Transcription Page:          Guitar Solo

C&A:

Charlie’s Dream and Lester’s Dream are two takes of the same tune, Dickie’s Dream, which was first recorded a year earlier and released on Vocalion as by “Count Basie / Kansas City Seven.”  Interestingly we have the same personnel here, except that now Charlie Christian and a clarinetist replace trombonist Dickie Wells.

These two adaptations are very good but suffer in comparison with the Basie original – part of the problem is that the mood is set back almost immediately with the first solo giving a pop flavor to the ambiance.  The original version was perfectly done and never equaled, not even by Basie’s subsequent efforts.  A better judgment could be made if one had never heard the original.

It seems like on both versions Charles is expecting to go the full chorus:  on Charlie’s he seems to abruptly shoot into a concluding phrase;  on Lester’s he continues a full measure into the bridge.  He gives a good account of himself on both, although his solo on Charlie’s Dream is seriously marred by a horn incessantly tooting in the background.

Nonetheless, fine guitar solos and, of course, always a delight to hear Prez.  Not lackluster but not the cream of the session.