Basie with Freddy

[AcornHouse]

I’m reading Basie’s autobiography at present. One of the earliest recordings of his full big band is this 1937 recording, the first recording of Topsy by Eddie Durham that he wrote for Basie. (He and Eddie had been staff arrangers in Bennie Moten’s band in KC.)
With newly joined Freddy Green helping to drive the rhythm section, you can hear why his was considered one of of the hardest swinging bands.

 

[GGJaguar]

 

[AcornHouse]

Although only Lester Young (Prez) was in the band in 1937 of those three.

Decca matrix 62514. Topsy / Count Basie Orchestra

adp.library.ucsb.edu

 

[shihan]

Timeless; with great time!
I got to see the Count Basie Band in the ‘70’s. The Count was still very much on his game.
Man did they swing.

 

[Brad Little]

Timeless; with great time!
I got to see the Count Basie Band in the ‘70’s. The Count was still very much on his game.
Man did they swing.

Hard not to swing with Freddie Green chomping away!