CD Count Basie – Swings

Experience the incomparable sound of the "King of Swing" with Count Basie – Swings, a 1995 compilation released by Fat Boy Records. This CD captures the essence of the Count Basie Orchestra, a unit renowned for its amazing strength, precision, and ability to swing at any tempo.

This collection highlights the "New Testament" era of the Basie band, featuring legendary sidemen such as Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Frank Wess, and Frank Foster. These recordings document the transition of the band into a more modern, bop-inspired sound while maintaining the minimalist piano style and deep-seated blues feel that defined Basie’s career for nearly 50 years.

• The "Basie Manner": Timeless arrangements from top-rung composers that balance powerful fortissimos with delicate pianissimo sections.
• Iconic Performances: Features the band's signature "modern" sound, anchored by the indispensable baritone saxophonist Charlie Fowlkes and bassist Eddie Jones.
• Genre: Essential Big Band, Swing, and Jazz.

Whether you are a lifelong jazz aficionado or a drummer looking to study the precision of the Basie rhythm section, this compilation is a necessary addition to any serious music library. As the saying goes, "It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing"—and Basie has it in spades.