April in Paris (album) awarded the album 3 stars stating ""April in Paris" is typical Basie fare of the period: bustling charts, leathery solos and pinpoint timing". April in Paris (album) April in Paris is an album by pianist/bandleader Count Basie and His Orchestra, his first released on the Verve label, recorded in 1955 and 1956. AllMusic awarded the album 5 stars calling it "one of those rare albums that makes its mark as an almost instant classic in the jazz pantheon" and noting ""April in Paris" proved Count Basie's ability to grow through modern jazz changes while keeping the traditional jazz orchestra vital
Famous Maroon Band The name "Famous Maroon Band" was coined in the 1930s after an incident that led to the 40 members of the band being called the "Famous Forty". At the time of an A&M vs. Alabama football game, the bands participated in a band contest with the winner taking home a trophy. Unbeknownst to the Alabama band, the A&M band had brand new non-military themed uniforms and after the A&M band performed first to thunderous applause the Alabama band refused to play. The band still has the trophy on display in the band room and the forty members of the band