Basie & the Blues at Jazz at Lincoln Center

William James "Count" Basie established 4/4 swing as one of jazz's predominant styles and solidified the link between jazz and the blues. An architect of the music with an original sound straight out of Kansas City, Count Basie led one of the greatest big bands of all time, featuring an enviable, hard-swinging rhythm section, premiere soloists, and a myriad of hit songs. Music director Eric Reed and his stellar ensemble, featuring vocalists Brianna Thomas and Kenny Washington, will be “Swinging the Blues” as they honor the nine-time GRAMMY® Award winner and NEA Jazz Master by highlighting the blues elements that set Basie’s orchestra apart. A soulful talent, Brianna Thomas made her Jazz at Lincoln Center debut in 2006 at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. New Orleans native Kenny Washington sings with his own unique Crescent City sound, blending his roots in gospel and jazz virtuosity with modern soul....

read more

William James "Count" Basie established 4/4 swing as one of jazz's predominant styles and solidified the link between jazz and the blues. An architect of the music with an original sound straight out of Kansas City, Count Basie led one of the greatest big bands of all time, featuring an enviable, hard-swinging rhythm section, premiere soloists, and a myriad of hit songs. Music director Eric Reed and his stellar ensemble, featuring vocalists Brianna Thomas and Kenny Washington, will be “Swinging the Blues” as they honor the nine-time GRAMMY® Award winner and NEA Jazz Master by highlighting the blues elements that set Basie’s orchestra apart. A soulful talent, Brianna Thomas made her Jazz at Lincoln Center debut in 2006 at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. New Orleans native Kenny Washington sings with his own unique Crescent City sound, blending his roots in gospel and jazz virtuosity with modern soul.

Free pre-concert discussion nightly, 6pm & 8:30pm

show less