Here’s a fun and friendly release by Al Basile, who sings and plays cornet in a drummerless band with Fred Bates/g, Rich Lataille/sax, Bob Zuck/g and Marty Ballou/b. Except for the snappy “Heat Wave” all the songs have either Basile or Zuck at the vocals, with both having a streetwise 2 pack a day voice that sounds and feels just right-kind of like a casual Steve Tyrell.
The selection of tunes is superb, with a hip groove taken on The Beatles’ “Things We Said Today” being a highlight, but more obscure beauties such as “I Know What I’ve Got..” and “Don’t Wait Too Long” putting a knowing smile on your face. The steady swing provided by the two guitarists gets some nice extra obligatos, riffs and solos by Lataille on a nifty “Al I Need is the Girl” and “Don’t Wait Too Long” and Basile’s cornet is Beiderbecke warm on “A Hundred Years From Today.” The whole session has an infectiously energetic feel that makes you want to join in the party. No complaints here!
Sweetspot Records