Count Basie Orchestra

The seventeen time Grammy Award winner Count Basie Orchestra certainly does not need any introduction as the name itself is synonymous with quality, class and authenticity. Every composition the band has ever come up with has been a masterpiece. They have defined the true essence of jazz, swing and big band. Buy Count Basie Orchestra tickets and have the privilege to witness a concert as classy as this one.

The orchestra was founded by the inimitable William Count Basie with whose exceptional leadership the orchestra reached the pinnacle of fame right after its emergence in 1936. Having its roots in Kansas City, Missouri, the orchestra consists of sixteen to eighteen piece musical ensemble and even after the demise of the legend Count Basie his legacy continues as Count Basie Orchestra has not stopped to deliver timeless music.

Count Basie Orchestra started off as a small scale orchestra group comprising only nine-piece musical group having Joe Keyes, Oran ‘Hot Lips’ Page, Buster Smith, Jack Washington, Lester Young, Dan Minor, Jo Jones, Walter Page and Count Basie himself. Basie came up with some unique and revamped musical arrangements opening doors for improvised solos and riff-based sound, and hence giving a new face to the then existing music scenario. Consequently his novel approach paid off and the band was swarmed with praises and applause. Thus, in 1936, when John Hammond, one of the most regarded music critics and record producers came across Count Basie Orchestra’s one-of-a-kind musical arrangements he was completely bowled over and in no time made a generous offer to the band which basically meant taking a big leap and landing in New York City.

There is no doubt about the fact that moving to New York City turned out to be a blessing as it helped them achieve national and international fame. Expanding the musical ensemble was the first and the foremost move which not only strengthened the band but also made them one of the most reputed rhythm sections in the big band history. Thus, the improved line-up led to unleashing hits like One O’clock Jump, My Heart Belongs to Daddy, Jumpin’ at the Woodside and Blame it on My Last Affair.

During 1940s, Count Basie Orchestra made some alterations in their musical arrangements while bidding farewell to the previous Kansas City Style of nine-piece group, and consequently introducing chromaticism. Eddie Durham, Buck Clayton, Andy Gibson, Tab Smith, Buster Harding and Jimmy Mundy are among those who revolutionized and broadened the repertoire of genres; I Never Knew, Louisiana and Harvard Blues being some of their compositions. Furthermore, Superchief, Count Basie and His Great Vocalists, America’s # 1 Band: The Columbia Years, Complete Original American Victor Recordings, Kansas City Powerhouse, and Planet Jazz are the albums released from 1939 to 1950.

As much it had been enjoying their critical and commercial success, the tables turned during the World War II era which compelled Count Basie Orchestra to keep a low profile. Some of the most prominent members left the band while leaving a void almost impossible to fill. Count Basie considered many replacements but could not recreate the sound the band had been known for. However it was in 1952 when the orchestra bounced back and regained their previous status. The collaborations with some of the headliners of that time such as Joe Williams, Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine and Ella Fitzgerald proved fruitful in creating a new sound as opposed to the former riff-based compositions. Now it was inclined more towards the ensembles rather than the soloists. Thus, the 1950s saw the release of some of the biggest hit albums; The Atomic Mr. Basie, April in Paris, Basie Plays Hefti, King of Swing, Chairman of the Board etc.

The band has continued to give one hit after another even after the mastermind Count Basie’s death. Some of the recent albums include A Swingin’ Christmas (with Tony Bennett), Swing Shift, Count Plays Duke, Basie is Back, At Long Last (with Rosemary Clooney), Ray Sings Basie Swings (with Ray Charles). Purchase Count Basie Orchestra tickets and be a part of another mesmerizing performance as the orchestra never fails to entertain the audience.