New series of unreleased iconic jazz concerts from the archives of Belgium public TV – newly captured from original film material. This concert from 1961 recorded at the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Charleroi is an absolutely captivating and intimate performance.

One of the most famous of all big band leaders, Count Basie grew up in New Jersey, and started out playing New York’s fashionable ‘stride’ style of piano. In 1935, he founded his own jazz orchestra: the Count Basie Orchestra. He led the group for almost 50 years and pioneered innovations such as the use of two ‘split’ tenor saxophones, emphasising the rhythm section, riffing with a big band and many others.

Basie was one of the most influential and popular band leaders worldwide, right up until the time of his death. He toured tirelessly and recorded a wealth of classic albums with several famous singers.

Count Basie was the winner of several Grammy Awards. On 23 May 1985, William “Count” Basie was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. In 2009, Basie was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Contents:
1. Who, me?
2. The Midgets
3. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
4. Hallelujah I Love Her So
5. Lil' Darlin'
6. How high the moon
7. H.R.H.
8. A pack of bones
9. Blues in Frankie's flat
10. Whirly Bird
11. Midnight sun never sets
12. Old man river

Picture: 4:3 – NTSC
Sound: Mono
Languages / Subtitles: -
Region code: 0 (worldwide)
Running time: 50 mins
Production: 1961