Count Basie – Have A Nice Day

Count Basie – Have A Nice Day

Have A Nice Day showcases the effortlessly swinging sound of Count Basie and his orchestra, one of the most important and influential big bands in jazz history. With Basie's unmistakable piano style, precise rhythm section and powerful horn arrangements, the album demonstrates why his music remained hugely popular long after the original swing era had passed.

Count Basie was one of the defining figures of American jazz, developing a distinctive Kansas City style built around relaxed grooves, economical piano playing and tightly arranged horn sections. From the legendary Basie orchestra of the 1930s and 1940s through to his later recordings, the band's sound retained its trademark combination of rhythmic drive, blues feeling and sophisticated ensemble playing.

The album opens with the upbeat Have A Nice Day, followed by the swinging The Plunger and Jamie. It's About Time and This Way continue the programme with the orchestra's trademark combination of punchy brass, flowing saxophones and an irresistibly tight rhythm section.

Side B features Scott's Place, Doin' Basie's Thing and The Spirit Is Willing, before moving through the relaxed Small Talk, You 'N Me and Feelin' Free. Across the album, Basie's understated piano provides the perfect foundation for the orchestra, allowing the horn sections and rhythm players to create the effortless swing for which the Count Basie sound is renowned.

Have A Nice Day is an excellent choice for collectors of Count Basie vinyl, classic big band jazz and swing music, and a great introduction to the later sound of one of jazz's most celebrated orchestras. Fans of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman and Stan Kenton will find plenty to appreciate in Basie's distinctive approach to big band jazz.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Have A Nice Day – 3:14
2. The Plunger – 3:42
3. Jamie – 3:22
4. It's About Time – 3:03
5. This Way – 2:28

Side B

1. Scott's Place – 3:53
2. Doin' Basie's Thing – 2:48
3. The Spirit Is Willing – 3:00
4. Small Talk – 3:28
5. You 'N Me – 2:55
6. Feelin' Free – 2:40