Originally called Basie, but better known (to me) as it’s re-issued name The atomic Mr Basie, this album was recorded in 1958. It was already late both in William “Count” Basie’s career, but also for the big bands. Yet it is clearly the best known of his albums. Actually, the album is a combination of two giants in the big band world: music played by Count Basie, but arranged by Neal Hefti. Neal Hefti was a trumpeter, composer and arranger.
This is clearly a best of in big band jazz. Every song on it I know, even though I haven’t listened to it very much. I think it is just used a lot in different settings. According to the book 1001 Albums you must hear before you die this was Basie’s last big album, before he was going into a friendly retirement as an “elder statesman of jazz”. Definitely worth a listen.