The Count at his European concert, age 77?

I have not paid much attention to big band jazz during 60es. I had a chance to listen to his orchestra at State Room, Empire State Building, if I remember correctly.

But I was much fond of Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and Red Garland. It took me another 10 years to find how great the Count has been. I was invited to join amatuar big band during 80es and had chance to read scores of Count Basie Band.

Thing was the ad lib by the Count is completely out of my imagination. I didn't realized that till I saw his score. No, I'd rather put it this way, "Count wouldn't let you know how different he has been and didn't even give us a hint to guess so" Right, his ad-lib so natural.



This is 55 minutes video. But is packed with popular numbers. Tear,s man, tears, I feel tears come out remembering those happy years with jazz myself.