Happy Birthday, Count Basie

Jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer, William "Count" Basie was born on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey. Basie first formed his own jazz orchestra in 1935, taking them to Chicago the following year for their first recording. He led the group for almost 50 years, featuring what critic William Ruhlmann calls "a light, swinging rhythm section that [Basie] led from the piano, lively ensemble work, and generous soloing."

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends two recordings of Count Basie: The Best of Count Basie and 16 Men Swinging. Unfortunately, these are only available in vinyl.

Jim Determan, who has updated Lyons's list of albums for CD, recommends instead the following titles:

• Count Basie: The Complete Decca Recordings (Buy at Amazon.com)
• Count Basie: April in Paris (Buy at Amazon.com)
• Count Basie: Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings (Buy at Amazon.com)

Basie and his orchestra play "Blue Skies" here:

Robert
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