Deborah Silver: Deborah Silver with the Count Basie Orchestra: Basie Rocks!

Jazz musicians frequently cover popular songs, but few do it quite like vocalist Deborah Silver. With Basie Rocks!, Silver teams up with the iconic Count Basie Orchestra for a genre-crossing collection that you truly have to hear to believe. This is a groove-charged big band album that reimagines classic rock and pop classics through the swinging lens of traditional jazz. While that premise might sound gimmicky on paper, the result is total sonic satisfaction.

Produced by Steve Jordan—drummer for The Rolling Stones—Basie Rocks! serves a dual purpose. On one level, it stands as a fitting tribute to the Basie legacy. On another, it's a creatively charged reinvention of beloved classic rock songs. Silver's confident vocals shine among a who's who of special guests. From the blistering opener, "Paint It, Black," featuring Arturo Sandoval and Pedrito Martinez, to the tender sway of "Baby, I Love Your Way" with Peter Frampton's tasteful guitar work, she brings each tune to new life.

Her duet with Kurt Elling on "Tainted Love" taps into deep soul-jazz territory, while Bill Frisell adds understated bluesy textures to "Fly Like an Eagle." Trombone Shorty brings New Orleans fire to "Joy to the World," and Herlin Riley joins Silver for a spirited take on "Old Time Rock and Roll." These are not just feature spots—they are full-fledged musical dialogues, and the chemistry is real.

One of the standout performances comes from tenor saxophonist George Coleman. His playing on "Every Breath You Take" adds unexpected emotional depth. At 90, Coleman, whose work with Miles Davis in the early '60s helped shape the post-Kind of Blue (Columbia 1959) era, is still a master of nuance and expression. His solo is a highlight that bridges generations with grace.

Throughout, the Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Scotty Barnhart, provides the tight, propulsive swing that defines the record. Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the band sounds as vital as ever. The arrangements preserve the crisp punch of Basie's signature sound while folding in the melodies and grooves of classic rock with surprising ease.

Sure, there is a sense of humor here—after all, this is a big band album that includes a version of Joe Walsh's "Life's Been Good." But Seriously, Folks (as Walsh might have said), the intent is not parody but genuine respect. These are iconic songs for a reason, and the album treats them with both reverence and creative flair. It is inventive, infectious and, above all, fun.

In a world filled with cautious jazz covers, Basie Rocks! dares to take risks—and like the best jazz, it thrives on that spirit of exploration.

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