Count Basie - Ultimate Big Band Collection (2011)

The Count Basie volume in Sony's Masterworks Jazz series is a solid, decent-sounding, budget-priced introduction to some of this fine band's best-known numbers during a peak period in their long tenure. Along with "One O' Clock Jump," "Lester Jumps In," and "Rock-A-Bye Basie," are perennials like "Jumpin' at the Woodside," "Lady Be Good," and "Blue Skies." For those who've not heard much Basie, this will provide a solid starting point because everything in it is a stone-cold classic; it makes for one hell of a swinging jump compilation of big-band jazz Kansas City style. ~ Thom Jurek ~Allmusic