The Count Basie Orchestra at Blue Note Tokyo
December 8th, 2024
Written by Hiro Yamada, Tokyo Swing Dance Society
Today, I attended two events featuring the Count Basie Orchestra at Blue Note Tokyo: a daytime band clinic and an evening concert, along with swing dancers and musicians.
At the clinic, they gave a lecture and Q&A session about their recent Grammy-winning album Basie Swings The Blues, followed by a performance. The session covered why they chose to record this blues album, the core idea of blending “the freedom inherent in a blues jam session with the power of the band’s brass section,” how they achieved this, and what it actually sounds like when performed live. Scotty Barnhart, the current bandleader, delivered this deep and detailed lecture. The Count Basie Orchestra is not only the world’s greatest swing big band but also a magnificent band that generously shares its musical background with the audience. And of course, we danced Lindy Hop to their performance! The clinic cost only 2,000 yen (about $13), but the actual value was at least ten or even twenty times more. It was an unforgettable 80 minutes of bliss.
After the enlightening clinic, the evening concert promised even more. The event was a regular live concert, with a music charge of 12,500 yen (about $83). And it was nothing short of phenomenal. The exquisite marriage of blues jam sessions and big band orchestration they demonstrated in the clinic was present throughout. The performance was a tempest of swing, complete with mind-blowing technique, followed by incredibly sensual slow ballads. There were solos and duets featuring distinct and unique personalities. The loose rhythm section and sharp brass section, unique to the Count Basie Orchestra, created a rendezvous that defied belief. Words can’t do it justice. Since it is the holiday season, there were also two Christmas songs. But they were far from the usual clichés; their highly original arrangements and astounding improvisation delivered Christmas songs unlike anything I had ever heard before.
As Lindy Hoppers, we naturally danced. While most major cities around the world have their own Blue Notes, there is only one place where you can dance to the Count Basie Orchestra—Blue Note Tokyo. The serving staff not only warmly welcomed us Lindy Hoppers but even danced themselves. The band members, on their way out, thanked us for dancing.
What kind of Christmas present is this? If there is a heaven, it must be right here, in Tokyo, at this very spot! Hmmm? Could it be that I secretly hopped on Charles Lindbergh’s iconic plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, and, in a nonstop flight across the mythical ‘River of Three Crossings’ (三途の川), a concept representing the transition between this life and the afterlife in Buddhist beliefs, I went to the afterlife and danced at a Christmas party there? Could that be why those Christmas songs sounded so otherworldly? There are spiritualists who believe in parallel worlds, and perhaps Tokyo itself holds one. And this parallel world—it’s a “Swingin’” one!
The photo, taken by Keiko Endo, shows three young aspiring musicians standing on stage with the Count Basie Orchestra during the clinic.
December 8th, 2024
Written by Satsuki Matsumoto
This time, I had the opportunity to attend the Count Basie Orchestra’s concert at Blue Note Tokyo, and it truly felt like a dream come true.
I was deeply moved by experiencing their unique sound, groove, and the one-of-a-kind live atmosphere firsthand. The Count Basie Orchestra really is in a league of its own.
I could feel how their timeless standards have been studied, refined, and further evolved, continuing to captivate fans through their dedication and passion.
It was an extraordinary performance that showcased their unwavering spirit, leaving an unforgettable impression.