Count Basie Big Band - Farmers Market Barbecue (1982)

Farmers Market Barbeque represents the later period in Count Basie's career. Basie always maintained a firm grasp on his music; his concept never wavered or faltered when it came to good, down-home swing. Basie's music always contained elements of group interplay. In his later years, his music was much more highly arranged; however, an impromptu approach to jazz still pervaded his work. If spontaneity was the mark of the Kansas City days, lightheartedness permeated his later efforts.This is most clearly displayed on tracks such as "Lester Leaps In" and "Jumpin' at the Woodside." On the latter, the Count and his orchestra sustain a light and buoyant swing while still infusing the music with lively improvisations. Tenor saxophonists Kenny Hing and Eric Dixon trade choruses on these jazz anthems in a blithe and playful manner.