Throughout his career,
Count Basie was modest about his own abilities as a pianist, and his success at streamlining his style to the bare essentials often made listeners underrate his playing talents. This 1974 session was a rarity, an opportunity for
Basie to be featured in a trio setting (with bassist
Ray Brown and drummer
Louie Bellson), during which he provides enough variety to hold one's interest and enough technique to lead many to reassess his piano skills. ~ Scott Yanow