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One of the True Legends In the Jazz Field
One of the true legends in the jazz field, Count Basie (1904-1984) came to epitomize the very concept of swing. The fabled Basie, "the Kid from Red Bank", -as he was initially nicknamed-not only re-defined the role of the piano in the jazz rhythm section, but also fronted two of the best jazz orchestras ever: h is classic "Old Testament" lineup from 1935-1949, and a renewed hard-swinging "New Testament" band from 1952 to 1984. If his early orchestra featured such legendary players as tenorman Lester Young, trumpeters Harry Edison and Buck Clayton, or the relentless rhythm section formed by the Count at the piano, guitarist Freddie Green, bassman Walter Page and drummer Jo Jones, the second Basie band was a star-studded, powerhouse affair which never failed to include some of the best performers in the jazz field, be them trumpeters Joe Newman and Thad Jones, reedman Frank Wess or the superb vocalist Joe Williams.
This astonishing compilation of short films from the Swing era finds the Count on splendid artistic form, performing in his characteristic relaxed yet gutsy manner while fronting one of the best editions of his legendary orchestra. The video is compiled with different soundies showcasing other Swing masters: Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Joe Turner, Henry "Red" Allen, Gene Krupa, Lucky Millindeer or the dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson...Sparks fly!
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