The Count Basie Orchestra is one of the most prominent jazz performing groups of the swing era, founded by Count Basie in 1935 and surviving long past the Big Band era itself and the death of Basie in 1984. Winner of 19 Grammy Awards during it's 85 years of history, the latest honors are the 2018 Downbeat Readers Poll Award as the #1 Jazz Orchestra in the world, and a Grammy Nomination for the 2018 acclaimed recording All About That Basie. Under the direction of trumpeter Scotty Barnhart since 2013, the Orchestra continues to adapt the Basie sound to the modern era, while staying true to its signature sound.

In this presentation and discussion Mr. Barnhart will cover the biography of Count Basie and the development of his Orchestra along with many rare audio and video examples. Guest artists include trombonist Clarence Banks, who will talk about his time with Basie, and the discussion will continue with guitarist Will Matthews, who will talk about the importance of the rhythm section in the Orchestra's trademark swinging beat.

Healdsburg Jazz's Artistic Director Marcus Shelby will introduce and moderate this event.