"I'm Beginning to See the Light"/"Sophisticated Lady", "The Banquet Theme," "Skillipoop," and "Tutti for Cootie." As a final segment, Harry James and his orchestra open with "Ciribiribin," cover "Don't Be That Way," "Tuxedo Junction," "Sunday Morning," "Walk on the Wild Side," "Prelude to a Kiss," and "Two O'Clock Jump," and close with "Rainbow Kiss."