This is the sound and groove that helped define the Count Basie Orchestra for a decade. Medium swing, brass in bucket mutes and smooth as silk chord changes are at the heart of this chart. It flows along at an understated simmer and then jumps up at you for a brief phrase before it settles down again. SN2401 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00
Sammy Nestico loved horses and many of the titles he chose for his music reflect that love...Hay Burner is a perfect example. Aside from being a great straight ahead swing chart, there is also a tip of the hat to country music. As with all of Sammy's music there is ample opportunity to show off the dynamic shadings that are available in a big band. SN2402 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00
Another hit from the Basie Straight Ahead album is this driving swinger in F minor. This chart gives the band a great chance to really play soft and make a huge build over an entire phrase to a fortissimo. The music needs to be played with some serious attitude to make this piece soar. SN2403 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00
Recorded on the landmark album Basie Straight Ahead, the tempo Sammy has indicated on the score is "Mucho Fasto" which gives you an idea of the flagwaver that is Magic Flea. Another great recording of the chart was recently made by the well-known hr-BigBand (Frankfurt Radio Big Band) which is definitely worth checking out. A full workout for the entire ensemble! SN2404 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00
The quintessential recording of this chart was captured on the 1968 album called Basie Straight Ahead. Unlike many of Sammy's charts for Basie, this one starts with the Saxes and rhythm section instead of the more typical Piano solo. Brass will need bucket mutes to get the right color in the ensemble, and while this chart is not as fast as a piece like Magic Flea, it still demands the ensemble to play at their highest level to make the chart swing. SN2405 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00
This exciting chart was recorded by both the Count Basie Orchestra and the Buddy Rich Big Band. As you may know, Buddy Rich did not read music, and Sammy tells the story that Buddy heard this chart rehearsed once and then played it perfectly. It is worthwhile to compare the Basie version to the Buddy Rich recording to analyze the different approaches each ensemble took to the music. SN2406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00
Recorded in 1968 on the album Basie Straight Ahead this slow swinger defines the Basie style at this tempo. While not overly demanding technically, this chart will challenge even the best bands to play with balance, blend and rhythmic nuance. If you listen to the original recording, you can hear Count Basie playing Hammond Organ behind the band. Bucket mutes are essential in the brass to get the right color for this music. SN2407 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00