COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA — April in Paris (1955) RM | Two Version | Original Master Recording, Ultradisc II Series + Verve Master Edition, Clef Series | WV + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

One of the staples in the Count Basie discography, April in Paris is one of those rare albums that makes its mark as an almost instant classic in the jazz pantheon. April in Paris represents the reassembly of the original Count Basie orchestra that define swing in the 1930s and 1940s. The title track has come to define elegance in orchestral jazz. Though only ten tracks in its original release, seven alternate takes have now been incorporated into Verve's re-release of the original session tapes. Other key tracks include "Corner Pocket" and "Magic," both of which are also featured in the alternate takes. Recorded in 1955 and 1956, April in Paris proved Count Basie's ability to grow through modern jazz changes while keeping the traditional jazz orchestra vital and alive. Christopher Fielder
Tracklist :
1.    April In Paris 3:47
Arranged By – Wild Bill Davis
Composed By – E.Y. Harburg, Vernon Duke
2.    Corner Pocket 5:15
Composed By, Arranged By – Freddie Green
3.    Didn't You? 4:43
Composed By, Arranged By – Frank Foster
4.    Sweetie Cakes 3:58
Composed By, Arranged By – Ernie Wilkins
5.    Magic 3:06
Composed By, Arranged By – Frank Wess
6.    Shiny Stockings 5:14
Composed By, Arranged By – Frank Foster
7.    What Am I Here For? 3:19
Arranged By – Frank Foster
Composed By – Duke Ellington
8.    Midgets 3:13
Composed By, Arranged By – Joe Newman
9.    Mambo Inn 3:23
Arranged By – Frank Foster
Composed By – Bobby Woodlen, Edgar Sampson, Mario Bauzá
10.    Dinner With Friends 3:05
Composed By, Arranged By – Neal Hefti
11.    April In Paris [2nd Take] 3:45
Arranged By – Wild Bill Davis
Composed By – E.Y. Harburg, Vernon Duke
12.    Corner Pocket [2nd Take] 4:59
Composed By, Arranged By – Freddie Green
13.    Didn't You? [3rd Take] 4:50
Composed By, Arranged By – Frank Foster
14.    Magic [1st Take] 3:42
Composed By, Arranged By – Frank Wess
15.    Magic [2nd Take] 3:50
Composed By, Arranged By – Frank Wess
16.    What Am I Here For? [1st Take] 4:06
Arranged By – Frank Foster
Composed By – Duke Ellington
17.    Midgets [4th Take] 3:11
Composed By, Arranged By – Joe Newman
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Jones
Clarinet, Saxophone [Alto] – Marshal Royal (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16)
Drums – Sonny Payne
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone [Alto], Saxophone [Tenor] – Frank Wess
Guitar – Freddie Green
Percussion – Jose Mangual (tracks: 9), Ubaldo Nieto (tracks: 9)
Piano – Count Basie
Saxophone [Alto] – Bill Graham (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16)
Saxophone [Baritone] – Charlie Fowlkes (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16)
Saxophone [Tenor], Clarinet – Frank Foster (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16)
Trombone – Benny Powell (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16), Bill Hughes (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16), Henry Coker (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16)
Trumpet – Joe Newman, Reunald Jones (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16), Thad Jones (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16), Wendell Culley (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 16)