How the Count made great vocalists greater

Any study of the history of jazz music would be incomplete without the inclusion of another royal member: William “Count” Basie. Born in 1904, he lived for 80 years as one of the most revered American jazz pianists, bandleaders, and composers. His first piano lessons came from his mother, and he was performing in his teens.

Talk about making it the hard way and paying his dues; he dropped out of school, worked in vaudeville, and improvised to accompany silent films at a local theatre in his hometown in New Jersey. By age 16, was playing jazz piano at parties, resorts, and other venues.

His career expanded when, in 1924, he went to Harlem and began touring with a band in major cities. After many years playing with other groups, he formed his own jazz orchestra, and in 1936 took them to Chicago for a long engagement and their first recording session.

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.

His band became a “jazz school” for many notable musicians who came to prominence under his direction. Basie’s theme songs were “One O’clock Jump” and “April in Paris.” Now would be a good time to go to your computer and log on to YouTube. Type in the following: “One O Clock Jump/Count Basie & His Orchestra / Recorded Live Early to Mid 40s.” After that, type in “April in Paris Count Basie 1956,” the infamous “one more time” tune.

My favorite recordings of Count Basie’s music are those where he is joined by a vocalist, including his own singer, Joe Williams. Listen to Joe sing by typing in “Count Basie & Joe Williams – Well, Alright, Okay, You Win.” I know, the title sounds like words we guys use when having a “discussion” with members of the opposite sex.

Basie’s orchestra reached the pinnacle of the music world when two of the world’s favorite vocalists partnered with him: Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. These combinations dominated the recording world, and their performances on stage were simply magic. So many of us were not fortunate to see them live in concert, but through the magic of the Internet, we may watch their performances via YouTube. My all-time favorites are as follows:

Frank Sinatra – “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” (Listen to how Basie’s guys kick in during the middle of the tune and drive as Frank comes back in. It’s the best of the best.)

Ella Fitzgerald – Jazz in Montreux ’79 “Sweet Georgia Brown.” (Ella was at the peak of her career then, and she wails with the Count behind her. The ending is wild.)

Just by bouncing around YouTube, you can enjoy so many recordings made famous by these treasured American artists. Enjoy the ride!

P.S. Love the big band sound? Be sure to catch “Let’s Dance!” at our final CAM dance of 2012 on Tuesday, Oct. 30 in Drendel Ballroom from 7–9 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the CAM desk. If you go, say “hi” to me (the drummer) during our break. We’ll even play a Count Basie tune or two for you. Please send your comments to me at greengeezer9@comcast.net. I’d love to hear from you with your comments and suggestions for future columns.

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