Count Basie / Tony Bennett – Basie Swings Bennett Sings

Count Basie was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. In 1935, Basie formed his own jazz orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, and in 1936 took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording. He led the group for almost 50 years, creating innovations like the use of two “split” tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, and others. Basie Swings Bennett Sings captures a 1959 meeting between Bennett and Basie, at a time when the pianist’s band was at a peak, with a fantastic rhythm section, tight and powerful brass, silky reeds, and skillful arrangers like Neal Hefti, who could make the most of those resources. The Basie band was recording with a variety of singers in the period, from Sammy Davis Jr. to Billy Eckstine, but Bennett may have brought the most enthusiasm to the meeting. A great band singer, he mates perfectly with the horn sections on the up-tempo numbers, whether it’s the standard “Chicago” or some obscure show tune. He can make a classic ballad, such as “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” sound fresh, and like the Basie band, Bennett can swing at any tempo.

180 Gram Heavyweight Vinyl
Cat. # DOS736H