Description
Joe Turner With Count Basie And His Orchestra – Flip, Flop And Fly – Compact Disc
Recorded Paris, France & Frankfurt, West Germany, April 17 & 24, 1972
Remastering, 2000 – Kirk Felton (Fantasy Studios, Berkeley)
Joe Turner with Count Basie and His Orchestra – Flip, Flop and Fly is a vibrant and joyful collaboration that captures the electric energy of two giants of American music: “Big” Joe Turner, the boisterous and influential blues shouter who helped lay the foundation for rock ‘n’ roll, and Count Basie, the master of swing whose orchestra was among the most refined and powerful in jazz history. This album, typically drawn from recordings made in the late 1950s to early 1960s, is a celebration of jump blues, swing, and early rhythm and blues—delivered with charisma, groove, and masterful musicianship.
At its heart, Flip, Flop and Fly is a showcase for Turner’s booming voice and stage presence, qualities that made him a standout figure during the transition from big band blues to early rock and roll. Known for his monumental hit “Shake, Rattle and Roll” (which predated Bill Haley’s version), Turner was one of the original “shouters” whose vocal style—loud, rhythmic, and soulful—bridged the gap between blues and rock.
The title track, “Flip, Flop and Fly,” is one of Turner’s signature songs, and here it comes to life with Basie’s band in full swing, featuring sizzling horn charts, dynamic rhythm, and the tight-but-loose feeling that defined the Basie sound. It’s a rollicking, danceable number, full of swagger and wit, with Turner practically leaping out of the speakers.
Throughout the album, Count Basie’s orchestra delivers its trademark light-touch swing, with punchy brass, a smooth reed section, and that ever-present sense of restraint and precision. Basie himself rarely shows off but anchors everything with understated piano fills and impeccable timing. His band provides the perfect foil for Turner’s vocal bravado—supportive, sophisticated, but never overwhelming.
One of the joys of this album is how effortless and natural the collaboration feels. Basie and his players knew how to leave space for a commanding vocalist like Turner, and Turner knew how to ride the groove without stepping on the arrangement. The result is a sound that’s loose but tight, raw yet refined—a sweet spot where jazz, blues, and proto-rock all converge.
Flip, Flop and Fly isn’t just a fun record—it’s an important document of how blues evolved into rhythm and blues and, eventually, rock and roll. Turner’s voice influenced everyone from Elvis Presley to Mick Jagger, and Basie’s orchestra was a proving ground for countless jazz legends. Together, they didn’t just recreate standards—they redefined them for a new era.
Whether you’re a jazz fan, a blues lover, or simply interested in the roots of rock, this album is a swinging, soulful must-hear.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Hide And Seek
T.V. Mama
Corrine, Corrina
Cherry Red
Shake, Rattle And Roll
Since I Fell For You
Flip, Flop And Fly
Everyday I Have The Blues
Good Morning Blues
