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Early 20th Century
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Rhythm Section


Example of ready-to-play hi-hat

Example of ready-to-play hi-hat

The progressive trends in Basie's style originated with his rhythm section. Jo Jones (1911-1985) was one of the earliest drummers to play the ride rhythm on the hi-hat A pair of cymbals mounted horizontally which are operated by a foot pedal and by being struck with a stick. The hi hat is an essential part of a drum kit. as it was continuously opening and closing, producing a smoother, more sustained rhythm. He also played a quieter bass drum than most swing-era drummers.

Walter Page (1900-1957) was one of the first masters of the walking bass. He drew a bigger sound from the bass than others, and his superb sense of timing helped promote the bass to its role as principal timekeeper in the band.

Freddie Green (1911-1987) played the acoustic guitar, and his sound added a buoyancy to the Basie rhythm section that no other big band had. Green's approach was to strum each beat as an extension of the walking bass line. This rhythm section sound was one reason musicians usually called the Basie Band the "swingingest" of all big bands.

Basie, for his part, was freed from the necessity of keeping the beat with stride-style piano. Instead, he pared down the role of the piano in the rhythm section and pioneered the spontaneous, off-the-beat comping that would come to characterize modern jazz.

A-Tisket A-Tasket

A-tisket a-tasket
A green-and-yellow basket
I bought a basket for my mommie
On the way I dropped it

Don't Worry 'Bout Me

Don't worry 'bout me Forget about me
Just be happy my love