CD Count Basie Orchestra – Basie Is Back

Experience the enduring power of big band swing with Basie Is Back, a 2006 release from the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Released via Concord Records/Village Music, this album proves that while "The Kid" may be gone, his iconic sound is very much alive and swinging in the hands of his "relatively" young cohorts and veteran players.

Recorded live in Japan, this collection features the orchestra performing at the height of their powers under the direction of Bill Hughes. The ensemble breathes new life into the timeless arrangements of Freddie Green, Frank Foster, and Neal Hefti, maintaining the precise rhythm and explosive energy that defined the original Basie era.

Key Highlights:

• Iconic Anthems: Features definitive performances of "April in Paris" (complete with the famous "one more time" encore) and the signature hit "One O'Clock Jump."
• Vocal Excellence: Melba Joyce delivers sophisticated renditions of jazz standards like "Body and Soul" and "Lover Come Back to Me."
• Instrumental Mastery: Look for veteran drummer Butch Miles driving the high-flying "Whirlybird" and John Williams’ handsome baritone sax showcase on "We’re in Love Again."

Whether you are a lifelong devotee or a newcomer to the genre, Basie Is Back is a first-rate testament to the greatest swing machine in jazz history.