This is a typical programme on one of Basie’s many European tours of the period and, while there have been official and unofficial recordings circulated from this tour (including apparently a broadcast earlier the same day from the Tivoli Gardens), the present concert at the Falkoner Centre seems to be previously unknown.

Its generally good sound presumably derives from the PA system in the hall and, whereas the engineer seems quick on the update when there are changes, the effect is sometimes a little dominated by the drums of Sonny Payne. Interestingly, the repertoire has only one reminiscence of the pre-war Basie (‘Jumpin’ At The Woodside’) and the bulk of the largely instrumental set-list is from arranger-composers like Neil Hefti, Quincy Jones and the band’s own Wess and Foster. Both the latter are also heard in solo, as are Dixon and most of the brass players, though there’s precious little of Thad Jones. Three songs each from Reid and future hitmaker O.C. Smith are perhaps less worthy of preservation, as is the closing feature for Payne which, thankfully, fades before the closing number is complete.