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.
Without A Song
Count Basie Lyrics
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Without a song the road would never bend
When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
Without a song
That field of corn would never see a plow
That field of corn would be deserted now
A man is born but he's no good no how
Without a song
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
I've-a got my trouble and woe and, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll-a never know what makes that rain to fall
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
The lyrics to Count Basie Orchestra/Tony Bennett's song "Without a Song" convey the profound importance of music in our lives. The opening lines "Without a song the day would never end, without a song the road would never bend" suggests that music is like a companion that is always present and guides us through our lives. The lyrics further elaborate on this idea by stating that in times of trouble when a man has no friend, music is what he can rely on. This creates an image of music being a constant companion in times of happiness and sorrow.
The second stanza continues to portray the importance of music by suggesting that without music, the world would be barren and men would be worthless. The lyrics "A man is born but he's no good no how, without a song" suggest that music gives purpose and a sense of worth to human life. The chorus then reiterates the importance of music as a source of strength and hope in times of difficulty, with lines like "I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul". The song ends on a melancholic note with the lines "I only know there ain't no love at all, without a song", suggesting that music is also what gives meaning and depth to human emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Without a song the day would never end
If there were no songs, the day would seem interminably long and never come to an end.
Without a song the road would never bend
The journey of life would continue on a straight, monotonous path without music to add variation to the landscape.
When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
During challenging times, a man can feel isolated and alone without the comforting presence of a song.
Without a song
That field of corn would never see a plow
The lack of music would eliminate the joy and motivation necessary for a farmer to till his land.
That field of corn would be deserted now
The absence of music would lead to a decline in agriculture, resulting in barren fields and a lack of sustenance for the people.
A man is born but he's no good no how
Without a song
A person's life loses meaning and value if they are devoid of the emotional richness and expression that music provides.
I got my trouble and woe but, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
Despite the struggles and sadness in life, music has the power to soothe and provide hope to the soul, like the inexorable flow of a river.
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
The mysteries of the world cannot be fully understood, but the beauty of music is a constant source of inspiration.
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
Love, the most essential emotion for human connection, would be nonexistent and unreachable without the power of music to express it.
I've-a got my trouble and woe and, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
Once again, the artist affirms that music is a comfort and source of strength in difficult times.
I'll-a never know what makes that rain to fall
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
The singer acknowledges the uncertainty and mystery of the world, but attributes the enduring power and influence of music to its transcendental quality.
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
The artist reiterates that, without music, the world would be devoid of the love and connection that music so eloquently expresses.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDWARD ELISCU, BILLY ROSE, VINCENT YOUMANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hans-Berry Jacques
I love this great artist !
Henk van den Hurk
Is that the great Paul Weeden on rhythm guitar?