For the First Time (1974)

About this title: Throughout his career, Count Basie was modest about his own abilities as a pianist, and his success at streamlining his style to the bare essentials often made listeners underrate his playing talents. This 1974 session was a rarity, an opportunity for Basie to be featured in a trio setting (with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Louie Bellson), during which he provides enough variety to hold one's interest and enough technique to lead many to reassess his piano skills. Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks:

1. Baby Lawrence [Basie]
2. Pres [Basie]
3. I'll Always Be in Love With You [Green/Ruby/Stept]
4. Blues in the Church [Basie]
5. Oh, Lady Be Good [Concept 1] [Gershwin/Gershwin]
6. Oh, Lady Be Good [Concept 2] [Gershwin/Gershwin]
7. Blues in the Alley [Basie]
8. As Long as I Live [Arlen/Koehler]
9. Song of the Islands [King]
10. Royal Gardens Blues [Williams/Williams]
11. (Un) Easy Does It [Oliver/Young]
12. O.P. [Basie]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.