Metronome All-Stars 1956
Metronome All-Stars 1956 was the final album by the Metronome All-Stars, a loose amalgamation of musicians representing winners of Metronome magazine's annual poll. This 1956 release contains four tracks documenting the first collaboration between pianist/bandleader Count Basie and vocalist Ella Fitzgerald.
The album was originally released on the Clef label in 1956.
Reception
AllMusic awarded the album 4 stars stating "This would be the final recording by The Metronome All-Stars and the music on this LP still sounds exciting and joyful".Track listing
- "Billie's Bounce" – 20:30
- "April in Paris" – 4:43
- "Every Day I Have the Blues" – 5:11
- "Party Blues" – 3:59
- "Basie's Back in Town" – 3:16
- "Lady Fair" – 2:55
- Recorded at Fine Sound in New York City on June 18, June 25 and June 27, 1956
Personnel
- Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams – vocals
- Count Basie, Billy Taylor, George Wallington – piano
- Wendell Culley, Reunald Jones, Thad Jones, Joe Newman – trumpet
- Eddie Bert, Henry Coker, Bill Hughes, Benny Powell – trombone
- Marshall Royal – alto saxophone, clarinet
- Tony Scott – clarinet
- Bill Graham, Lee Konitz – alto saxophone
- Frank Wess – alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute
- Al Cohn, Frank Foster, Zoot Sims – tenor saxophone
- Serge Chaloff, Charlie Fowlkes – baritone saxophone
- Teddy Charles – vibraphone
- Tal Farlow, Freddie Green – guitar
- Eddie Jones, Charles Mingus – bass
- Art Blakey, Sonny Payne – drums
- Ralph Burns, Wild Bill Davis, Ernie Wilkins – arranger