Florida-based / Mississippi-born Deborah Silver breaks with tradition on her 2025 album Basie Rocks! Credited to The Count Basie Orchestra with Deborah Silver, the 11-track album is a first for the Count Basie Orchestra as Basie Rocks! is basically a rock tribute album turned into a big band jazz love fest. Recorded in NYC and Pompano Beach, Florida, Basie Rocks! is, simply put, a superbly recorded jazz vocal album.

As he points out in the album liner notes, Scott Barnhart explains, “To have The Count Basie Orchestra, directed by yours truly, record an album of Rock and Roll classics is something that I had never thought about before I met Deborah.” Credited as co-producer, arranger and director of The Count Basie Orchestra, Barnhart can take credit for a most original type of rock tribute album, while Basie Rocks! producer and Rolling Stones drummer Steve Jordan gives the album further cred.

Although a recent album by CBO, Basie Swings The Blues featured blues greats like Buddy Guy and George Benson, Ms. Silver’s classic rock tribute album with the big band is a bold fresh pop album infused with the spirit of Count Basie, a big band style from a jazz orchestra revered for albums with legends like Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan.

A fine jazz singer in her own right, Ms. Silver brings pop music into the realm of big band jazz, Basie style, with covers of 1960s / 1970s / 1980s style pop classics written by everybody’s favorites like Paul McCartney (“Band On The Run”), Rolling Stones (“Paint It Black”), The Beatles (“A Hard Day’s Night”), Peter Frampton (“Baby I Love Your Way”), Steve Miller (“Fly Like An Eagle”), Elton John (“Bennie And The Jets”) and more.

With the Count Basie Orchestra anchoring the album with their jazzy big band beat, Basie Rocks! also features some guest spotlight performances including Peter Frampton (guitar), Bill Frisell (guitar), Arturo Sandoval (trumpet), plus a duet of “Joy To The World” between Ms. Silver and Trombone Shorty, and much more. A self-assured jazz singer brimming with musical confidence, Ms. Silver can take a well-deserved bow for bringing these pop-rock classics into the future as big band jazz classics that breaks new ground and shines a light on this entertaining merger of pop-rock and big band jazz.

 

RMR speaks to Deborah Silver

RMR: What inspired you to record a big band album with Count Basie Orchestra and not only that but turn some well-known pop classics into jazz, big band numbers? Did you have a final say over the track selections and what was it like working with producer Steve Jordan on the Basie Rocks! album?

Deborah Silver: It all started with a song I had written with 12-time Grammy nominee Dennis Lambert to support people in the entertainment world who were struggling during COVID. I had organized the proceeds to help The Actors Fund and The Jazz Foundation of America. Steve Jordan—who’s the Music Director of the Foundation—produced the song with us. As we were working together, I mentioned to Steve about this idea I had of turning rock songs - the ones I grew up singing in the car and dancing around to - into elegant jazz standards and next thing I know, he’s not only producing it but pairing me with The Count Basie Orchestra!

Originally, we planned to record just a few songs with the big band and do the rest with a trio. But once we heard how incredible it sounded with the orchestra, there was no turning back—we went all in and recorded the entire album swinging with CBO! It truly felt meant to be. I had actually been talking with Scotty Barnhart, the director of The Count Basie Orchestra, for years about working together on a project. This was the perfect moment for it to finally come together. Yes, to answer your question I had the final say, as I had complete creative control over the track selections, and believe me, I went through hundreds of songs before narrowing it down to the final eleven.

 

RMR: It is a serendipitous moment with you recording “Paint It Black” as a fiery Latin-flavored jazzy big band vocal track. What was it like recording with Arturo Sandoval on that track? Seems perfect now with his added trumpet. I was thinking with his Stones connection maybe Steve suggested “Paint It Black”?

Deborah Silver: It really was serendipitous. Once we landed on Paint It Black, we knew it needed a bold, fresh arrangement… something unexpected. That fiery Latin flavor was created by the incredibly talented arranger, John Clayton. He brought a whole new pulse to the song. Then Scotty Barnhart suggested Arturo Sandoval play trumpet to soar into those stratospheric high notes. Scotty knew that Arturo would deliver those soaring, crystal-clear high notes on trumpet—the kind only he can play with such precision and fire. Of course, Arturo generously agreed to play on this song with us, as he and Scotty are good friends. I am thrilled to say that after this collaboration, Arturo is now my pal as well.

Pedrito Martinez also helped bring the track to life with his powerful percussion and irresistible rhythmic energy. His playing added an authentic heartbeat to the arrangement, grounding it in that infectious Latin groove and giving the song an entirely new dimension. It was truly a powerful collaboration. Everyone brought something special to the table to reimagine the song in a way that feels both classic and brand new.

We knew we wanted to include a Rolling Stones song, but I told Steve I thought he should be the one to pick it, considering he was now a member of the Stones. So, at our next meeting, he told me Mick Jagger told him that Paint It Black is actually their most played song. Once he suggested it, we both agreed it would be an exciting and powerful choice

 

RMR: Tell us more about “Paint It Black” and working with Steve and Scotty on that track.

Deborah Silver: This one was absolutely Steve’s pick, and the rhythmic concept came from arranger, John Clayton. That Latin feel brought a whole new energy to “Paint It Black,” and with the Basie band behind it, it just took on a life of its own.

That song was such a massive hit when it first came out, so reimagining it with a big band felt like walking a tightrope between honoring the original and creating something new. Arturo Sandoval’s trumpet brought pure electricity to the track. His playing has this incredible blend of fire and finesse—he doesn’t just hit the notes, he lights them up. The way he soared over the arrangement gave the song an entirely new emotional arc. He elevated it from a reinterpretation to a true celebration.

Scotty brought a lot to not only that track, but to the entire album. He’s a world-class player, no doubt, but beyond that, he brings such heart and authenticity to every note.

As we began moving forward with the project, Scotty stepped into the role of co-producer, and his leadership and musical instincts were invaluable. He also became a dear friend and trusted advisor to me throughout this journey. His passion for the music, his deep connection to the Basie legacy, and his support made a huge impact on Basie Rocks! and on me personally.

Scotty Barnhart and Steve Jordan are two incredible artists, each bringing something completely different and equally essential to the project.

Scotty, as Director of The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, brought deep roots in the big band tradition. He lives and breathes that Basie swing. He was not only a featured soloist, but he also became co-producer as the album evolved. Scotty helped make sure we honored the Basie sound while still giving it fresh energy.

Steve Jordan, on the other hand, came in with a groove that’s just undeniable. As a drummer and producer who’s worked with everyone from the Rolling Stones to John Mayer, Steve encouraged bold choices and always kept his focus on one key thing—making sure the album stayed cool. We had to be careful not to let it drift into something that felt like a parody or a “Saturday Night Live” skit. Throughout the planning, as we tossed around ideas, Steve kept saying “It’s gotta be cool. And if you have to think about whether it’s cool or not… it ain’t cool.” By the way, Steve is definitely one of the coolest people I have ever met!

Scotty and Steve truly respected my instincts and talent, treating me as an equal creative partner. That kind of mutual trust and creative freedom is what made the entire project so successful…it allowed everyone to bring their best to the table. We were all completely invested, open to ideas, and united by a shared vision.

 

RMR: How would you compare the new Basie Rocks! with some of your earlier albums and how many albums have you released so far? Do you try to add your sound stamp on whatever music you record?

Deborah Silver: Basie Rocks! is a bit of a departure from my previous albums, mainly because it’s entirely swing—and of course, it features The Count Basie Orchestra, which brings a whole new level of magic. But at its core, it still carries my signature sound and emotional storytelling.

My very first CD, Pure Silver, was created solely as a fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds going to support individuals battling ALS. This cause is deeply personal to me, as my sister is one of those affected by the disease. So far, I’ve released four albums, a couple of EPKs and quite a few singles—many of them are duets with some incredible, legendary artists. I’ve had the honor of recording these duets with Diane Schuur, Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers, Jack Jones, Ronnie Millsap, Steve Tyrell, Pam Tillis, Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel, Freddy Cole (Nat King Cole’s brother), Ann Hampton Callaway and others who’ve been such meaningful influences on music.

Whether it’s a full album or a single, I always aim to bring something personal and heartfelt to every project—including the interpretation, the emotion, and the phrasing, to name a few. I’m never one to do the same thing twice. I believe in putting my own stamp on whatever I sing. I want every song to feel authentic to me—even if it’s a well-known classic. I always try to find a fresh connection to the material, and hopefully, that lets listeners experience the song in a new light too.

 

RMR: What artists, albums and influences had the biggest impact on your musical upbringing so to speak and how did being born in Mississippi affect your early musical experiences?

Deborah Silver: I have such an eclectic taste in music. I grew up surrounded by many different sounds. My mom was a lyric soprano, so I learned all the operas from her, while my dad—who played saxophone and led a band as a hobby—brought more of the swing and jazz influence into our home. Of course I grew up hearing The Great American Songbook, but my absolute favorite was R&B. That’s the music I connected with the most as I loved anything that made you want to move. I’ve always loved to dance! Luther Vandross was the soulful voice I gravitated toward. I also loved Earth, Wind & Fire and The Commodores and, being born in Mississippi, home of the blues, I think that natural sense of rhythm just came with the territory. As I got older and began singing I fell in love with Dinah Washington.

 

RMR: Tell us about living in Florida and how different is it from New York and the West Coast? How has Florida changed for you over the years and what part of Florida do you like best? You recorded your new album in NYC and in Pompano Beach Florida.

Deborah Silver: We recorded part of Basie Rocks! at Power Station Studios in Pompano Beach and it is such a fantastic studio with top notch owners and engineers! As you know, these days, with the internet and how connected everything is, it really doesn’t matter where you live when it comes to work. I love everywhere I go—I always find something special about each place. That said, being close to the ocean in Florida is definitely a gift. There’s something about the sunshine, the palm trees that really feeds the soul.

I’m usually so busy that I don’t get out much, and I tend to order in. But once I find a spot I love near home, I’m a loyal regular! New York, L.A., and Florida have all given me amazing opportunities to collaborate and stay inspired. As long as I’m able to keep doing what I love, I always feel at home, no matter where I am.

 

RMR: You have a couple Beatles / McCartney tracks on Basie Rocks! What inspired you to turn “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Band On The Run” into jazzy big band numbers and was it challenging to give these pure rock tracks a big band sound? Although McCartney has done jazzy style pop tributes in the past—for example like the Thrillington album recorded in 1971, and although each Beatle has done numerous covers of jazzy and or oldies type pop tracks I think your big-band approach is a first.

Deborah Silver: First of all, it’s hard to go wrong with The Beatles—or Sir Paul. Their songs are timeless, and I’ve always loved the melodic richness and storytelling in both “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Band On The Run.” What inspired me was imagining what those iconic tracks might sound like if you walked into a swanky supper club in the 1940s and a big band was swinging them!

It was definitely a challenge.... but the fun kind. We weren’t just covering the songs, we were completely reimagining them with the energy, groove, and swagger of a Basie-style arrangement. And working with The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra? Let’s just say the metronome never had a chance.

McCartney has always had an ear for jazz influences, and I loved that you mentioned Thrillington! But to take these full-on rock songs and swing them in a big band setting? That felt like uncharted territory. And that’s what Basie Rocks! is all about—honoring the past while shaking it up just enough to make it feel brand new.

 

RMR: How about working with Peter Frampton on “Baby I Love Your Way”. Did you work with him in the studio or was his guitar solo dialed in? Do you have other Frampton favorites you might like to record in the future? Was much of the album recorded live with the musicians?

Deborah Silver: After we recorded the tracking for “Baby, I Love Your Way,” someone sent it to Peter Frampton. Not long after, I got a phone call, and on the other end was this warm British voice saying, “Hello, is this Deborah Silver with the incredible voice?” I said, “Well, you’re half right—it’s Deborah Silver.”

It was Mr. Peter Frampton! And then he said something I’ll never forget: when he originally wrote the song, he imagined it in his head sounding like my version. Honestly, that may be the biggest compliment I’ve ever received.

Working with Peter Frampton was a total dream. And yes, that really is his iconic guitar solo on the track, recorded just for this album. We weren’t in the same room, but thanks to modern technology, it felt like he was right there with me, smiling through every note. He worked for many days on his guitar part, he is a perfectionist, just like me.

Peter’s one of those rare artists whose tone is instantly recognizable—he doesn’t just play the guitar; he sings through it. As for other favorites? Oh yes. “Show Me The Way” would be on my wish list... and let’s just say I wouldn’t mind getting lost in a big band version of “Do You Feel Like We Do.” That talk box meets Basie brass? Yes please!

Much of Basie Rocks! was recorded live with the musicians, which is part of what gives it that organic, joyful energy. When you’re surrounded by the best of the best, the music just breathes, and the room becomes electric. That’s the power of playing it live—you’re not just capturing sound; you’re capturing a moment.

 

RMR: Did any of the tracks surprise you in that maybe you thought wow, this actually does work as a big band vocal track? I was thinking of the Steve Miller cover of “Fly Like An Eagle”. What was it like working with guitarist Bill Frisell on that track? It is interesting that so many artists are closet big band enthusiasts! Frisell has done some pretty out there music but he sounds at home on this cover.

Deborah Silver: I hope they all worked! But honestly, as I was picking the songs, I was already swinging them in my head long before anything was written down. I could hear the feel, the horns and the groove, all playing in my mind like a private concert.

Once I finalized the song selections and shared my ideas, Steve Jordan, Scotty Barnhart, and I spent even more time working on the feel of each track before Scotty ever brought in an arranger. We really wanted to make sure the emotional core and groove were fully locked in—then came the charts.

And when the arrangers finally put pen to paper and those charts came to life, that’s when the real “wow” moments happened. But nothing surprised me after all the work that went into them. Hearing these iconic songs transformed with full big band energy gave me chills every time though.

I spent some time together with Bill at the session, discussing ideas and options before he recorded. He’s an absolute doll! It’s funny that so many musicians really do have a soft spot for big band and so many love the Great American Songbook. My mission was to take these iconic rock songs and treat them like they were part of the Songbook all along. Turns out, they clean up pretty well in a tux and tails!

 

RMR: How about the album-closing Joe Walsh cover of “Life’s Been Good”. Your version starts off slow but it really sparks by the second verse. What’s your opinion of the song? It’s kind of funny but I like the swinging remake. Has Joe heard it?

Deborah Silver: We tried to keep that tongue-in-cheek spirit of the original while giving it a fresh big band groove. It starts out cool and easy, then kicks into gear like a vintage convertible hitting the highway. If it ever makes its way to Joe Walsh’s ears, I just hope he smiles, and maybe taps a toe or two. And hey—if you or anyone reading this happens to know Mr. Walsh, feel free to pass it along. Life’s been good but who knows… life might get even better for all of us once he gives it a listen!

 

RMR: Tell us your plans for 2025 and into the next year? Recording new music and live concerts, videos, etc.

Deborah Silver: I am continuing to spread the joy of Basie Rocks! with more music videos and special performances. I’m excited to bring these songs to life on stage. There’s nothing like the energy of a live audience, and I’m hoping to introduce this music to entirely new listeners who’ll love the experience as much as we do. You can stay updated for my live shows on my website deborah@deborahsilvermusic.com. I’m also continuing to record new material, always creating, always evolving. More of everything is on the way! The only challenge? Time! It’s the one thing I wish I could swing in 4/4.

Also, I will have more episodes of my radio show Silver Linings with Deborah Silver on Legends 100.3 FM or LegendsRadio.com. You can hear my Father’s Day Special on June 15th.