| Jazz |
Deborah Silver’s Basie Rocks!: A Dazzling Jazz Affair with a Hollywood Shine
A seasoned interpreter of jazz-infused standards and a consistent chart-climber on Amazon’s MP3 sales, Deborah Silver returns with what is undoubtedly one of the most showbiz-laced jazz albums of the moment, at least until the next glittering installment. But let’s not pretend we’re above it: for all its polish and charm, perhaps too much charm, Basie Rocks! is exquisitely crafted. And when you’re revisiting the classics, why not infuse them fully with your own identity? That’s where this record finds its resonance or its dissonance, depending on your taste. One thing is clear: Deborah Silver is a phenomenal vocalist.
Joined by GRAMMY® 2024-winning Kurt Elling and the venerable Count Basie Orchestra, as well as renowned jazz composer and arranger Andy Farber—whose resume boasts collaborations with Jon Hendricks and Wynton Marsalis, Silver transforms Soft Cell’s cult synth-pop hit into a sultry, smoky reinvention.
“I dedicate this to my son, Spencer Silver, who inspired us to bring the mood of Peggy Lee’s Fever into Tainted Love,” Silver explains. “It’s raw, sexy, and strikes a visceral chord.” Farber’s lush arrangement sets the stage for a smoldering vocal exchange between Silver and Elling arguably the most intimate reinterpretation this song has ever seen. Anchored by John Clayton’s peerless bass work and the subtle magic of Rolling Stones drummer and producer Steve Jordan, this version stands out. “I think it’s the sexiest track we recorded on Basie Rocks! and easily one of my favorites. Every time we perform it, the audience response is electric.”
Even for those who, like me, typically shy away from cover albums, there’s no denying the technical and artistic prowess at play here. Produced by Steve Jordan in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Basie Rocks! sees Silver reinterpret the giants of rock, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Elton John, with effortless flair and that unmistakable big band energy. The album features a star-studded lineup including Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton, GRAMMY®-winner Bill Frisell, New Orleans icon Trombone Shorty, Stones’ own Steve Jordan, and the masterful NEA Jazz Honoree saxophonist George Coleman.
Over the decades, the Count Basie Orchestra has struck a rare balance, evolving with the times while preserving its singular swing-era soul. And here, the guest artists are not mere cameos; they’re integral to the narrative and sonic drama of each track. While the commercial sheen of Basie Rocks! may not be to every purist’s taste, it’s hard to ignore its artistic caliber. And let’s be honest—any chance to hear this legendary orchestra again is a joy in itself.
Founded over 90 years ago by the iconic pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie, the Count Basie Orchestra remains a cornerstone of jazz’s grand tradition. From royal audiences to prestigious jazz festivals and concert halls around the globe, it has captivated listeners for generations. Under the direction of Scotty Barnhart, the band has garnered 20 GRAMMY® Awards, beginning in 1958 and most recently in 2024 for Basie Swings the Blues.
Thierry De Clemensat
Member at Jazz Journalists Association
USA correspondent for Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor for All About Jazz
Editor in chief – Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, April 24th 2025
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Musicians: Deborah Silver voice, Count Basie orchestra, Kurt Elling voice, Peter Frampton, Bill Frisell, Steve Jordan of the Rolling Stones, New Orleans legend Trombone Shorty, George Coleman and others…
Tracklist:
Paint it back feat. Arturo Sandoval and Pedrito Martinez
Benny & The Jets
Baby I love your Way feat. Peter Frampton
Tainted Love feat. Kurt Elling (duet) w/ Steve Jordan (drums), John Clayton (bass)
Band On The Run
A Hard Days Night featuring: Monte Croft
Joy To The World feat. Trombone Shorty (duet)
Fly Like An Eagle feat. Bill Frisell
Every Breath You Take feat. George Coleman
Old Time Rock & Roll feat. Wycliffe Gordon and Herlin Riley (duet)
Life’s Been Good feat. Scotty Barnhart of The Count Basie Orchestra