I like delving into regional music scenes, past or present. it really doesn't matter what style. If you're a resident of the midwest and enjoy music, you have to love Count Basie. Born in Red Bank, New Jersey - winning a piano competition in none other than Asbury Park N.J. (been there), he then made his "mark" via Kansas City (been there) - and the rest is history. Basie learned "stride" piano from none other than Fats Waller, and was a key player in bridging blues/jazz to "swing." He married Catherine Morgan in 1942 - and they continued as a couple until she died in 1983. Some exceptional Count Basie sites can be found by going...
...right here ("One more Once" Rutgers site on tribute to Count Basie) and...
...right here ("Count Basie corner" blog)
Basie wrote, performed, and recorded seemingly forever, leaving a nearly endless well of tunage to check out. I love the story of "One O'Clock Jump" being written on the fly in a radio station when he'd run out of songs to play. For an absolutely terrific, vintage youtube link of a performance of the song, go right here (I've seen that movie, "Reveille with Beverly," by the way, and it's totally worth checking out). Perhaps his most recognizable tune is "Jumping a the Woodside" written in 1954, and can be found on youtube by going right here.
From a "potluck" angle, you might also check out this accordion army version of the song by going right here. My apologies to some purists who will hate his, but I love it both seriously and ironically.
The "Count" (perhaps nicknamed this because of his leadership of the group "The Barons" - although there are different versions of the story) died just one year after his wife did in 1984 - leaving behind him an indelible mark and a huge legacy.
PS
informative and interesting. Thanks.
ReplyDeletelove the count. Nice write up. Iffy on the accordion army.
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