The Count Basie and His Orchestra (1944)

Given the paucity of recordings from the '40s issued by his own label, the quality and content of this collection of 14 songs cut exclusively for radio in 1944 is scandalously good. The tracks, include a long version of with an extended piano introduction by , a hot version of with guest clarinetist (just out of the service) in a soaring solo, soloing on a rousing, breakneck-paced version of and a rendition of featuring , during his brief tenure with the band, soloing on tenor sax. and are each featured on two numbers, and bluesy vocals, in particular, are a sultry delight. But the main thrust of this collection is the instrumental work, which, divorced from the three-minute limits of commercial recording, has lots of room for some hot improvisation. The sound quality is good to excellent, with exceptional clarity and richness and no distortion, and the textures are very close and vivid -- the piano on is sharper and crisper than it is on most of his recordings of the period that have been reissued. The notes by the late . are informative and lively, and, as with all releases, the estate of the artist is paid a royalty for sales of this CD release. This is a disc to own, to keep, and to play often. ~ Bruce Eder