Norman Granz' Jazz in Montreux Presents Count Basie Jam '75

“It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.” Not merely a good line, but a genuine truism, as the ability to swing (along with enough chops to freely improvise and a deep rooting in the blues) is the central element of pretty much every good jazz performance. And while it was Duke Ellington who coined the line, there has arguably never been a jazz musician who could swing with the grace, ease, and sheer joy of the late pianist/bandleader William “Count” Basie. Witness this concert from 1975, which finds Basie in the company of five other veteran musicians, including a rhythm section of drummer Louis Bellson (a veritable swinging machine) and bassist Niels Pedersen, the hugely entertaining trumpeter Roy Eldridge, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin (possessor of a full, tough style reminiscent of Coleman Hawkins), and vibraphonist Milt Jackson (who, after Lionel Hampton, remains the most influential player on his particular instrument). Granted, there's nothing surprising or especially exciting going on here; the six musicians play the blues, basically (including two hoary jazz standards, “Billie's Bounce” and “Lester Leaps In”), with the front line soloing at length on every tune and Basie, Pedersen, and Bellson providing rock-solid backing and occasional solos. Technically, the visuals lack a certain crispness, but the remastered sound (in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo) is excellent. DVD extras include a four-minute featurette in which veteran critic Nat Hentoff offers some insight into both the nature of jazz and the character and contributions of producer-promoter-label executive Norman Granz, an irascible fellow who was nonetheless a tireless champion of jazz music and the people who played it. A strong optional purchase. [Note: Norman Granz' Jazz in Montreux Presents Oscar Peterson Trio '77 is also newly available.] Aud: P. (S. Graham)