Count Basie and His All-Stars: Jam Session #3 & #4.

Pianist Count Basie was asked to select a group of his favorite musicians for an impromptu jam session style recording. He selected the players wisely and chose trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, alto saxophone masters, Benny Carter and Willie Smith and tenor giants Stan Getz and Wardell Gray and the herald of the modern clarinet, Buddy DeFranco,. In the rhythm section of course Basie chose guitarist Freddie Green, his right hand man for many years. On bass, the reliable John Simmons and the fiery Buddy Rich on drums. Basie is replaced on the lengthy ballad medley by pianist Arnold Ross and on the final "Blues For The Count" , Basie switches to organ while Ross stays on piano. The format is simple as the set opens on a high level with "Apple Jam". The ballad medley follows with everyone displaying their wares on a group of standard songs. Then the exciting "lady be Good". This standard by the Gershwin Brothers was often used in jam sessions and is one of the high points here. The final "Blues For The Count" is self explanatory. All of this took place in Los Angeles on August 18,1953 under the wise supervision of the great impressario Norman Granz. Sit back and enjoy master musicians in an informal setting playing their best.