I suppose that this epistle takes the form of a concert review. You will note my enthusiasm for a particular music that unfolded for nearly two hours to a sold-out auditorium. I also don't hesitate to write a few details as I have always assumed that most Americans were 'clued-up' on big band jazz and swing. I have since found out that this is not so as this music of yesteryear has perhaps taken a back seat to the popular sounds of today. But not so last Thursday evening at the Lakewood Cultural Center.

Those who turned out to hear the Count Basie Orchestra experienced the continuing legacy of a historic big band - once described as "sixteen men swinging". And they certainly did! Trombonist Bill Hughes, who joined the band in the 1950's, introduced and conducted the excellent musicians. Only three of the musicians in the line-up had played with pianist William 'Count' Basie before he died in 1984. So what! The dynamics from the whole band and sections (five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones) were faultless. The many soloists who came out front had the attack and feeling for the material. I recall my first introduction to the orchestra in 1957 when, after the introductory piano chorus, the whole band came in -- Wham!! Causing goose bumps down my back. This particular power note arrived again in the first number, "Moten Swing"-true to tradition.

As a drummer, but not of this style, I paid particular attention to the expertise of Brian Grice, the driving force who stoked the band. He was definitely in the role of previous men who sat behind the kit - Sonny Payne and Howard Jones. I was fortunate in seeing them when attending five Basie concerts in England, three of which featured Sarah Vaughan ('63),Tony Bennett ('65), Ella Fitzgerald ('71).

When mentioning legacy, I refer to Count Basie commencing a big band in 1937. Although the band out-swung Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw a coloured band was not eligible for commercial success. There was also a big bill in running a large ban; therefore, in the 1950's Basie led a smaller group before breaking new ground with an album - "Dance Set Number One". As that larger band re-emerged they produced album after album with a certain kind of phrasing scored by Ernie Wilkins and Neil Hefti. The featured soloists over the years read like a history of jazz: from the legendary tenorist Lester Young in the 30's to the younger players carrying on the tradition of today.

A quick word to publicise another form of music that will be seen and heard in this excellent auditorium - the Lakewood Symphony Orchestra's "Sister Cities" concert on April 3 rd. This gives music scholarship pupils a chance to 'swap' as Chester, U.K. clarinetist Jonathan Guy comes over to perform Weber's Clarinet concerto No 1. Also on the bill, Gershwin's American in Paris.