Track Listing

1. What Is This Thing Called Love?
2. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
3. I'll Remember April
4. Step Lightly (Junior's Arrival)
5. Powell's Prances
6. Time
7. Scene Is Clean
8. Gertrude's Bounce
9. Flossie Lou
10. What Is This Thing Called Love? [Alternate Take][#][*]
11. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing [Alternate Take][#][*]
12. I'll Remember April [Alternate Take][*]
13. Flossie Lou [Alternate Take][#][*]

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #89082 in Music
• Brand: Clifford
• Released on: 1990-10-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Amazon.com
The Clifford Brown-Max Roach quintet was already one of the best in modern jazz, but when they added Sonny Rollins to the fray in late 1955, it became a lineup for the ages. Basin Street, recorded in early 1956, marks the studio debut of Rollins with the band, and the result is a supercharged highlight of the postbop era. The three furiously paced standards that kick off the set feature superb blowing and crafty arrangements that offer spontaneous intros and rhythmic shifts. Of special note are the contributions of pianist Richie Powell, Bud's younger brother, who not only adds three excellent compositions (the intricate "Powell's Prances," the poignant "Time," and the irresistibly catchy "Gertrude's Bounce"), but also proves himself to be a standout soloist and accompanist. Of course, Brown's bright tone and remarkably fluid ideas are in full bloom as well. Sadly, the quintet would record only once more (Plus 4, issued under Rollins's name) before the June 1956 accident that claimed the lives of Brown and Powell. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Invest in Brown-Roach Inc.
Everyone who has real interest in jazz should have this album. This is the Brown-Roach Quintet with Sonny Rollins. If you have any interest in Clifford Brown but haven't heard him, this is the album that you need. Trumpet player Clifford Brown is, of course, brilliant--fast and lyrical--an improvisational giant on standards and originals. Brownie is pure, clean, elegant. And tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins complements him well. The versions of "What is this Thing Called Love" and "I'll Remember April" are particularly moving. The first begins begins with Brown and Rollins bobbing chaotically in Roach's insistent river of drums and evolves into brilliant solos by Brown, Rollins and Powell. The trades at the end of this song are simply brilliant. Throughout this album, Richie Powell's piano is an added bonus, and the album features three originals ("Powell's Prances," "Time", and "Gertrude's Bounce"). Never as recognized as his brother Bud, Powell is a truly lyrical pianist and a fluent improvisor. Bassist George Morrow provides a solid foundation and solos. Max Roach is, of course, the legendary drummer--controlled and tasteful where needed, explosive on demand. There are some fine drum solos on this live album, but they don't overshadow Brownie or Sonny Rollins. This is one of the finer bebop albums made.

One of the all time great quintets at their height.
The stars of this session from 1956 are Max Roach's drum work and the fleet trumpet of Clifford Brown. Brownie solos with a dexterity, technique, and imagination that rivals the great Charlie Parker. Roach matches Brown's technical and creative skill and adds a rumbling thunder in the form of his punchy accompaniment and distinctive sticcatto snare to tom rolls. Every solo these two men take is an event, never failing to amaze. Rounding out the quintet is a young Sonny Rollins on tenor, Richie Powell on piano, and George Morrow on bass. Rollins displays his burgeoning talent with a fine solo and exchanging with Brown on "I'll Remember April". Powell shows off his skills as an arranger by penning the arrangements for most of the tracks, as well as taking fantastic solos. His effort on "Powell's Prances" stands out. As, "At Basin Street" was the second to last album to be recorded by this quintet before Brownie, his wife, and Richie Powell were killed in a car accident, (the last is Rollins' "Sonny Rollins +4"), the music, complete with the obligatory alternates, becomes that much more precious. This is one of those albums that falls into the catagory of "obscure classics", and is worth hunting for.

Better Than Miles
This CD is the best Jazz CD I have ever heard. This recording combines the amazing technique and passion of one of the best jazz quintets of all time. This CD offers amazing solos and beautiful and powerful melodies. Through listening to this CD, one will be astounded at the powerful sound, amazing range, and the overall fabulous music that Clifford Brown produced. Also featured in this CD is a young but still magnificent Sonny Rollins, a late addition to the band. This CD is one of the quintet's last recordings before Clifford Brown and Richard Powell's tragic deaths. This CD is a must have for anybody who likes music... Buy this CD!