The Pablo label (and Norman Granz's return as a full-time producer) was launched with this wonderful package, first released as a three-LP set and now available as a three-CD reissue. The 1972 concert was originally supposed to only feature the
Count Basie Orchestra and
Ella Fitzgerald but Granz surprised everyone by inviting some "guests": trumpeters
Roy Eldridge and
Harry "Sweets" Edison, the tenors of
Stan Getz and
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, pianist
Oscar Peterson and bassist
Ray Brown. Together with
Basie-trombonist
Al Grey they formed the Jazz at the Philharmonic All-Stars and play wonderfully on three jams (listen to
Elridge's break on "In a Mellow Tone") and a ballad medley. In addition there are four selections from
Basie's band (featuring the tenor of
Jimmy Forrest, trumpeter
Pete Minger and altoist
Curtis Peagler), a full set from
Fitzgerald and a
Peterson-
Brown duet on "You Are My Sunshine." The highpoint of the concert however is the final song, a classic version of "C Jam Blues" which finds
Fitzgerald trading off in very humorous fashion with
Grey,
Getz,
Sweets,
Lockjaw and
Eldridge; each of the encounters has at least one remarkable moment. This gem is highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow