Count Basie - The Classic Roulette Collection 1958-1959 (2019)

Born William James Basie in Red Band, New Jersey on 21st August 1904, 'Count' Basie began his musical journey by learning both drums and piano, and although he was a more naturally a pianist, he preferred the drums as a youth. By 15 though, he was focussing solely on the keyboards, discouraged by friend and future Duke Ellington drummer Sonny Greer, knowing he could never match Greer's skills on the 'skins'. Basie's family were musical; his father played the mellophone and his mother the piano, teaching the young William how to play from an early age. In 1924 he moved to Harlem where his musical career began, later becoming one of the most successful jazz bandleaders; in 1935 he formed his own orchestra. In 1937, Basie decided to move the orchestra to New York and when the famous pianist Fletcher Henderson caught an early performance at the Roseland Ballroom, he noted that the orchestra lacked polish and presentation. This didn't prove to be an issue however as throughout the '30s and '40s, the orchestra popularity and skill set continued to grow. Focusing on Basie's work with Roulette Records in 1958 and 1959, one of the busiest periods of his 50 year career, this collection showcases some of his most lauded work and includes his most successful albums to date. Recording over 100 albums with his orchestra who despite Basie's death on 26th April, 1984 are still active to this day, Basie remains one of the pioneering bandleaders in Jazz and Swing music. This 4CD will serve as welcome reminder to those already familiar with the Count and will prove a fantastic introduction to any new Count Basie fans.