Description:

Darius Hampton, conductor 

The Count Basie Orchestra is undeniably the most swingin’, blues-infused ensemble in the history of jazz. Throughout the Count’s career, he and his band members performed music that defined the meaning of swing and the blues. Former Count Basie Orchestra member Thad Jones combined the blues with sophisticated orchestrations to create a new sound that is still uniquely identified with him today. This concert celebrates the blues and sophistication, two of the ingredients that make jazz a great American art form.

William “Count” Basie and Eddie Durham (trans. Myles Collins), “Jumpin’ at the Woodside”
Frank Foster, “Blues in Hoss’ Flat”
Kay Swift/Paul James (arr. Thad Jones), “Can’t We Be Friends?”
Freddie Green (arr. Ernie Wilkins, trans. Myles Collins), “Corner Pocket”
Thad Jones, “To You”
Neal Hefti, “Whirly Bird”
Jerome Richardson (arr. Thad Jones), “Groove Merchant”
Sammy Nestico, “The Queen Bee”
Thad Jones, “Tiptoe”
Thad Jones, “Kids Are Pretty People”
Vernon Duke/Edgar “Yip” Harburg (arr. William “Wild Bill” Davis, trans. Jeff Hest), “April in Paris”
Thad Jones, “Cherry Juice”