When Did Count Basie Record April in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Count Basie was one of the most prominent jazz musicians of the 20th century, known for his unique style and distinctive sound. One of his most famous recordings is the song “April in Paris,” a classic tune that has become a jazz standard. But when exactly did Count Basie record this iconic piece?

The recording session for “April in Paris” took place on October 21, 1955, at the Capitol Studios in New York City. The song was part of an album called “April in Paris” that was released by the Count Basie Orchestra in 1956. The album features many other well-known songs, including “Corner Pocket,” “Shiny Stockings,” and “Midgets.”

During the recording session, Count Basie was joined by some of the best musicians of his time, including Joe Newman on trumpet, Frank Wess on flute and tenor saxophone, Thad Jones on trumpet, and Freddie Green on guitar. Together, they created a masterpiece that would go down in history as one of the greatest jazz recordings ever made.

One of the things that makes “April in Paris” so special is its use of rich harmonies and complex rhythms. The song starts with a simple melody played by Newman on trumpet and Wess on flute before building to a crescendo with the full orchestra playing together. The arrangement is masterful, with each instrument weaving seamlessly together to create a lush and vibrant sound.

Another notable feature of “April in Paris” is its use of call-and-response between different sections of the orchestra. This technique was common in African American music traditions such as gospel and blues but had rarely been used in jazz before this recording. Count Basie’s innovative approach helped to push jazz music forward and paved the way for new styles and techniques.

In conclusion, Count Basie recorded “April in Paris” on October 21, 1955, at Capitol Studios in New York City. The song is part of an album called “April in Paris” that was released in 1956 and features some of the best jazz musicians of all time.

The recording is a masterpiece, known for its rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and innovative use of call-and-response. It remains a beloved classic to this day and continues to inspire new generations of jazz musicians.