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.
Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Count Basie Lyrics
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As the moon, draws this lovely night
Let me dream, of a perfect love
For we too, need the stars above
A sun that keeps on shining
A rose forever blooming
A love that will weather the years, free from bitter tears
With my dream, I begin to live
The song "Let Me See" by Count Basie is a beautiful ballad that explores the idea of a perfect, enduring love. The opening lyrics suggest that the singer is asking for permission to dream, indicating that perhaps this perfect love has not yet been found. The heart is described as large, which could be interpreted as being open, and the moon is referenced as drawing this lovely night. This creates a sense of romantic ambiance as the singer looks to the sky to dream of a perfect love.
The following lines further emphasize the need for stars above, suggesting that this perfect love is something that requires celestial intervention. They speak of a love that will weather the years, free from bitter tears, which implies that this love will survive any difficulty and be able to avoid the kind of heartache that often accompanies relationships. The sentiment of the song is quite pure, and the singer is clearly searching for something very specific.
In the closing lines, the word "dream" is repeated, emphasizing the idea that this love is still just a vision or fantasy. The singer expresses that with the dream, they begin to live, which could be interpreted as a suggestion that looking to the future and dreaming of a beautiful love is what gives life purpose. Overall, this song is a beautiful ode to love, and one that is optimistic despite its bittersweet undertones.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me dream, while my heart is large
Allow me to create aspirations and visualize while my emotions and feelings are expansive
As the moon, draws this lovely night
Just like how the moon illuminates this beautiful night, may my aspirations shine bright
Let me dream, of a perfect love
Permit me to imagine an ideal and faultless love
For we too, need the stars above
Similarly, like how stars give light in the darkness, we also require love to brighten our lives
A sun that keeps on shining
A love that persists and continues to thrive
A rose forever blooming
A love that endures perpetually and never fades away
A love that will weather the years, free from bitter tears
A love that withstands the test of time and never bringing any sorrow or distress
With my dream, I begin to live
By visualizing my aspirations, I commence my journey towards achieving my desires
Just for you alone, let me dream
Only for you, I implore you to grant me the opportunity to imagine and envisage a perfect love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALLEN, EDWARDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind