Basie's Rhythm Section
This guitarist, famous for his steady four-to-the-bar strumming, anchored the rhythm section.
Who is Freddie Green?
"Li'l Darlin'" became a jazz standard partly because big bands love playing it at this slow speed.
What is a very slow tempo?
This track is famous for starting with Count Basie's signature solo piano introduction before the whole band joins in.
What is "The Kid From Red Bank"?
This pianist and bandleader lent the album his name.
Who is Count Basie?
This opening track is distinguished by a powerful, three-note horn motif repeated throughout the arrangement, setting an intense pace.
What is "The Atomic Mr. Basie"?
This drummer, dropped bombs without ever losing the groove.
Who is Sonny Payne?
This modern music genre has frequently sampled riffs from Atomic Basie.
What is hip-hop?
This is the album's only track title that describes a two-person musical performance, showcasing Frank Wess and Frank Foster.
What is "Duet"?
This tenor sax giant, known for "The Four Brothers" sound, plays on the album.
Who is Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis?
Arranged by Frank Foster, this blues number is built on a catchy call-and-response riff primarily between the brass and reed sections.
What is "Splanky"?
Known for his quiet, supportive lines, this bassist helped define the Basie feel.
Who is Eddie Jones?
The album often appears on lists of the greatest jazz records, especially in this sub-genre.
What is big band jazz?
This song, whose title suggests a relaxed evening mood, is built around a prominent, swinging walking bass line.
What is "After Supper"?
This arrangement, composed by trumpeter Thand Jones, is noted for its harmonically sophisticated sound, unlike the simpler swing of Nela Hefti's charts.
What is "Teddly"?
This fast-paced track is characterized by its driving 4/4 rhythm and the frequent use of sliding notes in the trombone section.
What is the "Whirly-Bird"?
Together, the rhythm-section members were often referred to by this patriotic nickname.
What is the "All-American Rhythm Section"?
Many educators use Atomic Basie charts to teach this essential jazz skill.
What is ensemble blend or swing phrasing?
The album's closing track on the original release, this arrangement is an instrumental version of a tune popularized by singers like Della Reese.
What is "The Late, Late Show"?
This guitarist, master of the four-to-the-bar rhythm style, holds the band together.
Who is Freddie Green?
This slower, dramatic number features a rare, muted trumpet solo played by Thad Jones over a lush bed of saxophones.
What is "Didn't You Hear?"?
This specific quality of the Basie rhythm section, lightness combined with absolute precision, was a major reason for Neal Hefti's writing style on Atomic Basie.
What is "that swing feel"?
Thanks to its huge influence and enduring charts, the album is often considered the definitive example of this 1950s swing revival.
What is the "Basie Renaissance" or "New Testament Basie sound"?
The name of this Frank Foster arrangement is a nautical term for the rear portion of a ship and features a powerful, driving saxophone solo.
What is "Fantail"?
This drummer's understated pulse made Basie's band famously subtle and swinging.
Who is Sonny Payne?
Arranged at a very slow tempo, this track is famous for its haunting, lyrical melody played by the tenor saxophones over a soft rhythm section.
What is "Li'l Darlin'"?