Name: Basic Basie
Brand: Count Basie

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

0209745MSW

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2022-02-25

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

4029759097457

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Count Basie

Genre GB

Jazz

Label GB

Count Basie was an influential American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer. Born on August 21, 1904 in Red Bank, NJ, USA, he made a significant impact on the world of jazz throughout his career. Count Basie's talent and unique style earned him a place among the most celebrated musicians of his time.
As a member of the *Count Basie Orchestra*, he led one of the most renowned big bands in history. His orchestra showcased exceptional musicianship and innovative arrangements that captivated audiences worldwide. Count Basie's contributions to jazz continue to inspire generations of musicians.
With a career spanning several decades until his passing on April 26, 1984 in Hollywood, FL, USA, Count Basie left an indelible mark on the music industry. His legacy lives on through his timeless compositions and unforgettable performances.

MPS is a German jazz label that was founded in 1968 by Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer. It started as a successor to SABA and quickly gained recognition for its exceptional sound quality. Often compared to the renowned Blue Note label, MPS became known as Most Perfect Sound.

From 1971 onwards, MPS releases were distributed by BASF and later by Metronome Records GmbH (renamed Metronome Musik GmbH in 1977). However, in 1983, due to declining budgets for recording jazz music, Brunner-Schwer shifted his focus to classical music and sold the rights of MPS to Philips. Eventually, the label found its way under Polydor's ownership and its recordings were re-released by Motor Music starting from 1993.

In Hamburg, Universal Jazz Germany took over the MPS archives in 1999 while Speakers Corner Records released various vinyl reissues. After ten years since Brunner-Schwer's passing, Edel acquired MPS's back catalogue from Universal on January 7th, 2014. Now led by Andreas Brunner-Schwer and Friedhelm Schulz, the team has returned to Villingen where they continue recording new material.

Recorded at the famous Universal Studios in Chicago in 1969, this is the rst of two classic Basie recordings for MPS.

There are at least three aspects that place Basic Basie on the 'special album' list: lots of the Orchestra's standards arranged by the inimitable Chico O'Farrell, more Basie on piano, and some great tenor solos by one Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. The band comes out hot and swinging on Jesse Stone's "Idaho", with a bouncy piano solo, and "Lockjaw" pours out a scalding half chorus starting at the bridge. "Blues in My Heart" has a laid-back Basie and Davis, and on "I Don't Stand a Chance" Davis blows a warm, breathy ballad. "Red Roses", "Moonglow", and "Ma He's Making Eyes at Me" are all beautifully arranged at a medium tempo, with Basie and Davis the soloists. The funky "M-Squad" features Eric Dixon's pristine ute solo, the leisurely "Sweet Lorraine" drips warm-honeyed notes, while Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin" deservedly features Basie's piano. "Don't Worry" gives the listener a sweet taste of Basie band stalwart Marshall Royal's alto, and on "As Long as I Live" Basie takes on the melody with a short aside from "Lockjaw". A title that ts hand-in-glove to Basie and band, "I've Got The World On A String" closes out the session.

Basic Basie

Music GB