Count Basie

[Jazzbaby_1]

I tried posting this on jazztimes.com but I STILL have a guy on there cussing me out. sooo..........I thought I might get something nicer on here....... I have recently listened to Count Basie. I think he is awsome!!!! I would like to know what other people think on him or what there favorite piece is that he did.......please no rudness.

[gdogus]

I especially like his early Decca rcordings from the 1930s, and his 1950s records with the great singer Joe Williams, such as Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings.

[Harold_Z]

In a nutshell...you're new to jazz. You can safely obtain virtually ANYTHING by Basie that you don't already have.

I've been digging Jazz for almost 50 years...I can safely obtain virtually ANYTHING by Basie that I don't already have.

[bubber]

The Deccas by the thirties band with Lester Young et al of course is a classic, for more "modern" ears I believe The Atomic Count Basie is a must. But anythin by Basie is worth listening to as long as Freddie Green strums his guitar in perfect coordination to the Counts rhythmic encouragements.

[Fran]

Originally posted by bubber
The Deccas by the thirties band with Lester Young et al of course is a classic, for more "modern" ears I believe The Atomic Count Basie is a must. But anythin by Basie is worth listening to as long as Freddie Green strums his guitar in perfect coordination to the Counts rhythmic encouragements.


Yep - How true. Wasn't Freddie Green a subtle underscoring for the Counts simple, tasty piano?

I agree the Atomic era was one of the counts swingin'est.

[Muskrat Ramble]

Don't worry, you're unlikely to get cussed at here! People are mostly friendly and polite on this board.

[Frank Mullen]

I agree with every reply here except I always dug Basie--right up to his death. As to a favorite number---there are so many-but I'll vote for "Tickle Toe" . I think its on "Atomic Basie" but without digging it out I'm not sure. And noone has been able to get more rhythm out of as few notes as Basie at the piano. You're on the right track and damn the wimps who tell you anything is basically bad about Basie. For the most part you won't find them on this site. The worst you'll hear is that they don't care for a particular artist or jazz form.

[Bev Stapleton]

I really like the Decca three box set that covers the late 30s. Marvelous music.

There's also a nice Properbox that does the same period more selectively and carries on too 1950.

Like many here I found Basie and early jazz in general a bit distant until the mid-90s. I then fell off my camel and have been a happier person ever since.

[clifton]

Hi Jazzbaby_1, good to see you here. I, too, am a Jazz Times refugee. Anyway, I'm in agreement, start with the 3-CD Complete Decca set, it's a winner. If you've got budgetary restrictions, the single CD's "The Complete Atomic Basie" and "April In Paris" are excellent.

[Alexander]

I'll second the Decca set, "the Atomic Mr. Basie," and "Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings." All three are essential. If you are looking for more of the Old Testament band (with Lester Young) get the four CD Columbia box. If you are interested in more of the New Testament band, get "April in Paris." Also, "Basie at Newport" is FANTASTIC.

[LAL]

For later Basie, do check out "Afrique", with arrangements by Oliver Nelson. The band does not play Basie's regular repertoire or style of music but takes new directions - unfortunately, it was a one-off project. The album has been reissued on CD by BMG/RCA France only.

[nkipa]

Another vote for "Basie at Newport" which has just been re-issued. One of the most exciting jazz concerts I have heard on disc.

[Jazzbaby_1]

Wow thanks a bunch you guys! I LOVE this site!!!! My favorite is also "Tickle Toe" but man love them all (well at least the ones that I have heard) And clifton I will definatly check in to getting the ones you mentioned. I will definatly write all these down! lol Geez I can't get over how nice you people are here! This is awsome! Kinda glad that I'm not the only one who understands the crap going on jazztimes, though. Just is you ever reply to something I put on here it will always take me a while to check it and reply. Thanks a bunch everyone!