History

Count Basie founded his orchestra in 1935 amidst the bustling Kansas City jazz scene. The band began as a smaller ensemble, but already included stars like tenor saxophonist Lester Young and alto saxophonist Buster Smith. This early iteration of the band combined jam session playing with more organized ensemble sections. Shortly into this band’s life, producer John Hammond helped Basie expand the group to a big band format. The band also moved to New York City, where the list of members grew to include figures like guitarist Freddie Green. The Orchestra underwent another seismic shift in the 1950s, so much so that people often refer to “Old Testament” and “New Testament” bands. The “New Testament” band’s sound was shaped by a new cast of arrangers, including Sammy Nestico, Frank Foster, Neal Hefti, Quincy Jones, and Oliver Nelson. They produced a forward-thinking, full-bodied sound that often emphasized intricate ensemble writing over featuring soloists. Some of the albums recorded during this period, like Atomic Basie (1958), and April in Paris (1957) constitute Basie’s most iconic works. Many of the group’s arrangements are now staples of the jazz big band canon, and played by bands around the globe.