Count Basie

Count Basie

Count Basie is a jazz pianist, organist, composer and bandleader from Red Bank, United States. Born in 1904 and dying in 1984, he becomes one of the central figures in swing and big band jazz, with a style that is distinctive on piano and influential enough to shape later players. His playing is associated with both barrelhouse and concert-hall approaches, and his piano sound is reflected in the title of the tune “Splanky”.

Early influences and playing style

Basie’s pianistic influences include Willie “The Lion” Smith, James P. Johnson and Fats Waller. He is known for a light, economical and swinging approach that sits at the centre of his work as both a soloist and an accompanist. His reputation rests not only on technical skill but on the rhythmic feel that defines much of his music.

Bandleading and the Basie organisation

As a bandleader, Basie builds an orchestra that develops from the remains of Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra. The group becomes especially strong in dance music and in backing vocalists, and it helps keep many musicians employed during difficult years for jazz performers. The Basie organisation is also a major training ground for players who go on to wider recognition.

The orchestra’s rhythm section is particularly celebrated, with Walter Page on bass, Jo Jones on drums and Freddie Green on guitar forming what is widely regarded as one of the most swinging rhythm sections in jazz. Among the band’s leading vocalists are Jimmy Rushing and later Joe Williams.

Key collaborators and sidemen

Over the years, Basie’s ensembles include many important soloists and sidemen. These include Herschel Evans, Lester Young, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Buddy Tate, Illinois Jacquet, Earle Warren, Jack Washington, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Buck Clayton, Thad Jones, Snooky Young, Benny Morton, Benny Powell and Dicky Wells. He also works with vocalists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday.

Basie collaborates with musicians including Zoot Sims and Oscar Peterson, and he records in settings ranging from large orchestra work to smaller groups.

Groups and recorded formats

Basie’s name is associated with several different ensembles and formats, including the Count Basie Orchestra, the Count Basie Trio, the Count Basie Sextet, the Count Basie Octet, Count Basie and The Kansas City Seven, Count Basie All Stars, Count Basie Band, Count Basie, His Instrumentalists and Rhythm, Jones-Smith, Incorporated and The Benny Goodman Sextet. These smaller and larger units show the range of his work across swing, jazz and piano blues, with vocal jazz also part of his recorded field.

Arrangers and musical direction

Basie’s orchestral sound is shaped in part by arrangers such as Eddie Durham and Neal Hefti. Their writing helps define the Basie band’s concise, swinging style and its lasting place in big band jazz.