Count Basie

Wendell Culley, Joe Newman, Thad Jones (tp), Henry Coker, Benny Powell (tb), Marshall Royal (cl, as), Bill Graham (as), Frank Wess (fl, ts), Foster (ts), Charlie Fowlkes (bs), Count Basie (p), Freddie Green (g), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d)

New York, January 5 & 11, 1956

Tracks: 01. Blues Inside Out, 02. Big Red, 03. Trick or Treat, 04. Lady in Lace, 05. Flute Juice, 06. Lollypop, 07. Slats, 08. Move, 09. Dolphin Dip, 10. Stompin’ and Jumpin’, 11. Low Life

Strangely enough, “Hall Of Fame” has been forgotten, over the years, by most of the big band fans. Recorded at the same time as the “April In Paris” sessions, this one truly deserves to be rediscovered. There is no explanation for this album’s seemingly lack of recognition; it is every bit as good as the other. There is plenty of substantial moments on these sides. The opening, Inside Out, is a long slow blues, with Marshall Royal playing some great, funky and warm clarinet choruses. Joe Newman’s perennial muted trumpet shines in Low Life. Frank Foster plays pretty in his own original Lady in Lace. The modern language of Thad Jones and Frank Wess is at its best on Move… and that Just to mention a few highlights. This is a must for any fan of the Count. Timeless.