Count Basie had been performing different jazz styles from the early 30’s to the late 70’s. There were many performances that included vocalists during the early 60’s to gain more attraction. But it was in the late 60’s when Basie returned to a more standard jazz format. After 30 years, he created two great recording sessions that were at the top of the charts – Broadway…Basie’s Way and Hollywood…Basie’s Way.

Both albums pack so much power and groove, they should be included in every cocktail party compilation. Some of my favorites to get a taste of Basie are, A Lot Of Livin’ To Do and On The Street Where You Live from the Broadway session; Secret Love and Foggy Day from the Hollywood session. Both albums were originally produced as separate vinyl recordings, but can now be found as one compilation.

Basie brought back rhythm and beat with a swing!

Read the full post

For those of you who missed the first show, the next Swank Pack Show is due on July 2 at the Pasadena Jazz Institute in California. Tickets start at $20 if you book in advance. For more information and bookings, visit pasjazz.org.

Straight from their smash opening on June 4, Douglas Roegiers and Dave Cox are back to dazzle and enchant with their classic brand of musical and magical entertainment, this time with special guest, LA’s jazz diva deluxe, Suzy Williams. Taking their cues from the swinging big bands and the crooning Rat Pack, Roegiers and his band perform numbers taken right out of the Great American Songbook in a manner of which Sinatra himself would be proud. Likewise, Cox delights audiences with his unique style of comedy and magic. In short, the Swank Pack delivers an old school, Las Vegas-style variety show, the likes of which one would be hard-pressed to find even in Las Vegas nowadays.

For those of you who always wish you were born early enough into the 20th Century so that you are able to experience the thrill, excitement and glamour of the 1950s and 1960s classic Rat Pack shows with Frank, Dean, Sammy and all the other boys, here's your chance. Picking up where they left off in the 60s, Douglas Roegiers, Dave Cox and a variety of performers transform the Pasadena Jazz Institute (in Pasadena, California) into a swingin’ lounge on the first Thursday of every month. Far from a show full of impersonators, these guys (and dames) pay homage to the great American crooners by bringing their own brand of style and entertainment to the stage monthly. The first show kicks off at 8:30 p.m. on June 4th, don't miss it baby!