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April in Paris is an album by pianist/bandleader Count Basie and His Orchestra, his first released on the Verve label, recorded in 1955 and 1956.

“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/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“April in Paris” (Vernon Duke and E.Y. “Yip” Harburg) – 3:47
“Corner Pocket” (Freddie Green) – 5:15
“Didn’t You?” (Frank Foster) – 4:43
“Sweetie Cakes” (Ernest Brooks “Ernie” Wilkins) – 3:58
“Magic” (Frank Wess) – 3:06
“Shiny Stockings” (Foster) – 5:14
“What Am I Here For” (Duke Ellington and Frankie Laine, arr. Foster) – 3:19
“Midgets” (Joe Newman) – 3:13
“Mambo Inn” (Mario Bauzá, Edgar Melvin Sampson and Bobby Woodlen) – 3:23
“Dinner with Friends” (Neal Hefti) – 3:05

Recorded at Fine Sound in New York City on July 26, 1955 (tracks 1-4 ), January 4, 1956 (track 5-8 ) and January 5, 1956 (tracks 9 and 10).

Personnel:
Count Basie – piano
Wendell Culley (tracks 1-7 & 9), Reunald Jones (tracks 1-7 & 9), Thad Jones (tracks 1-7 & 9), Joe Newman – trumpet
Henry Coker, Bill Hughes, Benny Powell – trombone (tracks 1-7 & 9)
Marshall Royal – alto saxophone, clarinet (tracks 1-7 & 9)
Bill Graham – alto saxophone (tracks 1-7 & 9)
Frank Wess – alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet (tracks 1-7 & 9)
Frank Foster – tenor saxophone, clarinet (tracks 1-7 & 9)
Charlie Fowlkes – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet (tracks 1-7 & 9)
Freddie Green – guitar
Eddie Jones – bass
Sonny Payne – drums
Jose Mangual, Ubaldo Nieto – percussion (track 9)
William “Wild Bill” Davis (tracks 1 ), Freddie Green (tracks 2 ), Neal Hefti (track 1), Frank Foster (tracks 3, 6, 7, 9), Joe Newman (tracks 8 ), Ernie Wilkins (track 4) – arranger

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Released: 1957
Recorded: July 26, 1955 and January 4 & 5, 1956
Fine Sound, New York City
Label: Verve
MGV 8012
Producer: Norman Granz