This magnificent three-disc set has the first 63 recordings by
Count Basie's Orchestra, all of his Deccas. The consistency is remarkable (with not more than two or three turkeys) and the music is the epitome of swing. With such soloists as
Lester Young and
Herschel Evans on tenors, trumpeters
Buck Clayton and
Harry "Sweets" Edison, the great blues singer
Jimmy Rushing, and that brilliant rhythm section of
Basie, guitarist
Freddie Green, bassist
Walter Page, and drummer
Jo Jones, the music is timeless. It's all here: "One O'Clock Jump," "Sent for You Yesterday," "Blue and Sentimental," "Jumpin' at the Woodside," "Jive at Five," and many others. This is the first
Count Basie collection to acquire and should be in every jazz collection. ~ Scott Yanow