One of Basie's biggest albums – but still a work of pure genius! "April In Paris" is one of the darkest jazz standards ever written, and it never sounded better than in this
original version, which features that great ending in which Basie and the band stop, then start, then stop – leaving you completely unresolved at the finish. The group's a strong one – with Frank Foster, Frank Wess, Freddie Green, Sonny Payne, Marshall Royal, Henry Coker, Joe Newman, and Thad Jones – and tracks include "Shiny Stoc
kings", "Midgets", "
Mambo Inn", "Sweety Cakes", and "Corner Pocket".
(Early 80s mono Japanese pressing – UMV 2641. Vinyl has a short click on "Shiny Stockings".)