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.
When The Sun Goes Down
Count Basie Lyrics
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When that evening sun goes down
I want you, be around
Keep my both feet on the ground
When that evening sun goes down
I want you, understand
Little girl, take me by my hand
I wanna be your loving man
When that evening sun goes down
If it's nice, we'll go for a walk
A stroll in the clear moonlight
Singing a song, won't take long
Everything gonna be all right
And I wanna hold you oh-so near
Keep you, darling, from all fear
I wanna hold you oh-so near
Nibble on your little ear
When that evening sun goes down
If it's nice, go for a walk
Stroll in the clear moonlight
Sing you a song, won't take long
Everything gonna be all right
And I wanna hold you oh-so near
Keep you, darling, from all fear
I wanna hold you oh-so near
Nibble on your little ear
When that evening sun goes down
When that evening sun goes down
When that evening sun goes down
The song "In the Evening" by Count Basie and Joe Williams is a classic love song that expresses the desire for the presence of a beloved person. The lyrics reflect the artist's longing for someone to be with them in the evening hours, especially when the sun goes down. The repetitive pacing of the lyrics emphasizes the desire for the presence of the person, making it a powerful love song. The lyrics, "I want you, be around When that evening sun goes down," tells about the artist's longing to share the evening hours with his loved one. He desires his loved one to be by his side to keep him grounded and be his loving partner when the sun sets.
Furthermore, the lyrics, "If it's nice, we'll go for a walk A stroll in the clear moonlight Singing a song, won't take long Everything gonna be all right," reflects the artist's desire for a romantic and peaceful evening walk with his loved one. The artist wants to hold his loved one close, remove all her fears, and nibble on her ear. The use of imagery to paint the setting of the evening hour with a walk in the clear moonlight, singing songs, and holding each other close brings the song to life. It shows the power of love and the simple desires of the heart that the artist wants to experience with his loved one when the sun goes down.
Line by Line Meaning
I want you, be around
When that evening sun goes down
I want you to stay with me when the sun sets in the evening
I want you, be around
Keep my both feet on the ground
When that evening sun goes down
I want you to help me stay grounded when the sun sets in the evening
I want you, understand
Little girl, take me by my hand
I want you, understand
I wanna be your loving man
When that evening sun goes down
I want you to understand that I want to be your partner and love you when the sun sets in the evening
If it's nice, we'll go for a walk
A stroll in the clear moonlight
Singing a song, won't take long
Everything gonna be all right
If the weather is good, we'll take a walk under the clear moonlight, singing a song to make everything seem okay
And I wanna hold you oh-so near
Keep you, darling, from all fear
I wanna hold you oh-so near
Nibble on your little ear
When that evening sun goes down
I want to hold you close and comfort you, making you feel secure and loved, and possibly be a little playful, when the sun sets in the evening
When that evening sun goes down
Reiterating the desire for love and companionship when the sun sets in the evening
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Carr, JIMMY WITHERSPOON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind