CD Review: Deborah Silver, “Basie Rocks”
August 4, 2025
Vocalist Deborah Silver has just released her groundbreaking new album, Basie Rocks, a vibrant and swinging reinterpretation of some of the most iconic rock classics of the last fifty years. What makes this project truly exceptional is Silver’s bold choice to reimagine these beloved hits through the rich, brassy textures and signature rhythms of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, under the direction of Scotty Barnhart.
Silver explains, “These classic rock songs are actually the soundtrack of my life. As a vocalist, I have always loved performing timeless big band arrangements, and it has been incredibly exciting to bring these two worlds together.” And she does so with elegance, flair, and a voice that is as strong and confident as it is silky and seductive.
On Basie Rocks, Deborah Silver doesn’t simply cover rock tunes—she transforms them. Each track is revitalized with swaggering horn sections, swinging rhythm, and sophisticated jazz phrasing. From high-energy anthems to tender ballads, the album is a seamless and joyful fusion of three powerhouse elements: the timeless melodies of classic rock, the infectious swing of the Count Basie Orchestra, and the luxurious voice of Deborah Silver.
A large cast of super talented “Hall of Fame” musicians contributed to this project. their contributions make “Basie Rocks” one of the year’s best Jazz albums! The group included Peter Frampton, Kurt Elling, Steve Jordan, Arturo Sandoval, Pedrito Martinez, John Clayton, Monte Croft, Trombone Shorty, Bill Frisell, George Coleman, Wycliffe Gordon, Herlin Riley and Scotty Barnhart.