The Basie Band was one of the most influential big jazz bands of all time, with a strong rhythm section and soloists who were both tall and unique. The Jubilee label recorded How High the Moon in mid-western sessions in 1959. This was when all The Basie-ites were still in the Big Band. Here’s the famous rhythm section, Barry Harris (a great pianist), in for the Count. Another chapter of the tumultuous tale tells the story of the swinging rhythms of Sonny Payne and Eddie Jones, who are Freddie Green on guitar and Eddie Jones on bass. The rest of the Basie-ites, including Frank Foster and Billy Mitchell on saxophones, Frank Wess flute and Joe Newman on trumpet, Frank Foster and Frank Foster on flute, Frank Wess flute and Joe Newman on trombone, have full freedom to play. Each one is highlighted. A smaller group of Basie-ites joined Beverly Kenney for the 1956 recording of the Roost label. Beverly was a jazz singer with all the special qualities of jazz singing, including the unique touches of huskiness, heartbeat, originality, and beat that distinguish a jazz singer. The rhythm section, which includes Beverly, can always rely on Joe Newman and Frank Wess for tenor and flute to create counter-melodies, set down obbligatos and fill out the ensemble. from www.freshsoundrecords.com
