Count Basie: Count Basie and the Kansas City Seven

Jeff Duperon

Recent articles (9 total)

Published: June 1, 1997

Count Basie developed the concept of the Kansas City Seven in the late 1930's when Basie recorded with a small section of his Big Band. The original members of that aggregation were: Buck Clayton, Dicky Wells, Lester Young, Freddie Green, Walter Page and Jo Jones. Twenty-three years later he selected a group of musician's that would rekindle the fire that was the Kansas City Seven. This contingent featured Thad Jones, Frank Wess, Frank Foster (who currently leads the Count Basie Big Band), Eric Dixon, Eddie Jones and Sonny Payne. Suffice it to say these cats are swinging. Jazz lovers should thank their lucky stars for the "Digitally Remastered" technology we have today. Those of you who purchased this LP will be happy to know that in addition to the careful and meticulous 20-bit Super Mapping used to remaster the original analog tapes, we are treated to a bonus track on the CD written by Thad Jones titled, "Trey of Hearts."

This CD is small-group swing at its best with Count Basie leading the way in top form featuring blues, standards and two originals each from Thad Jones and Frank Wess. A must for the serious collector.

Record Label: Impulse!
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream