• This release presents the complete classic Count Basie album “April in Paris” (1956), which equalled the success of “The Atomic Mr Basie” released a year before. Wild Bill Davis’ fantastic arrangement of the title tune, became one of Basie’s biggest hits and perennial favourites.

• As a bonus, ten tracks which complete all of the master takes recorded during the three “April in Paris” sessions, most of which were originally issued as single 78-rpm discs.

• Basie’s rediscovered popularity in the mid-50s was much needed - with the popularity of bebop and cool jazz, (and rock & roll shortly after), sustaining a big band became extremely difficult. Basie himself had to disband the orchestra for a while in 1950, and front a small group.

• Personnel includes : Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Benny Powell, Marshal Royal, Frank Wess, Frank Foster, Freddie Green, Sonny Payne, Joe Williams and of course Count Basie at the piano.

• Total Time: 73:56 - 20 tracks - includes 12-page booklet. (originally released on Verve, this album was more recently reissued in this form on the Essential Jazz Albums label).