The Count Basie band got its big break in 1938, thanks to some stellar early Decca sides and a stay at New York's Famous Door nightclub. In fact, many feel the late '30s represent the group's best period, a time when Basie counted such jazz giants as Lester Young, Buck Clayton, Harry Edison,... [+] Expand

The Count Basie band got its big break in 1938, thanks to some stellar early Decca sides and a stay at New York's Famous Door nightclub. In fact, many feel the late '30s represent the group's best period, a time when Basie counted such jazz giants as Lester Young, Buck Clayton, Harry Edison, Dicky Wells, Helen Humes, and Jimmy Rushing among his ranks. Thankfully, Basie's many studio sides from this time have been given their sonic due on quality reissues released by the Hep and Classics labels. As for rarities like radio broadcasts and live material, though, the available examples are rare and often the worse for sound wear. The EPM label, then, should be commended for their series of late-'30s and early-'40s collections chronicling Basie's many airchecks and concert recordings. This 1938 volume includes both, with fine vocals by Humes ("Blues With Helen") and Rushing ("Boogie Woogie Blues"), as well as several cuts brimming over with top-notch solos by Young, Clayton, and Wells. A perfect disc for crate-digging Basie fans. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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