A tightly-wound collection of mid-50s small-group performances, "The Swinging Count" showcases the Count Basie And His Sextet in peak form, navigating the line between hard-swinging blues and impeccably tight arrangements.
- Recorded in New York City on January 26, 1956, the sessions for "The Swinging Count" featured the core members of the Basie orchestra alongside guests.
- Originally released by Verve Records in April 1956, the album was a showcase for the sextet's tight arrangements and improvisational prowess.
- The album has since been reissued multiple times, with critics noting its consistent quality and representation of Basie's small-group output.
Count Basie And His Sextet were a jazz ensemble led by the pianist, composer, and bandleader Count Basie. They were a prominent force in the Kansas City jazz scene and are best known for their influential big band arrangements and swinging rhythm. This 1956 album found the ensemble in a period of transition, shortly after their move to Verve Records and preceding a string of successful recordings for the label.
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