As a pianist, he had a distinctive and influential style (the song title "Splanky" is an onomatopoetic reference to the sound of his playing), equally at home in the barrelhouse and the concert hall. Willie "The Lion" Smith, James P. Johnson, and Fats Waller were among his influences.
As a bandleader, he created an organization (built upon the remains of Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra) that was a favorite both of dancers and of vocalists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and, of course, Billie Holiday. Equally important, it kept many musicians employed through lean years. Many jazz musicians of note built their chops and earned their bread and butter in Basie's organization.
In addition to Basie, the swinging "All American Rhythm Section" of his orchestra included greats such as Walter Page (bass), Jo Jones (drums), and Freddie Green (guitar). It was the greatest, most swinging rhythm sections in the history of jazz. Chief among its vocalists were, first, Jimmy Rushing and, later, Joe Williams. Over the years it boasted sidemen and soloists like Herschel Evans (tenor sax), Lester Young (tenor sax), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor sax), Buddy Tate (tenor sax), Illinois Jacquet (tenor sax), Earle Warren (alto sax), Jack Washington (alto & baritone sax), Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet), Buck Clayton (trumpet), Thad Jones (trumpet), Snooky Young (trumpet), Benny Morton (trombone), Benny Powell (trombone), and Dicky Wells (trombone).
Basie also collaborated with artists such as Zoot Sims and Oscar Peterson, and recorded with ensembles large and small, including the Count Basie Trio, the Count Basie Sextet, and the Kansas City Seven. Notable arrangers included Eddie Durham (who helped shape the Basie Orchestra's sound) and Neal Hefti.
Amazing Love
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
She'll find I let her sleep cause we talked so late last night
She'll know I kissed her face gently till my returning
And when she finds the rose on my pillow I know she'll smile
Her amazing love unending is so much more than I am worthy of
If the rose could speak my feelings she'd know I cherished her amazing love
If I call her a little late she forgives me
She softly thanks me for the rose and says I miss you
And then I can feel her smiling on the phone
Her amazing love
is an inspiration, a beacon of hope and affection for the singer. The song starts with them waking up next to their partner and describing the care they took not to wake her up after staying up late talking the night before. This shows the level of consideration and tenderness that the singer has for their partner. The rose on the pillow is symbolic of their love and appreciation for their partner, and how they want to continue to keep the romance alive.
The second verse describes how forgiving and understanding the partner is, even when the singer is a little late or distant. The phone conversation shows that even though they may be physically apart, the bond between them remains strong, and the partner's reaction shows how much they miss the singer. The lyrics highlight the singer's gratitude for such an amazing love, one that they feel they are not worthy of.
Overall, the song is about the depth of the singer's love for their partner, and how it is reciprocated in so many ways. It speaks to the importance of communication, showing appreciation, and making an effort to maintain a loving relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN SCHWEERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind