Mercury Records Collection: MG C-120: Count Basie And His Orchestra

MG C-120: Count Basie And His Orchestra

Label Type :	black/silver Mercury type A trumpeter
Matrix Number :	SIDE-A	YMG C120A
	SIDE-B	YMG C120B

Comments

“YMG” matrix imprints - which was quite uncommon for Norman Granz's MGC series I believe.

B-2 “Every Tub” was previously appeared as “Jumping At The Woodside” on Mercury 8987 (78rpm) and 8987x45 (45rpm).

Inside The Groove

A collection of “New Basie”-era's one of the earliest sessions.

Personal Impression (and brief notes)

Count Basie disbanded his Orchestra in the late 1940s, but in 1952 he decided to reform his new big band. This “New Basie” included such soloists as Paul Quinichette, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Charlie Shavers, Joe Newman and many others.

This album is a collection of the new band's earliest era, recorded under the supervision of Norman Granz by Mercury label. Although most tracks doesn't sound so swingy and powerful as their middle-late 1950s, all arrangements as well as soloists' improvisation is very interesting.

Strictly Personal Rating (to what extent I could enjoy this album)

7 out of 10

Track Listing

SIDE-A
A-1	C 666-4	Sure Thing	-
A-2	C 665-4	The New Basie Blues	-
A-3	C 688-6	Jive At Five	-
A-4	C 668-2	Fawncy Meeting You	-
SIDE-B
B-1	C 827-3	Paradise Squat	-
B-2	C 691-5	Every Tub	-
B-3	C 667-2	Why Not	-
B-4	C 825-2	Hob Nail Boogie	-

Personnel

A-1, A-2, A-4, B-3:
Paul Campbell (tp), Wendell Culley (tp), Joe Newman (tp), Charlie Shavers (tp),
Henry Coker (tb), Benny Powell (tb), Jimmy Wilkins (tb),
Marshall Royal (cl, as), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Floyd Johnson (ts), Paul Quinichette (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bs),
Count Basie (p), Freddie Green (g), Jimmy Lewis (b), Gus Johnson (ds),
Neal Hefti (arr).
Recorded in New York City on January 17, 1952.

A-3, B-2:
same personnel as A-1, and add Sy Oliver (arr).
Recorded in New York City on January 25, 1952.

B-1, B-4:
same personnel as A-1, except the following changes:
Reunald Jones (tp) replaces Charlie Shavers;
Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis (ts) replaces Floyd Johnson;
Count Basie (p, org);
add Bixie Crawford (vo on B-1 only);
Buck Clayton (arr), Andy Gibson (arr), Buster Harding (arr),
Nat Pierce (arr), Don Radman (arr), A.K. Salim (arr), Ernie Wilkins (arr).
Recorded in New York City on July 22-23, 1952.

The Artist Also Appears on...

Count Basie (p, org, leader) :

Mercury MG C-120 10-inch : Count Basie And His Orchestra
Mercury MG-25015 10-inch : Count Basie and his Kansas City Seven
EmArcy MG-26023 10-inch : Jazz Royality / Count Basie, Earl Hines

EmArcy MG-26022 10-inch: The Vice “Pres” / Paul Quinichette
EmArcy MG-26035 10-inch: Sequel / Paul Quinichette
EmArcy MGE-26010 / SRE-66010 : Pres At His Very Best - Swinging Sounds Of The 40's