Tips on Tables - Robert W. Dana - 1943

Count Basie Performs at the Lincoln

Count Basie and his powerful driving orchestra have begun an engagement at the Blue Room of the Lincoln, their first hotel run in New York and their first local cafe appearance since they were at the Cafe The CountSociety Uptown more than two years ago. In the interval they have been making one-night stands over the country. The Count - so called because of the majestic way he directs his crew from his piano - is known among hepcats as the "jump king of swing"; certainly his distinct rhythm style may be said to have set a pattern for the many bands now in the top of the bracket.

The inspired rhythm section of the Basie band is said to be the finest of any jazz outfit playing the rounds these days. With Jo Jones at the drums, Freddy Greene on guitar, Walter Paige on bass and the Count at the piano, it is an outfit with that something special. The piano solos of the leader and the celebrated theme "One O'Clock Jump" are the most famous by-products of the Basie legend.

The nucleus of this band, which was organized five years ago, is still intact. Featured is Jimmy Rushing, the 250-pound blues shouter, who was the inspiration for the song "Mr. Five by Five." Another soloist is Thelma Carpenter, a Harlem songbird sophisticated in appearance and delivery whose song draws appreciation from a hep crowd. She was discovered by Basie a year ago while singing at Kelly's Stable. Trumpet solos are ably handled by Buck Clayton, long-time soloist with the band. Dickie Welles is a stand out trombone, and Earle Warren, of the saxophone section, is an impressive vocalist.

Night-Club Openings

Tonight - Craig Wood, singer, will open at Paris Qui Chante; Mitzi's Lucky Girls will take over the chorus chores at Iceland Restaurant; Gene Baylos, comedian, will join Francis Faye in the show Riomba...Benny Fields will return tomorrow to Greenwich Village Inn...Jack Kerr, song stylist, will open tomorrow at the Cafe de la Paix, of the St. Moritz ..Sondra and Jonnie Steele will entertain at the Maisonette of the St. Regis, which begins another season on Sunday. Bob Simone and Evan Jones and their Orchestras will play for dancing ...The Hartmans will return on Monday to the Wedgewood Room for a supper engagement. Annamary Dickey, of the Metropolitan Opera will be featured in this new supper show, while Leo Reisman and his orchestra will continue to play for dinner and supper. Also on Monday, Elaine Vincent, singer, will open at Jimmy Dwyer's Sawdust Trail, and Ralph Grayson, tenor, will open at the Wivel.