This legendary 1961 date has a friendly after-hours feel, with the Ellington crew in the right channel and the Basie band in the left. They both deliver the type of no-nonsense straight-ahead jazz that characterized the best of the big-band sound. The sparring here between soloists of both bands is a pure delight, especially the gentle conversations between the two leaders-pianists, who finish each other’s thoughts as if all four hands were attached to one unified torso. Highlights include two engaging new Duke compositions, the blistering opener “Battle Royal” and the impulsive “Wild Man” and the closing Basie chestnut “Jumpin’ at the Woodside.”
Duke Ellington And Count Basie First Time!: Count Meets The Duke Track Listing 1. Battle Royal2. To You3. Take the A Train4. Corner Pocker (aka Until I Met You)5. Wild Man (aka Moore)6. Seque in C7. Jumpin’ at the Woodside8. One More Once9. Take the A Train10. Jumpin’ at the Woodside11. B D B12. Blues in Hoss’ Flat13. Wild Man14. Battle Royal
