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.
Memories Of You
Count Basie Lyrics
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Every sunset too
Seems to be bringing me
Memories of you
Here and there, everywhere
Scenes that we once knew
And they all just recall
How I wish I could forget those
Those happy yesteryears
That have left a rosary of tears
Your face beams in my dreams
'Spite of all I do
Everything seems to bring
Memories of you
And your face beams in my dreams
'Spite of all I do
Everything seems to bring
Memories, just memories of you
The lyrics to Count Basie's song "Memories of You" are a poignant reflection on the lingering memories of lost love. The opening lines set the scene for the song, describing how the waking skies at sunrise and every sunset too seem to be bringing back memories of someone who is no longer around. This sense of nostalgia is heightened by the next verse, which speaks of how familiar scenes and places all recall memories of the person who is gone. The chorus expresses the singer's wish to forget those happy years that ended in tears, as well as the frustration of being unable to escape the memories, which continue to haunt their dreams.
Throughout the song, the lyrics are infused with a sense of longing and regret, as the singer reflects on what has been lost. The repetition of the line "Your face beams in my dreams" adds to the dreamlike quality of the song and underscores the idea that the memories are not just something that the singer can't escape during waking hours, but also continue to invade their sleep.
"Memories of You" is a classic jazz standard that has been covered by countless artists over the years, from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald. It was composed by Eubie Blake and lyricist Andy Razaf in 1930 and became particularly popular during the swing era, with its upbeat tempo and catchy melody. However, it is the heartfelt lyrics that have ensured its enduring popularity and made it a staple of the jazz canon.
Line by Line Meaning
Waking skies at sunrise
Every morning when I wake up and see the sky, it reminds me of you.
Every sunset too
The beautiful colors of the sky during sunset also bring back memories of you.
Seems to be bringing me
It appears that my surroundings are constantly reminding me of you.
Memories of you
I can't stop thinking about you and the memories we shared together.
Here and there, everywhere
No matter where I go or what I do, memories of you follow me everywhere.
Scenes that we once knew
Every scene that we once shared together, every moment we spent, comes back to me as a memory.
And they all just recall
All of these scenes and memories only remind me of you and how much I miss you.
How I wish I could forget those
Sometimes I wish I could forget these memories, especially the happy ones, because they make me sad now that you're not here.
Those happy yesteryears
I remember the happy times we spent together in the past, and it makes me long for those days again.
That have left a rosary of tears
Those happy memories that we shared together have become painful for me now, and I cry every time I think about them.
Your face beams in my dreams
Even when I'm asleep, you come to me in my dreams and I see your smiling face.
'Spite of all I do
No matter how hard I try to forget you or move on, you still remain in my thoughts and dreams.
Everything seems to bring
Everything around me, every little thing, reminds me of you.
Memories of you
All of these memories are just memories of you, and they never leave my mind or my heart.
And your face beams in my dreams
Your face is the only thing I can see in my dreams, and it reminds me of all the good times we shared.
'Spite of all I do
No matter what I try to do to forget you, my mind and heart always bring you back to me.
Everything seems to bring
Every single thing I see or hear reminds me of you, and the memories come flooding back every time.
Memories, just memories of you
All I have left of you are memories, and those memories are the only things that keep me going.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jim Yester
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vivian Lun
the hammond and the piano are both wonderful!