The Count Basie Orchestra - High Voltage

Publisher: Horch House, HH01.00.111

Playing time: 35 min

Specifications: half track ¼", stereo, RTM SM900, CCIR, 510 nWb/m, 38 cm/s

Reel(s):              2 standard metal reels, with stickers

Packaging:        1 deluxe cardboard box

Inserts:               1 insert folder with 2 insert sheets and 7 photo prints

Homepage: https://www.horchhouse.com/

Translation of the German review:

 In the 1970s, big band music played an important role on television. During big TV shows, such bands set the mood with their energetic music. I was fascinated by the fat sound, but also by the filigree moments and the changes between the quiet and loud passages. I assume that greats like Count Basie, who led his same-named orchestra for almost 50 years (the first hit was "One O'Clock Jump" in 1937), served as a role model for big bands, especially in Europe. He is credited with saving the big band sound through the difficult 1950s. He toured Europe several times in the early 1960s. 

High Voltage - the title of the 1970 MPS recording could hardly be more apt. This material sounds as good from tape as if it had been recorded yesterday. The production sets standards in all parameters, musically as well as recording-wise: The flexibly acting rhythm section lays the foundation for the typical sound of the Count Basie Orchestra, consisting of a total of 17 musicians. Five saxophones, four trumpets and four trombones provide luminous wind attacks that give me as a listener a special pleasure. Soloists act out of their instrument groups and stay placed there in the wide stereo imaging. Due to the great stage imaging (trumpets on the left, saxophones and rhythm section in the middle, trombones on the right), the musicians can be localized. The instruments sound very realistic. There must have been team spirit and good group dynamics in the band, otherwise I can hardly imagine that such a joy of playing could have taken place. The arrangements by Chico O'Farrill are very well done, which makes the music very pleasant to listen to. 

What can be heard on this recording is the reference class of a sophisticated big band at the highest musical level. So if you want to know ultimately how big band works, how a recording can still stand out from other productions 52 years later, and what a tape is capable of on your home stereo, I highly recommend buying this sound document. 

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)