In the great tradition of the classic Basie Swings albums, The Count Basie Orchestra is proud to step into the world of the blues with an exceptional collection of collaborations with some of the greatest living blues and jazz artists, on the new album, Basie Swings The Blues.
The legendary Count Basie Orchestra continues to carry on the rich musical legacy of Count Basie through their dynamic performances and dedication to the swing jazz tradition. Led by musical director Scotty Barnhart, the orchestra preserves Basie's unmistakable style and ensures that his pioneering contributions to jazz are celebrated and enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
The new album celebrates the deep-rooted connection between jazz and blues and illuminates shared roots and reciprocal influence, reminding us that the boundaries between these genres are fluid and the essence of both lies in the heartfelt expression of the human experience.
In preparation for these sessions, Barnhart took a pilgrimage to Mississippi, and drove through the areas where Charlie Patton, Robert Johnson, Son House, Muddy Waters and others birthed and played this music. The resulting album is joyful mix of downhome, Delta Blues with the deep swing and sophistication that only The Count Basie Orchestra can provide. As Count Basie famously once said, “our blues will make your blues go away.”
Produced by Barnhart along with Grammy Award winning producer John Burk (Ray Charles Genius Love Company), and Grammy winning drummer/producer Steve Jordan (The Rolling Stones), the album brings together an extraordinary group of legends and contemporary artists. Including, 8 x Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Buddy Guy, Grammy Award winning legend Bobby Rush, 5 x Grammy Winner Keb Mo, 9 x Blues Music Artist Of The Year Award winner Shemekia Copeland, 5 x Grammy Award Winner Robert Cray, Grammy Award winner Charlie Musselwhite, Blues Hall Of Fame member and Kennedy Center Honoree Betty LeVette, Grammy Award winner Ledisi, and 10 x Grammy Award Winner and NEA Jazz Master George Benson. Together, they have created a timeless musical experience that celebrates the essence of the blues in the context of the irresistibly electrifying and enduring swing of Basie.
The recording features versions of blues classics like “Stormy Monday,” and “I’m A Women” along side new classics like Mr. Sipp’s “Let’s Have A Good Time” and Scotty Barnhart’s inspired Charley Patton meets Count Basie jump, “The Patton Basie Shuffle.”
Crafted with meticulous care, the album showcases the distinctive styles and voices of these legendary performers.
