The Count Basie Story


Count Basie Story is a double album by pianist, composer and bandleader Count Basie featuring tracks originally performed by his orchestra in the 1930s and 1940s rerecorded in 1960 as a celebration of its 25th anniversary
and first released on the Roulette label. Selections from the 2-LP set were also released as Roulette's The Best of Basie in 1962 and The Best of Basie Vol. 2 in 1964. The album was rereleased with bonus tracks in 2004 to commemorate Basie's 100th birthday.

Reception

awarded the album 3½ stars and its review by Scott Yanow states, "These sides were hotly contested when originally issued because of the contrast in accents between the 1937 band and the later one. The sound is so different that it cannot be compared to the pure and bluesy dance band swing of the originals; it is amped up and brassy, with charts that stress tempo and sophisticated ensemble playing rather than riff-based solos, busyness, and dynamics. For any serious Basie fan, these sides are essential".

Track listing

Disc One:
  1. "Broadway" - 3:23
  2. "Down for Double" - 2:59
  3. "Lester Leaps In" - 4:17
  4. "Topsy" - 3:42
  5. "Jumpin' at the Woodside" - 3:11
  6. "Taps Miller" - 3:22
  7. "Shorty George" - 2:56
  8. "Doggin' Around" - 3:01
  9. "Avenue C" - 2:33
  10. "Jive at Five" - 3:02
  11. "Rock-a-Bye Basie" - 3:37
  12. "Moten Swing" - 4:50 Bonus track on CD reissue
Disc Two:
  1. "Swingin' the Blues" - 3:17
  2. "Sent for You Yesterday " - 3:09
  3. "Tickle Toe" - 2:36
  4. "Blue and Sentimental" - 4:07
  5. "Time Out" - 2:46
  6. "" - 3:49
  7. "Red Bank Boogie" - 2:15
  8. "Every Tub" - 3:11
  9. "Dickie's Dream" - 4:09
  10. "Texas Shuffle" - 3:12
  11. "Out the Window" - 2:52
  12. "Boogie Woogie" - 3:06
  13. "Good Morning Blues" - 2:52 Bonus track on CD reissue
  14. "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good to You" - 2:31 Bonus track on CD reissue

    Personnel