Count Basie (1904-1984) and Duke Ellington (1899-1975) were the most important and successful big band leaders in jazz history. While the many individualists in Ellington’s band made it a perfect vehicle to let the Duke’s compositions and arrangements take on tonal form, Basie put his focus on rhythm and its transformation via the radiance of a large ensemble.

The Count also put a lot of emphasis on precision. Characteristics that inspired all the great vocalists, leading to many a collaboration with the Basie Band. Jimmy Rushing was a great blues shouter and the first important singer of the Basie band from 1937 to 1950. His role was later taken over by Joe Williams when Basie restarted with a fresh sound and ensemble after a brief breakup. Williams was an excellent exponent of a more modern blues vocal style, but also a great improviser and ballad artist. In addition to these treasures you will find highlights of the Basie band with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Billy Eckstine, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald on this 10-CD box set.

Contents:

CD 1
Blues by Basie
One O'Clock Jump

CD 2
Basie in London
Basie at Newport

CD 3
Count Basie / Sarah Vaughan
I Gotta Right to Swing (Sammy Davis Jr.)

CD 4
Sing Along with Basie
Sing a Song of Basie

CD 5
Breakfast Dance and Barbecue
Just the Blues

CD 6
Basie Swings, Bennett Sings
In Person (with Tony Bennett)

CD 7
Basie and Eckstine Inc
Sinatra / Basie

CD 8
Memories Ad-Lib (Joe Williams)

CD 9
Everyday I Have the Blues (Joe Williams)
Beverly Kenney Sings with Jimmy Jones and "The Basie-ites"

CD 10
Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings
Basie Orchestra with Jimmy Rushing