Skopje, 16 March 2024 (MIA) — The National Jazz Orchestra will give a "Required Jazz Reading" concert of American jazz pianist Count Basie's music, focusing on his collaborations with jazz singer Diane Schuur. The concert will feature special guest Marija Dimitrijevikj as vocal soloist.

According to concert organizers in a press release, the concert recalls the swing era — also known as the big band era – between 1933 and 1947, when jazz was revolutionized by big bands led by artists including Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Count Basie.

William James "Count" Basie (1904–1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer.

"In 1935, he formed the Count Basie Orchestra and led the group for almost 50 years.

"His work resulted in music expression innovations like the use of two 'split' tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, and others," the National Jazz Orchestra's release says. mr/