Jazz Matinee: «Basie Straight Ahead»

This morning is dedicated entirely to the lighthearted and swinging music of Count Basie. Count Basie grew up in New Jersey and received his first piano lessons from his mother. His big band shaped the swing style of the 1930s and 1940s with minimal piano playing, precise ensemble sound, and legendary soloists such as tenor saxophonist Lester Young and singer Billie Holiday.

The concert will focus on the complete performance of the album “Basie Straight Ahead,” recorded in Hollywood, California. Sammy Nestico, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 97, played the trombone and began working as an arranger for Count Basie after leaving the military in 1967. The following year, Nestico wrote, arranged, and conducted all the music for this album. And—surprise—he played the piano himself on the track “That Warm Feeling,” while the modest Basie switched to the Hammond organ. The album won a Grammy in the “Jazz Performance Large Groups” category and became a classic of big band literature.

The second set features more ZJO Basie favorites, such as “You Gotta Try Harder” and “Lil’ Darlin’,” as well as excerpts from the “Kansas City Suite.” We look forward to an exhilarating matinee with you.