The Count Basie Orchestra is a 16 to 18 piece big band, one of the most prominent jazz performing groups of the swing era. The band survived the late-forties decline in big band popularity and went on to produce notable collaborations with singers such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald in the fifties and sixties. The group continued to perform and record as a ‘ghost band’ after Count Basie’s death, and are currently under the leadership of Bill Hughes.
See also http://www.last.fm/music/+noredirect/Count+Basie+and+His+Orchestra
April In Paris
Count Basie & His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris
Whom can I run to
What have you done to my heart
The lyrics in Count Basie's song 'April in Paris' is about discovering the beauty of Spring for the first time, particularly in the city of Paris. The first stanza explains the persona's ignorance and lack of knowledge about Spring and its magic. The persona never experienced Spring's charm or encountered it personally. The persona also did not expect that his/her heart could sing, and he/she never missed the warmth and comfort that a hug could bring. The second stanza is where the song reaches its climax as the persona found himself/herself in Paris during Spring. The lyrics mention "chestnuts in blossom" and "holiday tables under the trees," most likely referring to the Parisian tradition of celebrating the arrival of Spring. The persona describes the feeling that cannot be replicated, which meant that the experience was unique and one-of-a-kind, and it touched the persona's heart to the point that he/she is left wondering "what have you done to my heart."
Overall, the song 'April in Paris' is a love letter to the romantic city of Paris during Spring. The lyrics express the persona's newfound love for Spring and the charm of Paris in that season. The song conveys the idea that Paris in Spring is a magical and unforgettable experience that can leave an indelible mark on one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
I never knew the charm of spring
I had never experienced the beauty of springtime.
I never met it face to face
I had never been physically present during springtime.
I never knew my heart could sing
I had never felt so happy and joyful before.
I never missed a warm embrace
I had never longed for someone to hold me close.
Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
It wasn't until I experienced spring in Paris, with the sight of blooming chestnuts.
Holiday tables under the trees
With tables set beneath the trees for a holiday meal.
April in Paris, this is a feeling
April in Paris created an incomparable feeling.
That no one can ever reprise
A feeling that can never be replicated.
Till April in Paris
It wasn't until my experience in Paris.
Whom can I run to
Who can I turn to now?
What have you done to my heart
My heart has been completely captivated and forever changed by my experience in Paris.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: E. Y. Harburg, Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@snapfinger1
The logistics of keeping a band like this together are mind blowing.
@fernmann7
True, but if you’re a musician, who better to work for than the great CB?
@snapfinger1
@@fernmann7 Duke Ellington ?
@jeaninep.donaldson112
My favorite part of the Blazing Saddles movie❤😂
@antiquedreams.6104
We owe so much to jazz musicians from the great big bands era. They completely redefined music! Every single genre and artist ever since has been heavily influenced by jazz's charm. The orchestrated arrangements, the piano solos, even the most famous and used chord progression of all time was originally used in a jazz song. I will never get over how talented and inspiring these people were.
@Thelonious2Monk
There was and never will be any orchestra that swings like that of the Great Count (actually King) Basie. This piece is so engraved in my brain that I am practically made out of it!!!
@gabrieldjatienza6971
Just 20 seconds of Count Basie in a hilarious scene in Blazing Saddles leading to thunderous applause and laughter in that comedy masterpiece!
@StevenC32
Count Basie was so talented, he gave the world some truly amazing music. My Father grew up listening to this kind of music. I grew up during the 70s and did not fully appreciate the type of music from my Father's generation, but now that I am older and wizer, I can fully appreciate this type of music. My only regret is that I wish that I could have enjoyed this music while my father was still alive and shared my appreciation for the music of his generation.
@michaelward7612
My thriteen year old is watching this. He is learning about The Count and The Duke.
@nicklh186
Michael Ward amazing! 😄