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.
Shangri-La
Count Basie Lyrics
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Each kiss is magic that makes my little world a Shangri-La
A land of bluebirds and fountains and nothing to do
But cling to an angel that looks like you
And when you hold me, how warm you are
Be mine, my darling, and spend your life with me in Shangri-La
For anywhere you are is Shangri-La
Each kiss is magic that makes my little world a Shangri-La
A land of bluebirds and fountains and nothing to do
But cling to an angel that looks like you
And when you hold me, how warm you are
Be mine, my darling, and spend your life with me in Shangri-La
For anywhere you are is Shangri-La
Count Basie’s song "Shangri-La" is a romantic ballad that describes the transformative power of love through the imagery of a utopian paradise. The song describes the way that the lead singer feels when they are with their lover, describing that their kisses make their world a Shangri-La. The lyrics paint a picture of a perfect world, full of bluebirds and fountains, and the only thing to do is hold onto their angelic lover. The lyrics make it clear that the person they are with is what makes Shangri-La possible, and that being with them is everything.
The song's lyrics are based on the mythical Tibetan paradise of Shangri-La, a utopian land described in James Hilton's 1933 novel "Lost Horizon." The book tells the story of a group of travelers who find themselves in a hidden valley in the Himalayas, where they discover a seemingly perfect society that has remained isolated from the outside world for centuries. The idea of a paradise that can only be accessed through love is a powerful one, and the song’s use of the Shangri-La mythos emphasizes the transformative power of love.
Overall, Count Basie’s song "Shangri-La" is a beautifully constructed romantic ballad, utilizing the idea of an idealized paradise to convey the transformative power of love. The lyrics paint a picture of a perfect world, full of love and joy, and the idea that being with someone special can make that dream a reality. The song is a great example of the enduring power of romantic love and the way that it can transform our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Your kisses take me to Shangri-La
The singer feels elated and transcendent when they receive kisses from a loved one.
Each kiss is magic that makes my little world a Shangri-La
For the singer, every kiss they receive is a transformative experience that improves their life and makes their world feel like paradise.
A land of bluebirds and fountains and nothing to do
Shangri-La is depicted as a utopian place where life is peaceful, beautiful and perfectly harmonious. This is emphasized by the imagery of bluebirds and fountains that evoke purity and serenity.
But cling to an angel that looks like you
The loved one is referred to as an angel, highlighting their goodness and purity. The artist longs to be close to and devoted to them.
And when you hold me, how warm you are
The artist finds solace and comfort in the embrace of their loved one. They feel protected and loved.
Be mine, my darling, and spend your life with me in Shangri-La
The singer wants to share their paradise with their loved one and spend their lives together, in perfect harmony and happiness.
For anywhere you are is Shangri-La
The presence of their loved one can turn any place and any time into a perfect world, a Shangri-La.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WALTER WIDEMAIR, HANS GREINER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind