17-Time Grammy-Winning Big Band Performs Jazz Renditions of Holiday Classics and Favorite Basie Hits

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2008, AT 8 PM

The Count Basie Orchestra returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall to deliver its big band sound for A Swingin' Christmas, Monday, December 22, at 8 p.m. The festive performance is part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's 2008 Deck the Hall holiday series. Jazz renditions of Christmas classics such as "Jingle Bells," "Let It Snow," "White Christmas," and "Winter Wonderland" coupled with the best of Basie make for a fun-filled jazzy holiday.

The Count Basie Orchestra has redefined the art of jazz for over 70 years. In his 80-year life span, William "Count" Basie expanded and elevated the art form, propelling modern music connoisseurs around the world to regard his legacy as an "American Institution." Although the "Count" passed away in the mid-1980s, his band still goes strong with recordings and performances that can be heard all over the world, from intimate jazz clubs to ornate music festivals.

Deck the Hall, presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, is a series of holiday performances throughout the month of December featuring an array of exceptional artists offering seasonal music. Remaining performances include: Soweto Gospel Choir, December 23; and Pink Martini on New Year's Eve at 7 and 10:30 PM.

THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA of today is eighteen performers committed to upholding and advancing the legacy of William "Count" Basie. Some members are new, some have been in the band "for a minute," yet the core of the sound still swings from a few musicians hand-picked by Count Basie himself. William Basie, a Red Bank, New Jersey native, grew up with the tempos of The Swing Era in New York City, but landed in Kansas City at the close of the Roaring 20s where the city was drawing notice for Jazz, a brand new, wide-open musical style. He took the name "The Count" when his group first headlined at Kansas City's Reno Club in 1935. They worked long hours every night and the pay was low, but The Count Basie Orchestra had arrived. Always swinging, his piano spots became the band's claim to fame. Despite half a century of changing tastes in popular music, the endurance of The Count Basie Orchestra is a testament to the genius of his earliest musical instincts. To this day, The Count Basie Orchestra is in demand for world tours and recordings. The band has won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once and continues to accumulate awards and special recognitions. Of note, The Count Basie Orchestra has performed for royalty around the world, presidents and statesman domestically, and received an astounding 17 Grammy Awards.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2008, at 8 PM

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL, 111 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles



The Count Basie Orchestra

A Swingin' Christmas

Tickets ($28-$82) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card phone order at 323.850.2000. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full-time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.

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