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.
Shake Rattle & Roll
Count Basie Lyrics
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Get out from that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans
Well, roll my breakfast 'cause I'm a hungry man
[Chorus]
I said shake, rattle and roll
I said shake, rattle and roll
I said shake, rattle and roll
Well, you never do nothin' to save your doggone soul
Wearin' those dresses, your hair done up so nice
Wearin' those dresses, your hair done up so nice
You look so warm, but your heart is cold as ice
[Chorus]
I'm like a one-eyed cat, peepin' in a sea-food store
I'm like a one-eyed cat, peepin' in a sea-food store
I can look at you, tell you don't love me no more
I believe you're doin' me wrong and now I know
I believe you're doin' me wrong and now I know
The more I work, the faster my money goes
[Chorus]
Shake, rattle and roll
is a classic rock and roll song that was originally recorded by Big Joe Turner in 1954. The song was later covered by numerous artists, including the Count Basie Orchestra with Joe Williams on vocals. The lyrics of the song are about a man who tells his woman to get out of the kitchen and to come rattle his pots and pans. He is hungry and wants breakfast. The chorus of the song repeatedly uses the phrase "shake, rattle and roll" as a call to action. The lyrics also touch on themes of love and heartbreak, with the man feeling neglected and hurt by his partner.
The first verse highlights the humorous side of the song as the man raps the pots and pans to get his lady's attention. The second verse is more serious as he describes the woman and her appearance, but he feels that she is not a warm-hearted person. The third verse takes on a different tone as he compares himself to a one-eyed cat peeping in a seafood store, implying that he desires something he cannot have. The final verse shows that the man is struggling to keep up with his expenses and feels like he is being taken for a ride by someone he thought cared for him.
Line by Line Meaning
Get out from that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans
Get out of the kitchen and start working hard, get some excitement going
Well, roll my breakfast 'cause I'm a hungry man
Cook me breakfast because I am really hungry
I said shake, rattle and roll
Commanding the listener to move with energy and enthusiasm
Well, you never do nothin' to save your doggone soul
You never do anything meaningful to help yourself or others
Wearin' those dresses, your hair done up so nice
Commenting on someone's appearance, particularly their dress and hairstyle
You look so warm, but your heart is cold as ice
Commenting on someone's personality, suggesting that they may seem friendly but are actually uncaring
I'm like a one-eyed cat, peepin' in a sea-food store
Feeling like an outsider that wants to participate in something they cannot
I can look at you, tell you don't love me no more
Feeling unloved and sensing that the other person no longer feels affection toward the artist
I believe you're doin' me wrong and now I know
Thinking that someone is treating them unfairly and feeling confirmed that this is true
The more I work, the faster my money goes
Working more does not increase the amount of money one has
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Calhoun
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind