Tonight on Swinging with Big Bands, get ready to enjoy a timeless live performance from one of jazz’s greatest icons, Count Basie. We’re spinning the legendary Live at The Sands (Before Frank) album, recorded live in Las Vegas in 1966, during the same series of concerts that produced Frank Sinatra’s Sinatra at the Sands.
Originally released in 1998 by the Reprise label, Live at The Sands (Before Frank) offers a rare and intimate glimpse into Count Basie’s unmatched artistry as both a bandleader and pianist. This electrifying performance captures the magic of Basie’s jazz orchestra as they lit up the stage in the heart of Las Vegas, just before Frank Sinatra’s own legendary set.
What to Expect Tonight on Swinging with Big Bands:
- The Basie Sound Live: Experience the smooth, swinging sound of Basie’s orchestra, which is nothing short of legendary. From the energetic brass section to the tight rhythm section, the performance delivers the sophisticated jazz sound that made Basie a household name.
- The Las Vegas Swing Scene of the 60s: Las Vegas in the mid-60s was a prime destination for the biggest names in entertainment, and Count Basie’s live performance at The Sands was a shining moment of this golden era. You’ll hear the excitement and energy of the audience as Basie’s band fires on all cylinders.
- The Before Frank Moment: The album’s title Live at The Sands (Before Frank) highlights the fact that this performance occurred just before Frank Sinatra’s show at the same venue. As Sinatra prepared to take the stage, Count Basie and his orchestra set the mood with their signature swing and jazz hits, giving you a rare look into the magic happening behind the scenes.
- Unmatched Jazz Musicianship: With Basie at the piano and his orchestra in top form, the performance features impeccable solos, tight arrangements, and the brilliant sense of timing and improvisation that Basie was known for. You’ll hear all-time classics like “April in Paris”, “Shiny Stockings”, and “One O’Clock Jump”, as well as some fantastic lesser-known gems.
Tune in to Swinging with Big Bands tonight for a night of supreme jazz from Count Basie and his legendary orchestra. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to his music, this live album is a must-listen for anyone who loves the heart and soul of jazz.
Date: Tonight
Show: Swinging with Big Bands
Featured Album: Count Basie – Live at The Sands (Before Frank)
Time: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT
Where: Only on The Improv Cafe Radio Station
Don’t miss it!