25/01/2026
¡Nuestras influencias y ejemplos a seguir!
Count Basie and Duke Ellington — too much genius in a single photograph.
This iconic image was taken during the recording sessions of the historic album
First Time! The Count Meets the Duke (Columbia Records, 1961).
After decades of shaping the sound of big band jazz—often seen as friendly rivals—Basie and Ellington finally met in the studio for a full collaborative album, made possible by producer Norman Granz. Recorded in July 1961 in New York, the sessions brought together select members of both orchestras in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that felt more like a celebration than a competition.
The repertoire smartly blends classics from both leaders, including
🎶 Battle Royal (a playful piano “duel”)
🎶 Take the ‘A’ Train
🎶 Jumpin’ at the Woodside
🎶 Segue in C
🎶 To You
Among the remarkable musicians present were Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, Cootie Williams, Frank Wess, Thad Jones, Freddie Green, Eddie Jones, and Sonny Payne, each retaining the unmistakable identity of his home band.
The success of this encounter led to a sequel in 1962, Second Time! The Count Meets the Duke, but this first meeting remains a unique document:
two masters, two philosophies of swing, one unforgettable moment in jazz history.
Pure class. Pure swing. Timeless. 🎷✨
