| 1 | Blues For Alfy | 4:42 |
| 2 | Featherweight | 4:52 |
| 3 | The Heat's On | 2:41 |
| 4 | Katy | 2:31 |
| 5 | C.B. Express | 6:04 |
| 6 | Prime Time | 7:34 |
| 7 | Swee' Pea | 4:36 |
| 8 | Mr. Softie | 5:39 |
| 9 | Way Out Basie | 4:20 |
The Best of the Count Basie Big Band is a definitive collection capturing the "King of Swing" during his influential tenure with Pablo Records. This reissue highlights the powerhouse sound of Bill "The Count" Basie and his expertly led 18-piece ensemble, showcasing why he remained an American institution for over five decades.
Renowned by audiophiles as a "true demo disc," this compilation features recordings from Basie's prolific late-70s to early-80s period. Critics emphasize the incredible clarity, transparency, and "big" stereo sound that puts the listener front and center for a rip-roaring performance. The release captures the band’s veterans at their peak, delivering a rich and dynamic listening experience that sums up Basie's legendary career.
Key Highlights:
- Stellar Tracklist: Includes fan favorites like the lightly swinging "88 Basie Street," along with "Fancy Pants" and "Me and You."
- Audiophile Quality: Mastered in high-fidelity stereo with exceptional extensions in both high and low frequencies.
- The Basie Groove: Features the iconic rhythm section anchored by Freddie Green’s "chomp-chomp" guitar work and Basie’s signature piano "walking" style.
Whether you are a lifelong jazz enthusiast or a high-end audio collector, this Pablo Records compilation is a must-own showcase of big band swing at its finest.
