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Volume 33
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Count Basie Orchestra swings Benaroya Hall

Count Basie Orchestra swings Benaroya Hall
by Jessica Davis - SGN A&E Writer The Count Basie Orchestra December 21 at Benaroya Hall The Count Basie Orchestra filled Benaroya Hall with some good, old-fashioned swinging Christmas tunes mixed with some non-seasonal, jazzy melodies, Dec. 19-21. At the final performance, Dec. 21, the orchestra opened their first set with the Christmas classic, "Jingle Bells," followed by a strong showcase of the rhythm section with "In A Mellow Tone," arranged by Frank Foster. The orchestra also played a quick tempo with "Dum Dum" by Quincy Jones, that contrasted with a slow and sultry "Easy Livin" featuring Marshall McDonald on lead alto. Butch Miles played a long, but fast-moving drum solo in "The Hawk." His brushstrokes however, were lost with the uneven amplification of the band. Vocalist Melba Joyce also sang a soulful rendition of "Winter Wonderland," a bluesy "Body and Soul" and an upbeat "Sweet Georgia Brown," in the first set. The first set ended with the Basie standard, "One O'clock Jump." The second set brought the audience back into the Christmas spirit with "Sleigh Ride" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Passionate vocalist Joyce and trumpeter Scotty Barnhart also gave a powerful performance with "White Christmas." Other songs, including "The Nine-Twenty Special," highlighted the talents of several band members. "Corner Pocket" and "Cute," especially showed the skills of the trumpet section. The highlight of the evening, however, was "We're In Love Again," featuring John Williams, who played a beautiful melody on baritone sax. Conductor Bill Hughes played trombone for the big finish, "April in Paris." With their impeccable timing as a group, as well as their individual talents, hearing the Count Basie Orchestra is a holiday tradition worth keeping.

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