In which city did count basie form his orchestra?

Question: In which city did count basie form his orchestra?

In this blog post, we will explore the origins of one of the most influential jazz bands of all time: the Count Basie Orchestra. Led by pianist and composer William "Count" Basie, this orchestra was known for its swinging rhythm, bluesy sound, and stellar soloists. But where did it all begin?

The Count Basie Orchestra was formed in 1935, after Basie left the band of Bennie Moten, who had died earlier that year. Basie took some of his former colleagues from Moten's band and created a nine-piece group called the Barons of Rhythm. This group featured some of the finest musicians of the Kansas City jazz scene, such as Lester Young on tenor saxophone, Jimmy Rushing on vocals, and Jo Jones on drums.

The Barons of Rhythm played at the Reno Club in Kansas City, where they developed their distinctive style of jazz, based on improvisation, riffs, and blues. They also attracted the attention of John Hammond, a music critic and producer who helped them get a recording contract with Decca and a chance to move to New York City.

In New York, Basie expanded his group to a 13-piece big band, adding more horns and a guitar. He also changed the name to the Count Basie Orchestra, as he became more famous and recognized as a leader. The orchestra played at venues such as the Roseland Ballroom and the Savoy Ballroom, where they competed with other popular bands such as Duke Ellington's and Chick Webb's.

The Count Basie Orchestra recorded many classic songs in the late 1930s and early 1940s, such as "One O'Clock Jump", "Jumpin' at the Woodside", "April in Paris", and "Taxi War Dance". They also collaborated with some of the best singers of the era, such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra. The orchestra was admired for its tight ensemble work, its driving rhythm section, and its brilliant soloists, who could create memorable melodies on the spot.

The Count Basie Orchestra survived the decline of the big band era in the 1950s and continued to perform and record until Basie's death in 1984. The orchestra also went through several changes in personnel and style, incorporating elements of bebop, cool jazz, and funk. Some of the notable musicians who joined the orchestra in later years include Thad Jones, Frank Foster, Freddie Green, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and Joe Williams.

Today, the Count Basie Orchestra is still active, under the direction of Scotty Barnhart. It has won 18 Grammy Awards and performed for audiences all over the world. It has also preserved the legacy of Count Basie and his music, which is considered to be one of the greatest contributions to American culture.

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