The jam sessions led by Count Basie on the Pablo label are living textbooks on the common language of jazz. Basie Jam 2 is one of the most edifying because of the remarkable degree to which the guest instructors shared with Basie agreement about the basic principles of the constructions, syntax, and rhythms of the language. Clark Terry, Lockjaw Davis, Al Grey, and Louis Bellson had worked in Basie's band. Benny Carter had written for it. Joe Pass and John Heard grew up in music imbued with the Basie ethic. They knew that the blues must underlie even jazz not strictly built on blues harmonies. They knew that if jazz didn't swing, it didn't count for much. Here is clear evidence that the knowledge was not merely academic.

Mama Don't Wear No Drawers, Doggin' Around, Kansas City Line, JJJJump

with Benny Carter, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Clark Terry, Al Grey, Joe Pass, John Heard, Louis Bellson