The entire Sax section of the “Legendary Count Basie Orchestra” recently had the opportunity to visit the JodyJazz® factory. Hosted personally by JodyJazz Founder and President Jody Espina, the section was treated to a factory tour, a lavish lunch, and each member had the opportunity to test a comprehensive selection of JodyJazz mouthpieces. The visit resulted in each of the musicians choosing a JodyJazz mouthpiece which they are now playing exclusively.
“I consider the Count Basie Orchestra to be the very best band in the world,” said Jody Espina. “I studied Count Basie’s charts in college, and they were always one of my favorite Big Bands to listen to. The current incarnation of the Orchestra more than lives up to that incredible legacy and if you ever have the opportunity to see them perform live, I urge you to go. You will not be disappointed! It would be an absolute thrill and an honor to have any one of these brilliant saxophonists paying my mouthpieces. But to have the entire Sax section now playing JodyJazz exclusively is truly a dream come true.”
With more than 30 years since the passing of its legendary leader, the Count Basie Orchestra is still recording and performing sold-out concerts all over the world. William James “Count” Basie elevated the sound and the art of the Big Band to new levels of excellence and sophistication and today he is remembered as one of the greatest ever exponents of the artform and is truly an American institution. The Count Basie Orchestra today performs under the direction of Scotty Barnhart and has won every respected jazz poll in the world, received 18 Grammy Awards, has appeared in several movies and television shows, and has performed at every major jazz festival and in every major concert hall in the world.
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra Saxophone Section consists of Dave Glasser (Lead ALTO), Chris Lewis (2nd Alto), Doug Lawrence (1st Tenor), Doug Miller (2nd Tenor) and Josh Lee (Baritone).
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