Count Basie – The Complete Clef/Verve Count Basie Fifties Studio Recordings

Label: Mosaic Records (2) – MD8-229
Format:
8 x CD, Compilation

Box Set, Limited Edition, Numbered
Country: US
Released: 2005

Genre: Jazz
Style: Swing

DISC ONE
1. New Basie Blues (A) 3:24
(C. Basie-N. Pierce)
2. New Basie Blues (45 tk) (A) 3:30
(C. Basie-N. Pierce)
3. Sure Thing (A) 3:00
(Neal Hefti)
4. Why Not? (A) 3:28
(Neal Hefti)
5. Fawncy Meetin' You (A) 3:00
(Neal Hefti)
6. Jive At Five (B) 3:07
(C. Basie-H. Edison)
7. No Name (B) 3:06
(Count Basie)
8. No Name (78 tk) (B) 3:08
(Count Basie)
9. Redhead (B) 2:48
(Sy Oliver)
10. Every Tub (B) 2:48
(C. Basie-E. Durham)
11. Jack And Jill (alt tk) (C) 2:53
(D. Redman-C. Basie)
12. Jack And Jill (C) 2:52
(D. Redman-C. Basie)
13. Bread (C) 2:50
(Ernie Wilkins)
14. Small Hotel (C) 3:30
(R. Rodgers-L. Hart)
15. Hob Nail Boogie (C) 2:32
(Count Basie)
16. Basie Talks (C) 3:37
(Count Basie)
17. Paradise Squat -2 (C) 4:03
(C. Basie-B. Harding)
18. Paradise Squat -3 (C) 3:36
(C. Basie-B. Harding)
19. U.F.O. (C) 3:02
(unknown)
20. Like A Ship At Sea (C) 3:34
(Mercedes Welcher)
21. Bunny (C) 3:06
(Count Basie)
22. Tippin' On The Q.T. (alt tk) (C) 3:09
(Buck Clayton)
23. Tippin' On The Q.T. (C) 3:00
(Buck Clayton)
24. Blee Blop Blues (C) 3:01
(Count Basie)

DISC TWO
1. Cash Box (alt tk) (D) 3:20
(Basie-Gibson-McRae)
2. Cash Box (D) 3:21
(Basie-Gibson-McRae)
3. Bootsie (alt tk) (D) 3:24
(Count Basie)
4. Bootsie (D) 3:20
(Count Basie)
5. Tom Whaley (D) 2:54
(C. Basie-B. Clayton)
6. Blues For The Count And Oscar (alt tk) (D) 10:51
(C. Basie-O. Peterson)
7. Blues For The Count And Oscar (D) 3:07
(C. Basie-O. Peterson)
8. Be My Guest (D) 3:01
(Ernie Wilkins)
9. You're Not The Kind (D) 3:16
(Count Basie)
10. Extended Blues (D) 5:55
(C. Basie-O. Peterson)
11. Let Me Dream (E) 2:39
(unknown)
12. Sent For You Yesterday (And Here You Come Today) (E) 3:10
(Basie-Durham-Rushing)
13. Goin' To Chicago (E) 3:20
(J. Rushing-C. Basie)
14. I Want A Little Girl (E) 2:51
(M. Mencher-B. Moll)
15. Oh, Lady Be Good (E) 2:23
(G. Gershwin-I. Gershwin)
16. Song Of The Islands (E) 2:49
(Charles E. King)

DISC THREE
1. Basie Beat (F) 3:20
(Count Basie)
2. She's Funny That Way (F) 4:09
(C. Daniels-R. Whiting)
3. Count's Organ Blues (F) 3:09
(Count Basie)
4. K.C. Organ Blues (F) 2:53
(Count Basie)
5. Blue And Sentimental (F) 3:01
(Basie-David-Livingston)
6. Stan Shorthair (F) 2:54
(Count Basie)
7. As Long As I Live (F) 3:08
(H. Arlen-T. Koehler)
8. Royal Garden Blues (F) 3:03
(C. Williams-S. Williams)
9. Plymouth Rock (G) 3:41
(Neal Hefti)
10. Blues Go Away! (G) 3:19
(Ernie Wilkins)
11. Peace Pipe (H) 2:27
(Ernie Wilkins)
12. Straight Life (H) 4:30
(Johnny Mandel)
13. Bubbles (H) 3:58
(Neal Hefti)
14. Softly With Feeling (H) 3:05
(Neal Hefti)
15. Cherry Point (H) 3:18
(Neal Hefti)
16. Basie Goes Wess (H) 3:52
(Frank Wess)
17. Right On (H) 2:37
(Freddie Green)
18. The Blues Done Come Back (H) 3:35
(Ernie Wilkins)

DISC FOUR
1. Slow But Sure (I) 3:43
(Manny Albam)
2. You For Me (I) 3:09
(Neal Hefti)
3. She's Just My Size (I) 4:29
(Ernie Wilkins)
4. Soft Drink (I) 3:05
(Reunald Jones)
5. Two For The Blues (I) 2:47
(Neal Hefti)
6. Blues Backstage (I) 4:33
(Frank Foster)
7. I Feel Like A New Man (I) 2:53
(Manny Albam)
8. Down For The Count (I) 6:00
(Frank Foster)
9. Stereophonic (J) 2:22
(Ernie Wilkins)
10. Sixteen Men Swinging (J) 3:03
(Ernie Wilkins)
11. Ska-di-dle-dee-bee-doo (J) 3:34
(Neal Hefti)
12. Perdido (J) 4:52
(Juan Tizol)
13. Mambo Mist (J) 4:04
(Pat Chico Barnes)
14. Eventide (J) 4:38
(Bill Doggett)
15. Two Franks (J) 3:14
(Neal Hefti)
16. Ain't Misbehavin' (J) 3:41
(Waller-Razaf-Brooks)
17. Rails (J) 5:54
(D. Gillespie-B. Harding)

DISC FIVE
1. Every Day I Have The Blues (K) 5:25
(Memphis Slim)
2. The Comeback (K) 5:25
(Memphis Slim)
3. Alright, Okay, You Win (K) 3:03
(S. Wyche-M. Watts)
4. In The Evening (K) 3:33
(L. Carr-D. Raye)
5. April In Paris (L) 3:46
(V. Duke-E.Y. Harburg)
6. April In Paris (alt tk) (L) 3:47
(V. Duke-E.Y. Harburg)
7. Corner Pocket (L) 4:57
(F. Green-D. Wolf)
8. Corner Pocket (alt tk) (L) 5:15
(F. Green-D. Wolf)
9. Did 'n You ? (alt tk) (L) 4:49
(Count Basie)
10. Did 'n You ? (L) 4:44
(Count Basie)
11. Teach Me Tonight (L) 3:01
(S. Cahn-G. DePaul)
12. Please Send Me Someone To Love (L) 3:30
(Percy Mayfield)
13. My Baby Upsets Me (L) 2:55
(Joseph Corred Williams)
14. Ev'ry Day I Fall In Love (L) 3:42
(S. Fain-I. Kahal)
15. Roll 'Em Pete (L) 3:10
(P. Johnson-J. Turner)
16. Sweetie Cakes (L) 3:58
(Count Basie)

DISC SIX
1. Smack Dab In The Middle (M) 3:36
(Jesse Stone)
2. Shiny Stockings (M) 5:13
(Frank Foster)
3. What Am I Here For? (M) (alt tk) 4:03
(Duke Ellington)
4. What Am I Here For? (M) 3:19
(Duke Ellington)
5. Magic (alt tk) (M) 3:42
(Frank Wess)
6. Magic (alt tk) (M) 3:49
(Frank Wess)
7. Magic (M) 3:06
(Frank Wess)
8. Midgits (M) 3:12
(Count Basie)
9. Midgits (alt tk) (M) 3:10
(Count Basie)
10. Amazing Love (M) 3:28
(Jeanne Burns)
11. Only Forever (N) 3:34
(J. Burke-J. Monaco)
12. Stop Pretty Baby, Stop (N) 3:03
(Lovett-Saunders-Washington)
13. Mambo Inn (N) 3:22
(Bauza-Sampson-Woodlen)
14. Big Red (N) 3:45
(Count Basie)
15. Dinner With Friends (N) 3:04
(Neal Hefti)

DISC SEVEN
1. Blues Inside Out (O) 6:33
(Ernie Wilkins)
2. Dolphin Dip (O) 3:10
(Count Basie)
3. Flute Juice (O) 3:04
(Ernie Wilkins)
4. Lady In Lace (O) 4:32
(Frank Foster)
5. Stompin' And Jumpin' (O) 2:44
(Ernie Wilkins)
6. Trick Or Treat (O) 4:10
(Ernie Wilkins)
7. Move (O) 3:22
(Denzil Best)
8. As I Love You (P) 3:02
(R. Evans-J. Livingston)
9. Stop ! Don't ! (P) 2:32
(George Ronald Brown)
10. Oink (P) 4:33
(unknown)
11. I'm Beginning To See The Light (mono tk) (Q) 4:05
(Ellington-George-Hodges-James)
12. I'm Beginning To See The Light (stereo tk) (Q) 3:06
(Ellington-George-Hodges-James)
13. Our Love Is Here To Stay (Q) 3:37
(G. Gershwin-I. Gershwin)
14. A Fine Romance (Q) 2:28
(D. Fields-J. Kern)
15. Nevertheless (Q) 2:54
(B. Kalmar-H. Ruby)
16. Singin' In The Rain (Q) 2:25
(N. Brown-A. Freed)
17. There Will Never Be Another You (Q) 2:50
(M. Gordon-H. Warren)
18. My Baby Just Cares For Me (R) 2:24
(W. Donaldson-G. Kahn)
19. 'S Wonderful (R) 2:36
(G. Gershwin-I. Gershwin)
20. This Can't Be Love (R) 2:32
(R. Rodgers-L. Hart)
21. Come Rain Or Come Shine (R) 3:59
(H. Arlen-J. Mercer)
22. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me (R) 2:38
(C. Gaskill-J. McHugh)
23. Thou Swell (R) 2:19
(R. Rodgers-L. Hart)

DISC EIGHT
1. April In Paris (S) 4:41
(V. Duke-E.Y. Harburg)
2. Too Close For Comfort (S) 3:02
(Bock-Holofcener-Weiss)
3. Every Day I Have The Blues (S) 5:09
(Memphis Slim)
4. Party Blues (S) 3:57
(Basie-Fitzgerald-Williams)
5. Don't Worry 'Bout Me (T) 3:01
(R. Bloom-T. Koehler)
6. Low Life (T) 5:09
(Count Basie)
7. Slats (T) 4:40
(Joe Newman)
8. Lollypop (alt tk) (U) 2:58
(Neal Hefti)
9. Lollypop (U) 3:05
(Neal Hefti)
10. Too Close For Comfort (U) 2:52
(Bock-Holofcener-Weiss)
11. One O'Clock Jump (45 tk) (U) 4:32
(Count Basie)
12. One O'Clock Jump (LP tk) (U) 4:26
(Count Basie)
13. Basie's Back In Town (U) 3:13
(Ernie Wilkins)
14. From Coast To Coast (U) 8:29
(Ernie Wilkins)
15. Jamboree (V) 1:55
(Ernie Wilkins)
16. I Don't Like You No More (V) 2:36
(C. Colacrai-T. Randazzo)
17. One O'Clock Jump (V) 2:02
(Count Basie)

DISCOGRAPHY
For the purposes of this discography, only first issues in the U.S. on 78, 45, 10" LP and 12" LPs are listed. EPs have been omitted unless they are the initial 45 release. All recordings are mono except where noted. All 8900 and 89000 series numbers are 78 and/or 45 singles.

Arranger credits that are abbreviated in this set are as follows: Manny Albam (MA), Ralph Burns (RB), Buck Clayton (BC), Wild Bill Davis (WBD), Frank Foster (FF), Andy Gibson (AG), Freddie Green (FG), Buster Harding (BH), Neal Hefti (NH), Thad Jones (TJ), Johnny Mandel (JM), Teddy McRae (TM), Sy Oliver (SO), Nat Pierce (NP), Don Redman (DR), A.K. Salim (AKS), Edgar Sampson (ES), Frank Wess (FW) and Ernie Wilkins (EW).

(A) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Paul Campbell, Wendell Culley, Joe Newman, Charlie Shavers (tp), Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Jimmy Wilkins (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Floyd Johnson, Paul Quinichette (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Count Basie (p), Freddie Green (g), Jimmy Lewis (b), Gus Johnson (d).
Fine Sound, NYC, January 19, 1952
665-4 New Basie Blues (NP-arr) Merc / Clef 8964, MGC 120, MGC 685
665-5 New Basie Blues (NP-arr) Mercury 8964 (45)
666-3 Sure Thing (NH-arr) Merc / Clef 8964, MGC 120, MGC 685
667-2 Why Not (NH-arr) Merc / Clef 8988, MGC 120, MGC 685
668-4 Fawncy Meeting You (NH-arr) - - -

Note: Discographies have dated this session as January 17, 1952.

On matrix 665, Mercury 8964 (45) lists -4 on the label and -5 in the wax. It's not certain if matrix 665-5 also surfaced on a Clef 45.
Some discographies incorrectly list matrix 666 with -4.

Fawncy Meeting You is the same tune as the Basie recording of Fancy Meeting You recorded for OKeh in 1941.

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(B) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (A).
Fine Sound, NYC, January 25, 1952
688-3 Jive At Five (NH-arr) -1 Clef EPC 132, MGC 120, MGC 729
689-5 No Name (SO-arr) Clef EPC 196, MGC 148, MGC 729
689-6 No Name (SO-arr) Mercury 8987 (78)
690-5 Redhead (SO-arr) Clef EPC 196, MGC 148, MGC 729
691-5 Every Tub (NH-arr) Merc / Clef 8987, MGC 120, MGC 729

-1 omit Powell, J. Wilkins, Royal, E. Wilkins, F. Johnson, Fowlkes.

Note: The Mercury 78 of No Name is mislabelled as Jive at Five and the matrix in the wax is also incorrect (it's given as 688-6). It's not certain if Mercury and Clef 78 versions of Jive at Five were ever issued. On the flip side of this 78, matrix 691 is mislabelled as Jumping at the Woodside. A copy of the 45 has eluded us and it's not certain if the same errors exist.

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(C) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Paul Campbell, Joe Newman, Wendell Culley, Reunald Jones (tp), Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Jimmy Wilkins (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Paul Quinichette (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Count Basie (p, org), Freddie Green (g), Jimmy Lewis (b), Gus Johnson (d), Bixie Crawford (vcl).
Fine Sound, NYC, July 22, 1952
822-4 Jack And Jill (DR-arr) previously unissued
822-6 Jack And Jill (DR-arr) Clef EPC 195, MGC 148, MGC 685
823-2 Bread (EW-arr) Merc / Clef 89085, MGC 633
824-7 Small Hotel (EW-arr) Merc / Clef 89070, MGC 633
825-2 Hob Nail Boogie (BH-arr) Merc / Clef 89014, MGC 120, MGC 685
826-4 Basie Talks (EW-arr) Clef EPC 195, MGC 148, MGC 685
827-2 Paradise Squat (BH-arr) Clef EPC 279, MGC 120, MGC 685
827-3 Paradise Squat (BH-arr) Merc / Clef 89014, EPC 142, MGC 639
828-1 U.F.O. Verve VE2-2542
828-5 Like A Ship At Sea (BCr-vcl) -
829-3 Bunny (AG-arr) Clef EPC 196, MGC 148, MGC 685
830-1 Tippin On The Q.T. (BC-arr) previously unissued
830-5 Tippin On The Q.T. (BC-arr) Merc / Clef 89085, MGC 633
831-3 Blee Blop Blues (AKS-arr) Merc / Clef 89070, MGC 633

Note: Some discographies list matrix 825-7 as the take issued on all but the 78 release. A copy of this 78 has eluded us and it is not certain if an alternate was used.

Paradise Squat is listed as 827-4 on the tape reel box but noted on the wax and label of Mercury 89014 (78) as -3. Since two different takes of Paradise Squat were issued, all initial releases are shown.

Both U.F.O. and Like a Ship at Sea were assigned matrix 828. The naming of U.F.O. came from Bob Porter for use on Verve VE2-2542.

Matrix 830-5 was scheduled for release on Clef EPC 186, but was never issued and is listed in discographies as being released on MGC 148.

There are discrepencies with the recording date for this session and the next, however, the dates listed here came from the original tape reel box and the Clef log book.

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(D) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA -1: Paul Campbell, Joe Newman, Wendell Culley, Reunald Jones (tp), Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Jimmy Wilkins (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Paul Quinichette (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Count Basie (p, org), Freddie Green (g), Jimmy Lewis (b), Gus Johnson (d).

COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA -2: Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Paul Quinichette (ts), Count Basie (org), Oscar Peterson (p), Freddie Green (g), Ray Brown (b), Gus Johnson (d).

COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA -3: Paul Campbell, Joe Newman, Wendell Culley, Reunald Jones (tp), Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Jimmy Wilkins (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Paul Quinichette (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Oscar Peterson (p), Freddie Green (g), Ray Brown (b), Gus Johnson (d).

COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA -4: Paul Campbell, Joe Newman, Wendell Culley, Reunald Jones (tp), Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Jimmy Wilkins (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Paul Quinichette (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Count Basie (p, org), Freddie Green (g), Jimmy Lewis (b), Gus Johnson (d).

COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA -5: Count Basie (p), Oscar Peterson (org), Freddie Green (g), Ray Brown (b), Gus Johnson (d).
Fine Sound, NYC, July 26, 1952
832-4 Cash Box (AG, TM-arr) -1 previously unissued
832-5 Cash Box (AG, TM-arr) -1 Clef EPC 195, MGC 148, MGC 685
833-3 Bootsie (EW-arr) -1 previously unissued
833-4 Bootsie (EW-arr) -1 Clef EPC 196, MGC 148, MGC 685
834-2 Tom Whaley (BC-arr) -1 Clef EPC 195, MGC 148, MGC 685
835-1 Blues For The Count And Oscar -2 previously unissued
835-7 Blues For The Count And Oscar -2 Clef EPC 252, MGC 633
836-5 Be My Guest (EW-arr) -3 - -
837-2 You're Not The Kind (NP-arr) -4 Clef EPC 251, MGC 647
838-2 Extended Blues -5 Clef EPC 252, MGC 633

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(E) AL HIBBLER WITH COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA -1: Paul Campbell, Joe Newman, Wendell Culley, Reunald Jones (tp), Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Jimmy Wilkins (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Paul Quinichette (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Count Basie (p), Freddie Green (g), Gene Ramey (b), Gus Johnson (d), Al Hibbler (vcl).

COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA -2: Reunald Jones (tp), Henry Coker (tb), Marshal Royal (cl), Paul Quinichette (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Count Basie (p), Freddie Green (g), Gene Ramey (b), Buddy Rich (d).

COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA -3: Joe Newman (tp), Paul Quinichette (ts), Count Basie (p), Freddie Green (g), Gene Ramey (b), Buddy Rich (d).

COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA -4: Paul Quinichette (ts), Count Basie (org), Freddie Green (g), Gene Ramey (b), Buddy Rich (d).
Fine Sound, NYC, December 12, 1952
964-7 Let Me Dream (AH-vcl) unissued, master no longer exists
964-10 Let Me Dream (AH-vcl) -1 Verve MGV 4000
965-4 Sent For You Yesterday And Here You Come Today (AH-vcl) -1 Merc / Clef 89028, MGC 633
966-1 Goin' To Chicago (AH-vcl) -1 - -
967-1 I Want A Little Girl (EW-arr) -2 Merc / Clef 89033, MGC 633
968-6 Oh, Lady Be Good -3 - -
969-4 Song Of The Islands -4 Merc / Clef 89061, MGC 633

Note: Let Me Dream has been listed in discographies as having either 964-2 or -7 as the issued take and that Verve MGV 4000 is the initial release. However, the tune is excluded from the record although mention of it is made on the album jacket.

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(F) THE COUNT BASIE SEXTET: Joe Newman (tp), Paul Quinichette (ts), Count Basie (p, org), Freddie Green (g), Gene Ramey (b), Buddy Rich (d).
Fine Sound, NYC, December 13, 1952
977-3 Basie Beat Merc / Clef 89101
977-4 Basie Beat unissued, master no longer exists
978-2 She's Funny That Way unissued, master no longer exists
978-4 She's Funny That Way Clef EPC 186
979-1 Count's Organ Blues Merc / Clef 89101
980-1 K.C. Organ Blues Merc / Clef 89102
981-7 Blue And Sentimental Clef EPC 185
982-1 Stan Shorthair Merc / Clef 89102
983-2 As Long As I Live Clef EPC 186
984-4 Royal Garden Blues Merc / Clef 89061

Note: All issued titles on Clef MGC 146 and MGC 706.

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(G) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Reunald Jones, Paul Campbell, Joe Newman, Wendell Culley (tp), Johnny Mandel (b-tp), Henry Coker, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Frank Wess, Frank Foster (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Count Basie (p), Freddie Green (g), Eddie Jones (b), Gus Johnson (d).
LA, August 13, 1953
1256-7 Plymouth Rock (NH-arr) Clef EPC 229, MGC 626
1257-5 Blues Go Away! (EW-arr) - -
1258 One O'Clock Jump unissued, master no longer exists

Note: Discographies list this date as July, however, the band was still in NY at the time and Eddie Jones had yet to join the band. Johnny Mandel is sometimes listed as playing trombone but here he plays bass trumpet.

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(H) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Reunald Jones, Joe Wilder, Wendell Culley, Joe Newman (tp), Henderson Chambers, Henry Coker, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Frank Wess, Frank Foster (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Count Basie (p, org), Freddie Green (g), Eddie Jones (b), Gus Johnson (d).
Fine Sound, NYC, December 12, 1953
1403-3 Peace Pipe (EW-arr) Clef 89115
1404-3 Straight Life (JM-arr) Clef EPC 220
1405-1 Bubbles (NH-arr) -
1406-2 Softly With Feeling (NH-arr) Clef 89112
1407-6 Cherry Point (NH-arr) Clef 89120
1408-1 Basie Goes Wess (FW-arr) Clef 89112
1409-5 Right On (FG-arr) Clef 89120
1410-1 The Blues Done Come Back (EW-arr) Clef 89115

Note: All titles issued on Clef MGC 626. Discographies list matrix 1409-2 as being issued on Clef 89120 (78).

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(I) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Reunald Jones, Thad Jones, Wendell Culley, Joe Newman (tp), Bill Hughes, Henry Coker, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Frank Wess (ts), Frank Foster (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari), Count Basie (p, org), Freddie Green (g), Eddie Jones (b), Gus Johnson (d).
Fine Sound, NYC, August 16, 1954
1887-6 Slow But Sure (MA-arr) Clef 89126, MGC 647
1888-3 You For Me (NH-arr) - -
1889-2 She's Just My Size (EW-arr) Clef EPC 339, MGC 647
1890-4 Soft Drink (MA-arr) Clef 89131, MGC 647
1891-2 Two For The Blues (NH-arr) - -
1892-4 Blues Backstage (FF-arr) Clef EPC 364, MGC 666
1893-4 I Feel Like A New Man (MA-arr) Clef 89137, MGC 647
1894-1 Down For The Count (FF-arr) Clef MGC 666

Note: Some discographies date this session and the next as June 1954.

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(J) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (I).
Fine Sound, NYC, August 17, 1954
1895-7 Stereophonic (EW-arr) Clef 89137, MGC 647
1896-2 Sixteen Men Swinging (EW-arr) Clef EPC 339, MGC 647
1897-2 Ska-di-dle-dee-bee-doo (NH-arr) -1 Clef 89147, MGC 666
1898-4 Perdido (EW-arr) Clef EPC 364, MGC 666
1899-2 Mambo Mist Clef MGC 647
1900-2 Eventide (FF-arr) Clef MGC 666
1901-1 Two Franks (NH-arr) Clef EPC 364, MGC 666
1902-1 Ain't Misbehavin' (FF-arr) - -
1903-1 Rails (BH-arr) Clef MGC 666

-1 Bill Hughes (p) replaces Basie.

Note: Discographies list matrix 1896-4 as being issued on Clef 89147 (78). A copy of this 78 has eluded us and it is not certain if an alternate (-4) was used.

Discographies incorrectly list matrix 1902 as using -2.

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(K) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Reunald Jones, Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman (tp), Bill Hughes, Henry Coker, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (cl, as), Bill Graham (as), Frank Wess (as, ts, fl), Frank Foster (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bari, b-cl), Count Basie (p), Freddie Green (g), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Joe Williams (vcl).
Fine Sound, NYC, May 17, 1955
2347-2 Every Day (I Have The Blues) (JW-vcl) (EW-arr) Clef 89149 (78 and 45)
2348-5 The Comeback (JW-vcl) (FF-arr) Clef 89149 (45)
2349-2 Alright, O.K., You Win (JW-vcl) (FF-arr) Clef 89152
2350-3 (In The Evening) When The Sun Goes Down (JW-vcl) (FF-arr) -

Note: All titles issued on Clef MGC 678. This session is usually given as being recorded on July 26, 1955.

The Clef 78 of 89149 split matrix 2347 into two parts. For the 45 version of 89149, Every Day occupied one side and The Comeback being used for the flip side.

Discographies list The Comeback as being released on Clef 89151, however, this 78 was never issued. It has also been noted in some discographies that -2 was used as the issued take.

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(L) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (K).
Fine Sound, NYC, July 26, 1955
2351-1 April In Paris (WBD-arr) Clef 89162, Verve MGV 8012
2351-2 April In Paris (WBD-arr) Verve 521402 (CD)
2352-5 Corner Pocket (FG -arr) Verve MGV 8012
2352-2 Corner Pocket (FG -arr) Verve 521402 (CD)
2353-3 Did'n You (FF-arr) -
2353-5 Did'n You (FF-arr) Verve MGV 8012
2354-2 Teach Me Tonight (JW-vcl) (EW-arr) Clef 89167, MGC 678
2355-3 Please Send Me Someone To Love (JW-vcl) (FF-arr) Clef EPC 375, MGC 678
2356-3 My Baby Upsets Me (JW-vcl)(FF-arr) Clef 89167, MGC 678
2357-2 Ev'ry Day (I Fall In Love) (JW-vcl) (FF-arr) Clef EPC 375, MGC 678
2358-2 Roll 'Em Pete (JW-vcl) Clef 89162, MGC 678
2359-4 Sweety Cakes (EW-arr) Verve MGV 8012

Note: Discographies incorrectly list matrix 2351-2 as the initial release of April in Paris.

The 78 issue of Clef 89162 (matrix 2358) lists 2358 -1 in the wax, however, -2 is the take that is used.

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(M) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (K).
Fine Sound, NYC, January 4, 1956
2620-6 Smack Dab In The Middle (JW-vcl) (ES-arr) Clef 89169, Verve MGV 8288
2621-3 Shiny Stockings (FF-arr) Verve MGV 8012
2622-1 What Am I Here For? (FF-arr) Verve 521402 (CD)
2622-9 What Am I Here For? (FF-arr) Verve MGV 8012
2623-1 Magic (FW-arr) Verve 521402 (CD)
2623-2 Magic (FW-arr) -
2623-3 Magic (FW-arr) Clef 89171, MGV 8012
2624-2 Midgits -1 Verve MGV 8012
2624-4 Midgits -1 Verve 521402 (CD)
2625-6 Amazing Love (JW-vcl) Clef 89171, Verve MGV 8288
-1 as COUNT BASIE SEXTET: Newman, Wess, Basie, Green, Jones, Payne.

Note: For matrix 2620, both the 78 and 45 issue of Clef 89169 lists -2 in the wax, however, -6 is the take used.

Some discographies incorrectly list matrix 2622-2.

Discographies list matrix 2621-2 as being issued on Verve 89191, however, this is an edited version of 2621-3.

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(N) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (K) except add Jose Mangual and Ubaldo Nieto (perc).
Fine Sound, NYC, January 5, 1956
2626-10 Only Forever (JW-vcl) Verve 89177, MGV 8288
2627-4 Stop Pretty Baby, Stop (JW-vcl) Verve MGV 8288
2628-4 Mambo Inn (FF-arr) Verve MGV 8012
2629-3 Big Red (EW-arr) Clef 89169, Verve MGV 8291
2630-4 Dinner With Friends (NH-arr) Verve MGV 8012

Note: For matrix 2629, both the 78 and 45 issue of Clef 89169 lists -2 in the wax, however, -3 is the take used.

Some discographies incorrectly list matrix 2630-3.

Some discographies incorrectly list Quincy Jones in the trumpet section.

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(O) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (K).
Fine Sound, NYC, January 11, 1956
2631-5 Blues Inside Out (EW-arr) Verve MGV 8291
2632-4 Dolphin Dip (EW-arr) -
2633-4 Flute Juice (EW-arr) -
2634-5 Lady In Lace (FF-arr) Verve MGV 8207
2635-3 Stompin' And Jumpin' (EW-arr) Verve MGV 8291
2636-2 Trick Or Treat (EW-arr) -
2637-2 Move (TJ, FW-arr) Verve 89177, MGV 8291

Note: Discographies include this as part of the January 5, 1956 session. Verve 89177 lists Quincey (sic) Jones as the trumpet soloist and some discographies list Dolphin Dip as being arranged by Jones.

Some discographies incorrectly list matrix 2631-1. The 45 of Verve 89177 is also listed in some discographies as being issued with both matrix 2637-2 and -5. So far, only -2 is known to exist.

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(P) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (K).
Universal Recording Corp, Chicago, January 23, 1956
2664-2 As I Love You (JW-vcl) Verve 10004 (78), 2004 (45)
2665-11 Stop ! Don't ! (JW-vcl) - -
2666-5 Oink previously unissued

Note: Some discographies list this date as being part of the April 28, 1956 session.

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(Q) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA WITH JOE WILLIAMS: Same as (K). Capitol Studios, LA, April 28, 1956
20139-2 I'm Beginning To See The Light Verve MGVS 6006
20139-4 I'm Beginning To See The Light Verve MGV 2016
20140-7 Our Love Is Here To Stay Verve MGV 2016, MGVS 6006
20141-5 A Fine Romance - -
20142-5 Nevertheless - -
20143-4 Singin' In The Rain - -
20144-4 There Will Never Be Another You - -

Note: All titles with vocal by Joe Williams and arrangements by Buddy Bregman. Verve MGV 2016 is the mono release and MGVS 6006 is the stereo release.

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(R) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (K).
Capitol Studios, LA, May 1, 1956
20145-5 My Baby Just Cares For Me Verve MGV 2016, MGVS 6006
20146-8 'S Wonderful - -
20147-4 This Can't Be Love - -
20148-8 Come Rain Or Come Shine - -
20149-5 I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me - -
20150-12 Thou Swell - -

Note: All titles with vocal by Joe Williams and arrangements by Buddy Bregman. Verve MGV 2016 is the mono release and MGVS 6006 is the stereo release.

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(S) COUNT BASIE BIG BAND: Same as (K) except add Ralph Burns (p) on matrices 2900 and 2903 and Ella Fitzgerald (vcl).
Fine Sound, NYC, June 25, 1956
2900-4 April In Paris (EF-vcl) (WBD, RB-arr) Clef 89172, MGC 743
2901-1 Too Close For Comfort (JW, EF-vcl) Verve MGC 8288
2902-1 Salty Lips (JW, EF-vcl) unissued, master no longer exists
2903-2 Every Day (I Have The Blues) (JW, EF-vcl) Clef MGC 743
2904-5 Party Blues (JW, EF-vcl) -1 Clef 89172, MGC 743

-1: COUNT BASIE SMALL BAND: Thad Jones, Joe Newman (tp), Henry Coker (tb), Frank Wess (ts), Count Basie (p), Freddie Green (g), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams (vcl).

Note: Discographies list matrix 2903-2 as being released on Clef EPC 303, however, this EP was never issued.

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(T) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (K).
Fine Sound, NYC, June 26, 1956
2905 unknown title unissued, master no longer exists
2906-3 Don't Worry 'Bout Me (JW-vcl) Verve MGV 8288
2907-4 Low Life (JM-arr) Verve MGC 8291
2908-9 Slats (EW-arr) -

Note: The Verve log book and discographies list matrix 2905 for Slats and 2908 as being rejected. However, the tape reel box reveals the above listing.

Some discographies list Clef MGC 742 as the initial LP release for Low Life, however, this LP was never issued.

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(U) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (K).
Fine Sound, NYC, June 27, 1956
2909-2 Lollypop (NH-arr) previously unissued
2909-6 Lollypop (NH-arr) Verve MGV 8291
2910-1 Too Close For Comfort (JW-vcl) (ES-arr) Verve 519852 (CD)
2911-1 One O'Clock Jump (EW-arr) Verve VK 105 (45)
2911-2 One O'Clock Jump (EW-arr) Verve MGV 8207
2912-2 Basie's Back In Town (EW-arr) Clef MGC 743
2913-2 From Coast To Coast (EW-arr) Verve MGV 8288

Note: Matrix 2910-5 was slated for release but never issued. Some discographies use matrix 2910 for the first take of One O'clock Jump.

Discographies list matrix 2912-2 as being released on Clef EPC 303, however, this was never issued.

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(V) COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Same as (K).
Radio Recorders, LA, c. April 23-30, 1957
21447-7 Jamboree (EW-arr) Verve 89184, EPV 5062, MGV 8288
21448- I Don't Like You No More (JW-vcl) - - -
21449- One O'Clock Jump (EW-arr) Verve EPV 5062

Note: Discographies list this session as August 1957. However, the only time the band was in L.A., before switching to the Roulette label, was at the end of April.

Take numbers for matrices 21448 and 21449 are unknown. Some discographies list matrices 21447 and 21448 as being released on Verve EPV 5045, however, this EP is assigned to Woody Herman.

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Album Index:

EPs
Clef EPC 132 Count Basie and His Orchestra
Clef EPC 142 Count Basie and His Orchestra
Clef EPC 185 The Count Basie Sextet
Clef EPC 186 The Count Basie Sextet & Orchestra
Clef EPC 195 Count Basie Big Band
Clef EPC 196 Count Basie Big Band Album #2
Clef EPC 220 Count Basie Dance Session
Clef EPC 229 Count Basie
Clef EPC 251 Basie Jazz
Clef EPC 252 Basie Jazz Album #2
Clef EPC 279 Various Artists - Our Best Vol.3
Clef EPC 339 Count Basie Dance Session Album #4
Clef EPC 364 Basie
Clef EPC 372 Count Basie Swings And Joe Williams Sings
Clef EPC 375 Count Basie Swings And Joe Williams Sings
Verve EPV 5062 Jamboree

10" LPs
Clef MGC 120 Count Basie and His Orchestra
Clef MGC 146 The Count Basie Sextet
Clef MGC 148 Count Basie Big Band

12" LPs
Clef MGC 626 Count Basie Dance Session
Clef MGC 633 Basie Jazz
Clef MGC 639 Various Artists - Our Best
Clef MGC 647 Count Basie Dance Session Album #2
Clef MGC 666 Basie
Clef MGC 678 Count Basie Swings and Joe Williams Sings
Clef MGC 685 The Count
Clef MGC 706 The Swinging Count
Clef MGC 729 Basie Rides Again
Clef MGC 743 Various Artists - Metronome All Stars 1956
Verve MGV 2016 (mono) The Greatest! Count Basie Plays, Joe Williams Sings Standards
Verve MGVS 6006 (stereo) The Greatest! Count Basie Plays, Joe Williams Sings Standards
Verve VE2 - 2542 Paradise Squat
Verve MGV 4000 Al Hibbler - Al Hibbler Sings Love Songs
Verve MGV 8012 April in Paris
Verve MGV 8207 Various Artists - Here Come The Swinging Bands
Verve MGV 8288 Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Joe Williams - One O'Clock Jump
Verve MGV 8291 Hall of Fame

CDs
Verve 519852 Count Basie Swings and Joe Williams Sings
Verve 521402 April in Paris

Original sessions produced by Norman Granz.
Produced for release by Scott Wenzel
Executive Producer: Michael Cuscuna
Tape transfers: Ellen Fitton
Mastered using 24-bit resolution by Malcolm Addey at the Malcolm Addey Studio, New York City.
Sessions Q & R are stereo. All other selections are mono.

All tracks courtesy of The Verve Music Group.

This compilation (p)2005 Universal Music Enterprises, a Division of UMG Recordings Inc., Santa Monica, CA 90404-U.S.A. Manufactured by Universal Music Enterprises. Warning: All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

Producer's note: The source material used for this set comes from the original analog tapes at Universal Music. However, we were not able to locate a first generation tape or lacquers for sessions (A), (B) and (K) and therefore used what is now the earliest source which are transfers from the original lacquers to tape made sometime back in the '50s. As for the other tape transfers, some miscellaneous tape imperfections (drop outs, etc) have surfaced due to their age and condition.

In some cases, the 78 and 45 issues list a different take in the wax than what is printed on the label. These false alternate takes, more often than not, turn out to be the common LP take. However, alternate takes have surfaced that were not in the vaults at Universal Music: New Basie Blues (matrix 665-5) came from a 45, No Name (matrix 689-6) came from a 78 and I'm Beginning to See the Light (matrix 20139-4) came from an LP. These three sources were provided by The Institute of Jazz Studies.

Sources used for this discography were Michel Ruppli's The Clef / Verve Labels (Greenwood Press) and Chris Sheridan's Count Basie - A Bio-Discography (Greenwood Press).

Special thanks: Bryan Koniarz, David Lennick, The Institute of Jazz Studies, Benny Powell, Kevin Reeves, Lily Salinas, Phil Schaap and Kenny Washington.