Basie Boogie
Count Basie
The great pianist-bandleader is featured with his septet in 1950
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Count Basie led his famous and influential big band during 1935-49 before he had to break it up due to running low on money.
In 1950, Basie headed an all-star septet that featured trumpeter Clark Terry, tenor-saxophonist Wardell Gray and clarinetist Buddy DeFranco.
On this version of “Basie Boogie” which was filmed by Snader Telescriptions to be used as a fill-in on television in case a live show ran short on time, Basie is showcased playing some stirring piano.
The rousing performance is a reminder that Count Basie (who by 1952 would be leading a new and very successful big band) was an underrated and talented pianist.
– Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald