Count Basie plays Neal Hefti

"(Count) Basie plays (Neal) Hefti" is the album - featuring 12 of Neal's great compositions and arrangements - played beautifully by the Count and his orchestra.  This selection, "Cute" - is one of Neal's very famous instrumentals.  

While Neal Hefti spent much of the 1940s working with the big bands (Woody Herman) and gaining his reputation as a first rate musician and arranger - and the 1950s working in the recording studios making his own albums, and arranging for many diverse singers such as The McGuire Sisters ("Sugartime"), Doris Day ("Bright And Shiny") and his own wife, vocalist  Frances Wayne (her albums on Brunswick and Epic) - Neal hit his stride in the 1960s when he became a much in-demand movie soundtrack composer ("Harlow", "Sex And The Single Girl", "Barefoot In The Park", "The Odd Couple", "Batman", etc.). 

Released on Roulette Birdland SR 52011 (Stereo).  Produced by Teddy Reig.  Arranged by Neal Hefti.  Conducted by Count Basie.