Throughout his career, Count Basie was modest about his own abilities as a pianist, and his success at streamlining his style to the bare essentials often made listeners underrate his playing talents. This 1974 session was a rarity, an opportunity for Basie to be featured in a trio setting (with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Louie Bellson), during which he provides enough variety to hold one's interest and enough technique to lead many to reassess his piano skills. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01 - Baby Lawrence
02 - Pres
03 - I'll Always Be In Love With You
04 - Blues In The Church
05 - O Lady Be Good (Concept 1)
06 - O Lady Be Good (Concept 2)
07 - Blues In The Alley
08 - As Long As I Live
09 - Song Of The Islands
10 - Royal Garden Blues
11 - (Un)Easy Does It
12 - O.P.
COUNT BASIE piano
RAY BROWN double bass
LOUIS BELLSON drums
Recorded May 22, 1974
Pablo CD 2310.712