There was a time in my life when I thought I hated jazz.
A Count Basie CD landed in my possession, and my view on the genre was flipped on its head.
Late Night Basie is a new release featuring contemporary jazz artist Jazzmeia Horn, funk instrumentalists Lettuce, activist and rapper Talib Kweli, blues duo Larkin Poe and Cuban musician Cimafunk. Not exactly a traditional jazz cast, but in listening through, you can hear the thread tying it all together.
One of the strongest tracks in the compilation comes from Lettuce & Talib Kweli with “Didn’t You,” a song bringing the funk in to the big band sound while Kweli takes a moment to give gratitude to Basie for his music and inspiration to the Black community.
Larkin Poe gives “Blue and Sentimental” a blues and almost country flare, while Cimafunk, The Soul Rebels, Nicholas Payton and Ghanian djembe player Weedie Braimah bring the ENERGY to “St. Thomas.”
Late Night Basie is a tribute to Count Basie, his impact and influence; all of which seems even more stunning given the range, types of musicians and variation of sounds represented.
