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.
And the Angels Sing
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The angels sing the sweetest song I've ever heard
You speak and the angels sing
Or am I reading music into every word?
Suddenly the setting is strange
I can see water and moonlight beaming
Silver waves that break on some undiscovered shore
Long winter nights with the candles gleaming
Through it all your face that I adore
You smile and the angels sing
And though it's just a gentle murmur at the start
We kiss and the angels sing
And leave their music ringing in my heart
The lyrics to Count Basie's song "And the Angels Sing" describe the way in which the singer experiences a profound sense of beauty and joy when they are with the person they love. The opening line, "we meet and the angels sing," conveys the idea that the moment of connection between the two lovers is so powerful that it feels like the angels themselves are singing. This experience continues throughout the song, with the angels' song representing the euphoria and emotional intensity of being with the object of one's affection.
The singer wonders if they are reading too much into every word that their lover speaks, seeing music where there might not be any. However, the intensity of their emotions is such that every interaction is imbued with a sense of magic and wonder. The setting of the song shifts between different images: from a beach at night, with moonlight and silver waves breaking, to a cozy winter evening with candles, warmth, and the beloved's face.
Finally, the song reaches a climax as the two lovers kiss and the angels' song becomes even louder and more intense, ringing in the singer's heart. The overall effect of the lyrics is to create a sensation of being transported to another world, where love and beauty are the only things that matter.
Line by Line Meaning
We meet and the angels sing
Our connection is so magical, it's like heavenly angels are singing.
The angels sing the sweetest song I've ever heard
Our love is so pure and divine, it's like nothing I've ever experienced before.
You speak and the angels sing
The sound of your voice is like music to my ears, it's almost like heavenly angels are singing along.
Or am I reading music into every word?
Perhaps I am imagining things, but your words sound so beautiful to me that I can't help but feel like they are musical in nature.
Suddenly the setting is strange
Our surroundings become unfamiliar and surreal, almost like we are transported to a different world.
I can see water and moonlight beaming
I imagine a serene setting by the water, with the moonlight reflecting off the waves, creating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.
Silver waves that break on some undiscovered shore
The waves gently breaking on the shore create a silver shine that illuminates the unknown shoreline.
Then suddenly I see it all change
Despite the serenity of our surroundings, things can change at any moment, which makes our time together even more precious.
Long winter nights with the candles gleaming
Even during the darkest and coldest of winter nights, the flicker of candlelight creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Through it all your face that I adore
Amidst all the beauty and magic surrounding us, it is your face that shines the brightest and fills my heart with joy.
You smile and the angels sing
Your smile is so radiant that it fills my heart with such joy and happiness that it's like angels are singing.
And though it's just a gentle murmur at the start
The sound of your voice may start off softly, but it grows louder and stronger as our relationship deepens.
We kiss and the angels sing
When we kiss, it's like the whole world disappears and all that's left is pure, heavenly bliss.
And leave their music ringing in my heart
The feeling of our love stays with me long after we part, like a beautiful melody that lingers in my heart.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ziggy Elman, Johnny Mercer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jim mixed
...80 years later and still bangin
Nabeel Hassan
Awesome!!!