Count Basie-The Atomic Mr. Basie (1957)

Count Basie was one of the aristocrats of jazz, famous for his distinctive style, his diverse influences, his great dynamism, and that unique and peculiar sense of swing. All these qualities are present in one of his most dazzling and famous recordings, "The Atomic Mr. Basie", made in late 1957 at Capitol Studios in New York and released by Roulette Records. In this legendary recording, Basie managed to resurrect the Big Bands from the ashes after years in which they had lost the public's interest and were almost forgotten. All the material presented here was written by arranger Neal Hefti and features a powerful horn section. However, the common thread is Basie's understated yet fiery piano, which, with its playing, achieves moments of great instrumental cacophony. Vigorous pieces are interwoven with others of great melodic beauty, subtlety, and delicate orchestral nuances.