Sing A Song Of & Along With Basie

It is fair to say that Lambert, Hendricks and Ross set standards in style and musical ability. The trio's contribution to jazz vocal cannot be underestimated and their vocal gymnastics dramatically changed the sound of other vocal groups. They were voted best vocal group in downbeats readers poll 5 years in a row.

Two complete albums on one! The first features a rhythm section based on Count Basie's "New Testament" band with the vocalese practitioners Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross executing the tricky lead and section work. Annie Ross is astonishing as she hits impossibly high trumpet parts with aplomb. Then on the second you have the thrilling, ultra swinging sound of the full Count Basie Orchestra plus appearances from Joe Williams. In fact there's enough words and music here to make it seem like some sort of crazy jazz opera.

Also including bonus live tracks "Doodlin" and "Everyday I Have The Blues" recorded with Count Basie.