Cat No JT938

This release on the Jazz Track label combines two outstanding albums under the leadership of tenor saxophonist Paul Quinichette, which both pay homage to Count Basie. “Basie Reunion” (1958) and “For Basie” (1957).

Both albums feature well-known members or ex-members of the Basie band, including : Buck Clayton, Walter Page, Freddie Green, Jo Jones, Jack Washington and Nat Pierce (‘playing Basie’). The music chosen consisted of Basie classics from the band’s golden days with Lester Young.

Quinichette - a musician heavily influenced by ‘Pres’ (and nick-named ‘Vice-Pres’) - plays here mostly ‘a la Young’ on these two albums which fully capture the soul and swing of the Basie style.