[Dixielandjazz] Grover Mitchell and the Count Basie Orchestra - a review

[Richard Broadie]

Palm Springs, CA October 21, 2003

Last night I got a true lesson in humility.  I perform on a regular basis
with two big bands (piano on one, bass with the other).   In addition to
that, I imitate a big band as a single using a digital synth.  Last Sat. PM
I was interviewed on a jazz program on KWXY, a local station, where some of
my CDs were played.  My host, Scott Ellsworth, commented that, in many
instances, I sounded like a one man Count Basie orchestra.  I did not
disagree but should have. I don't even get close!

Last night the city of Palm Springs, Ca was graced by a brilliant
performance by the ghost band of Count Basie as directed by Grover Mitchell
out of NYC featuring Butch Miles on drums and old friend Jackie Kelso on
alto.   Every single member of that band took world class jazz choruses and
demonstrated outstanding musianship.  The band, as a unit sounded as tight
and swinging as anything I've heard since I dug the original Basie band many
many years ago.  I'm not certain where I stand as a musician this morning.
Guess my reaction is to either practice my axes a lot harder and try to
strive for that  level of musicianship or to give all my instruments to the
local school system where a very talented kid or two could possibly develop
into this "monster class" of player.

I was talking to three of the musicians after the gig and asked "How long
has this band been together?"  They grinned and in unison said, "Oh since
about 1935."   I said "Since the Benny Moten days?"   They nodded their
heads in agreement.  They said this band is the same one that continued on
ever since Basie's death and has never stopped performing as a unit.  Most
of the players in the band were rather advanced in years which contributed
to the seasoned and extremely well honed Performance.  While I doubt if many
of the personnel actually performed with Basie, I have no doubt that most of
them knew Basie and, like me, heard him many times while he was still alive.
In other words, this band wasn't simply packed with some talented kids
reading charts.  I've listened to many ghost bands in recent years but none
that sounded this close to the "truth!"  This music was the real thing!  It
was the "truth!"

If the Count Basie Orchestra directed by Grover Mitchell comes to your town,
I strongly recommend you attend.  Through this unit Count Basie truly
continues to live.

By the way, if you're interested in booking this band or getting more
information, drop an email to Dee Askew at abasiedaskew at aol.com .


Dick Broadie