Basically Basie: Count Basie – «Kansas City Suite»

It was this unerring timing and incredible drive that made the Count Basie Orchestra the epitome of swinging joie de vivre. The 1960s was a fruitful decade of performances and recordings for Count Basie and his orchestra, and the album “Kansas City Suite” kicked it off. The 10-movement suite was composed by Benny Carter specifically for Count Basie and the outstanding soloists in his orchestra, which at the time included Marshal Royal, Frank Wess, Frank Foster, Thad Jones, Snooky Young, Al Gray and Sonny Payne. The individual songs all pay homage to places, streets and clubs in Kansas City, where Basie began his career in the 1920s.

In addition to the complete “Kansas City Suite,” the Zurich Jazz Orchestra will perform swinging hits from the Count Basie Orchestra’s long and esteemed history.