Count Basie: the Third Testament Band?
Marc Myers’ JazzWax sheds light on an interesting point about the Basie band. Many have often called the first incarnation the “Old Testament” band. Then, after Basie re-organized his big band in the early 50s, that ensemble was coined the “New Testament” band. But with the band moving to the Reprise label (including best sellers as they backed Sinatra) there could very well be a “Third Testament” band. A BBC television broadcast happily captures this marvelous band, which showcased Marshall Royal, Eric Dixon, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and arrangements by Quincy Jones, Billy Byers and Bobby Plater.
-Scott Wenzel
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