The Benny Powell Discography (1953-1963; Most Basie Sessions Not Included)
by Noal Cohen

Back to Benny Powell page at Noal Cohen's Jazz History Website

Note: For conventions and abbreviations used in this discography, please see: Discography Key. Also, to view all issues of a given track, click on the blue disclosure triangle to the left of the last shown issue.

Buck Clayton (ldr), Buck Clayton, Joe Newman (t), Urbie Green, Benny Powell (tb), Lem Davis (as), Julian Dash (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Sir Charles Thompson (p), Walter Page (b), Jo Jones (d)

Benny Powell is the first trombone soloist on both tracks.

Sir Charles Thompson (ldr), Joe Newman (t), Benny Powell (tb), Pete Brown (as), Sir Charles Thompson (p), Gene Ramey (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Benny Powell solos on all tracks.

Frank Foster (ldr), Benny Powell (tb), Frank Foster (ts), Gildo Mahones (p), Percy Heath (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Benny Powell solos on all tracks except g.

Frank Wess (ldr), Benny Powell (tb), Frank Wess (ts, f), Jimmy Jones (p), Oscar Pettiford (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Benny Powell (tb) on a-c; Frank Wess (ts) on a-c; (f) on d; Oscar Pettiford (b) on a-c; Osie Johnson (d) on a-c.

The longer take of Basie Ain't Here is a composite of alternate takes. The matrix numbers assigned by Atlantic are 25899 for Frankosis and 25897 for the longer take of Basie Ain't Here. Track d is a flute/piano duet. Benny Powell solos on tracks a-c.

Billie Holiday (ldr), Wendell Culley, Reunald Jones, Thad Jones, Joe Newman (t), Henry Coker, Bill Hughes, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Frank Foster (ts), Frank Wess (ts, f), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Carl Drinkard (p), Eddie Jones (b), Gus Johnson (d), Billie Holiday (v)

This was the Count Basie Orchestra with Holiday's pianist.

Sarah Vaughan (ldr), Wendell Culley, Reunald Jones, Thad Jones, Joe Newman (t), Henry Coker, Bill Hughes, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Ernie Wilkins (as, ts), Frank Foster (ts), Frank Wess (ts, f), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Jimmy Jones (p), Joe Benjamin (b), Roy Haynes (d), Sarah Vaughan (v)

i, j performed as medley.

This was the Count Basie Orchestra with Sarah Vaughan's rhythm section. There is confusion regarding these live performances with some sources claiming certain of the titles were recorded on Dec. 16, 1954 at Birdland. The information shown is based on that given in the 1992 CD reissue. Track h is performed with just the rhythm section. Track i is called "I Ain't Mad At You."

Osie Johnson (ldr), Benny Powell (tb), Frank Wess (ts, f), Dick Katz (p), Eddie Jones (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Frank Wess (ts) on a, c-d; (f) on b.

Benny Powell solos on all tracks.

Joe Newman (ldr), Joe Newman (t), Benny Powell (tb), Frank Foster (ts), Frank Wess (ts, f), Sir Charles Thompson (p), Eddie Jones (b), Shadow Wilson (d)

Benny Powell (tb) on a-d, g-i; Frank Foster (ts) on a-b, f-i; Frank Wess (ts) on a-d, f-i; (f) on e.

Benny Powell solos on tracks a-d, g and h.

Leonard Feather (ldr), Thad Jones (t), Benny Powell (tb), Frank Wess (ts, f), Dick Hyman (p, or), Andre Previn (p), Curtis Counce, Oscar Pettiford (b), Osie Johnson, Stan Levey (d)

e, f performed as medley.

Frank Wess (f) on c; Dick Hyman (p) on a-c; (or) on d-f; Andre Previn (p) on e; Curtis Counce (b) on e; Stan Levey (d) on e.

Track a is called "East Coast, West Coast". The rest of this LP featured a West Coast ensemble performing essentially the same material. MGM label discographer Michel Ruppli indicates that this session was probably recorded in March of 1956. The last track of the LP is titled "Lover Come Back To Me" and incorporates a section spliced in featuring the rhythm section of the West Coast ensemble recorded in January of 1956. The analysis of this track is as follows:
1. 16 bars, the last A section of the "Lover Come Back To Me" form but the line the horns play is very reminiscent of Bean and the Boys by Coleman Hawkins. Hyman plays organ.
2. 64 bars (1 complete chorus) of the West Coast rhythm section (Previn, Counce, Levey) improvising on the chord changes of "Lover Come Back To Me." This must be mtx. 56-S-105-2 from the January 1956 Hollywood session.
3. A break followed by a full chorus of improvising on the changes of "Lover Come Back To Me" by the East Coast group: 16 bars trumpet (Jones), 16 bars tenor sax (Wess), 16 bars organ (Hyman), 16 bars trombone (Powell). This is done at a faster tempo than the original one.
4. 16 bars of the A section of Hawkins' "Bean and the Boys," 16 bars Pettiford bass solo (bridge - form is abbreviated by 16 bars), 16 bars, the last A section of "Bean and the Boys." So the last chorus is only 48 bars instead of 64.

Benny Powell solos on tracks a-c as well as f.

Frank Foster, Frank Wess (ldr), Henry Coker, Benny Powell (tb), Frank Foster (ts), Frank Wess (ts, f), Kenny Burrell (g), Eddie Jones (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Frank Wess (ts) on b-f; (f) on a.

Benny Powell solos on tracks b, c, e and f.

Frank Foster, Frank Wess (ldr), Henry Coker, Benny Powell (tb), Frank Foster (ts), Frank Wess (ts, f), Kenny Burrell (g), Eddie Jones (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Frank Wess plays flute on track e. Nothing is known about track f. Benny Powell solos on tracks a, d, e and g

Joe Newman (ldr), Conte Candoli, Joe Ferrante, Bernie Glow, Ernie Royal (t), Joe Newman (t, v), Jimmy Cleveland, Fred Ohms, Benny Powell, Chauncey Welsch (tb), Sam Marowitz, Phil Woods (as), Al Cohn (ts, cl), Eddie Wasserman (ts), Al Epstein (bar), Freddie Green (g), Nat Pierce (p), Eddie Jones (b), Gus Johnson (d)

Joe Newman (v) on a.

Leonard Feather, Dick Hyman (ldr), Joe Newman (t), Benny Powell (tb), Jerome Richardson (as, pic), Frank Wess (ts, f), Romeo Penque (bar, cl), Don Elliott (vib, x, per, bo), Dick Hyman (p), Oscar Pettiford (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Jerome Richardson (pic) on b; Frank Wess (f) on b; Don Elliott (vib) on a, d; (x) on b; (per) on b; (bo) on d.

Benny Powell solos on track d.

Leonard Feather, Dick Hyman (ldr), Thad Jones (t), Benny Powell (tb), John William [Bill] Barber (tu), Jerome Richardson (as, pic), Frank Wess (ts), Phil Bodner (bar, o), Dick Hyman (p), Oscar Pettiford (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

John William [Bill] Barber (tu) on a-b, d; Jerome Richardson (as) on a, c-d; (pic) on b; Phil Bodner (o) on a.

Benny Powell solos on tracks a and d.

Frank Wess (ldr), Jimmy Cleveland, Henry Coker, Bill Hughes, Benny Powell (tb), Frank Wess (f), Freddie Green (g), Ronnell Bright (p), Eddie Jones (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

Cracker Jack is probably one of the unknown titles. Track f features Bill Hughes. The trombone soloist on track b is Jimmy Cleveland. Benny Powell solos on tracks a, c and g.

Tony Scott (ldr), John Carisi, Thad Jones, Jimmy Nottingham, Clark Terry (t), Henry Coker, Quentin Jackson, Benny Powell, Sonny Truitt (tb), Gigi Gryce (as), Zoot Sims, Frank Wess (ts), Danny Bank, Sahib Shihab (bar), Tony Scott (cl), Freddie Green (g), Bill Evans (p), Milt Hinton (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Gigi Gryce does not solo on any of the issued tracks.

Tony Scott (ldr), John Carisi, Bernie Glow, Thad Jones, Clark Terry (t), Henry Coker, Quentin Jackson, Benny Powell, Sonny Truitt (tb), Gigi Gryce (as), Zoot Sims, Frank Wess (ts), Danny Bank, Sahib Shihab (bar), Tony Scott (cl), Freddie Green (g), Bill Evans (p), Les Grinage (b), Paul Motian (d)

Gigi Gryce does not solo on any of the issued tracks.

Tony Scott (ldr), John Carisi, Thad Jones, Jimmy Nottingham, Clark Terry (t), Henry Coker, Quentin Jackson, Benny Powell, Sonny Truitt (tb), Gigi Gryce (as), Frank Foster, Frank Wess (ts), Danny Bank, Sahib Shihab (bar), Tony Scott (cl), Freddie Green (g), Bill Evans (p), Milt Hinton (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Gigi Gryce solos on track b.

Thad Jones (ldr), Thad Jones (t), Benny Powell (tb), Gigi Gryce (as), Tommy Flanagan (p), George Duvivier (b), Elvin Jones (d)

Benny Powell and Gigi Gryce both solo on all tracks except d.

Donald Byrd, Gigi Gryce (ldr), Donald Byrd (t), Benny Powell (tb), Julius Watkins (frh), Don Butterfield (tu), Gigi Gryce (as), Sahib Shihab (bar), Tommy Flanagan (p), Wendell Marshall (b), Arthur Taylor (d)

Benny Powell does not solo on any of these tracks. Gigi Gryce solos on all of them.

Tony Scott (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Jimmy Maxwell, Joe Newman (t), Henry Coker, Bill Hughes, Quentin Jackson, Benny Powell (tb), Gigi Gryce (as), Frank Foster, Frank Wess (ts), Charles Fowlkes, Sahib Shihab (bar), Tony Scott (cl), Freddie Green (g), Bill Evans (p), Les Grinage (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Gigi Gryce does not solo on any of these tracks.

Sarah Vaughan (ldr), Wendell Culley, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Thad Jones (t, con), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Ronnell Bright (p), Richard Davis (b), Sonny Payne (d), Sarah Vaughan (v)

This ensemble was made up, mainly, of members of the Count Basie Orchestra. Three takes of Darn That Dream were also recorded at this session with a small ensemble that did not include Benny Powell. Denis Brown's Sarah Vaughan Discography indicates that the common take of Stardust (track d) is an edit. Mercury (Jpn.) SNP 133 is a one-sided 7-inch, 45 r.p.m. disk.

J. C. Heard (ldr), Joe Newman (t), Benny Powell (tb), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Ronnell Bright (p), Johnny Pate (b), Dave Heard (d), J. C. Heard (d, bo, cng, tam, v)

Frank Wess (as) on c, e; (ts) on a-b, f-g; (f) on d; Dave Heard (d) on a-b, d, f; J. C. Heard (d) on c, e, g; (bo) on f; (cng) on d, f; (tam) on a; (v) on a-b, d, f.

Johnnie Pate is listed on the LP as Pat Johns and John W. Pate, Sr. Track f contains ensemble vocal responses. Track g includes some studio chatter and two additional endings. Benny Powell solos on track g and briefly on d.

Count Basie, Lambert Hendricks & Ross (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p, or), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Jon Hendricks, Dave Lambert, Annie Ross, Joe Williams (v)

Count Basie (or) on c.

Count Basie, Lambert Hendricks & Ross (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Jon Hendricks, Dave Lambert, Annie Ross, Joe Williams (v)

Lambert Hendricks & Ross (ldr) on a-b, d; Jon Hendricks (v) on a-b, d; Dave Lambert (v) on a-b, d; Annie Ross (v) on a-b, d; Joe Williams (v) on a-b, d.

Nat 'King' Cole (ldr), John Anderson, Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Gerald Wiggins (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Nat 'King' Cole (v)

Although the matrix number is more consistent with track e being part of the following session (July 1, 1958), its presence in this session is confirmed by Capitol Records discographer Michel Ruppli.

Nat 'King' Cole (ldr), John Anderson, Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Gerald Wiggins (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Nat 'King' Cole (v)

Nat 'King' Cole (ldr), John Anderson, Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Gerald Wiggins (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Nat 'King' Cole (v)

Count Basie, Lambert Hendricks & Ross (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Jon Hendricks, Dave Lambert, Annie Ross, Joe Williams (v)

Marshal Royal (cl) on c.

Some sources indicate that these titles were recorded on October 15, 1958. It has also been suggested that the October date was used for vocal overdubs to tracks recorded earlier. One unissued track (One Hundred Years Ago Today, matrix 13201) was also recorded at this session but only involving Joe Williams and the rhythm section.

Sarah Vaughan (ldr), Wendell Culley, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Thad Jones (t, con), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Ronnell Bright (p), Richard Davis (b), Sonny Payne (d), Sarah Vaughan (v)

This ensemble was made up, mainly, of members of the Count Basie Orchestra.

Melba Liston (ldr), Bennie Green, Al Grey, Melba Liston, Benny Powell (tb), Kenny Burrell (g), Jamil Nasser [George Joyner] (b), Charli Persip (d)

Benny Powell is not present on the remaining tracks of this album. He solos on tracks a and b.

Tony Bennett (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Ralph Sharon (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Candido Camero de Guerra (cng), Count Basie (con), Tony Bennett (v)

Candido Camero de Guerra (cng) on b.

Sarah Vaughan (ldr), Wendell Culley, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Thad Jones (t, con), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g, per), Ronnell Bright (p), Richard Davis (b), Sonny Payne (d), Sarah Vaughan (v)

Freddie Green (g) on a, c-e; (per) on b.

This ensemble was made up, mainly, of members of the Count Basie Orchestra. On track b, rhythm guitar is not heard but a shaker is clearly audible. Presumably, this is Freddie Green.

Eddie Bert, Jimmy Cleveland, Henry Coker, Bennie Green, Melba Liston, Benny Powell, Frank Rehak (tb), Bob Brookmeyer (vtb), Dick Hixson, Bart Varsalona (btb), Hank Jones (p), Wendell Marshall (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Benny Powell does not appear on the 6 tracks from the Hollywood sessions issued on the Warner Bros. LP and CD reissue, recorded on December 3 and 5, 1958. He solos on this track.

Bob Alexander, Eddie Bert, Jimmy Cleveland, Bennie Green, Melba Liston, Benny Powell, Frank Rehak (tb), Bob Brookmeyer (vtb), Dick Hixson, Bart Varsalona (btb), Hank Jones (p), Milt Hinton (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Benny Powell does not appear on the 6 tracks from the Hollywood sessions issued on the Warner Bros. LP and CD reissue, recorded on December 3 and 5, 1958.

Tony Bennett (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Ralph Sharon (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Candido Camero de Guerra (cng), Count Basie (con), Tony Bennett (v)

Candido Camero de Guerra (cng) on a.

Eddie Bert, Jimmy Cleveland, Henry Coker, Melba Liston, Benny Powell, Frank Rehak (tb), Bob Brookmeyer (vtb), Dick Hixson, Bart Varsalona (btb), Hank Jones (p), Wendell Marshall (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Benny Powell does not appear on the 6 tracks from the Hollywood sessions issued on the Warner Bros. LP and CD reissue, recorded on December 3 and 5, 1958. He solos on track a.

Count Basie, Tony Bennett (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Ralph Sharon (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Tony Bennett (v)

Count Basie, Tony Bennett (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Ralph Sharon (p, cel), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Tony Bennett (v)

On track f, Bennett is accompanied by flute, celeste (Sharon), guitar and bass only.

Count Basie, Billy Eckstine (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Bobby Tucker (p), George Duvivier (b), Sonny Payne (d), Billy Eckstine (v)

*Apparently matrix numbers were assigned at this session to the unissued versions and the same numbers reused for the issued takes.

Count Basie, Billy Eckstine (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie, Bobby Tucker (p), George Duvivier (b), Sonny Payne (d), Billy Eckstine (v)

Count Basie (p) on b; Bobby Tucker (p) on a, c-g.

The Chris Sheridan Count Basie Discography indicates these tracks were recorded on May 22, 1959.

Count Basie, Billy Eckstine (ldr), Wendell Culley, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie, Bobby Tucker (p), George Duvivier (b), Sonny Payne (d), Billy Eckstine (v)

Count Basie (p) on a, c; Bobby Tucker (p) on b.

The Chris Sheridan Count Basie Discography indicates these tracks were recorded in June 1959.

Al Grey (ldr), Joe Newman (t), Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Floyd Morris (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d)

Benny Powell solos on track e.

Tal Farlow (ldr), Benny Powell (tb), Frank Wess (ts, f), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Tal Farlow (g), Dick Hyman (p), Wendell Marshall (b), Osie Johnson (d)

Frank Wess (f) on b.

Benny Powell and Charles Fowlkes do not play on the other tracks from these sessions. Benny Powell solos on tracks a and b.

Ernestine Anderson (ldr), Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Ernie Royal, Nick Travis, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Hank Jones (p), Milt Hinton (b), Charli Persip (d), Hal Mooney (con), Ernestine Anderson (v)

These tracks were recorded in two sessions on unknown dates in either 1959 or 1960. One session employed a nine-piece ensemble and the other, a sixteen-piece band. The sessions must have been close together in time since the matrix numbers are contiguous. The personnel on each session is not known.

Sammy Davis, Jr. (ldr), John Anderson, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Ernie Royal, Snooky Young (t), Henderson Chambers, Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), George Rhodes (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Morty Stevens (dir), Jack Pleis (con), Sammy Davis, Jr. (v)

This is essentially the Count Basie band backing Davis. The liner notes to Decca 8981 indicate John Anderson as playing trumpet on this session, but most discographies indicate the presence of Sonny Cohn rather than Anderson. Both trumpet players played with Count Basie around this time.

Sammy Davis, Jr. (ldr), John Anderson, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Ernie Royal, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), George Rhodes (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Jack Pleis (con), Sammy Davis, Jr. (v)

This is essentially the Count Basie band backing Davis. The liner notes to Decca 8981 indicate John Anderson as playing trumpet on this session, but most discographies indicate the presence of Sonny Cohn rather than Anderson. Both trumpet players played with Count Basie around this time.

Sammy Davis, Jr. (ldr), John Anderson, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Ernie Royal, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Eric Dolphy, Marshal Royal (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), George Rhodes (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Sy Oliver, Frank Wess (dir), Jack Pleis (con), Sammy Davis, Jr. (v)

This is essentially the Count Basie band backing Davis. The liner notes to Decca 8981 indicate John Anderson as playing trumpet on this session, but most discographies indicate the presence of Sonny Cohn rather than Anderson. Both trumpet players played with Count Basie around this time.

Bill Henderson (ldr), Bobby Bryant (t), Benny Powell (tb), Billy Mitchell, Frank Wess (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Gildo Mahones (p), Bob Cranshaw (b), Al Duncan (d), Bill Henderson (v)

Benny Powell does not solo on either track.

Earl Washington (ldr), Thad Jones (t), Benny Powell (tb), Frank Wess (as, f), Frank Foster (ts), unknown (bar), Earl Washington (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d)

Frank Wess (as) on c; (f) on a-b, d; unknown (bar) on e.

This LP has one additional track, "March Lightly," with a completely different ensemble that does not include Benny Powell. Track c has an alto saxophone solo, not mentioned in the liner notes, that sounds very much like Frank Wess, who is listed as playing only flute. Track e has an unmentioned baritone saxophonist prominent in the ensemble sections. Benny Powell solos on tracks b and d.

Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller (ldr), Sonny Cohn, Joe Newman, Jimmy Nottingham, Ernie Royal (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell, Frank Rehak (tb), Marshal Royal (as), Frank Wess (as, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Seldon Powell (ts, f), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Hank Jones (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d)

Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller (ldr), Thad Jones, Jimmy Nottingham, Ernie Royal, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell, Frank Rehak (tb), Marshal Royal (as), Frank Wess (as, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Seldon Powell (ts, f), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Allen Hanlon (g), Hank Jones (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d)

Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan (ldr), Sonny Cohn, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Kirk Stuart (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Sarah Vaughan, Joe Williams (v)

Joe Williams (v) on b-c.

Track a is called "Until I Met You" and is an alternate version which was not released until 1996.

Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller (ldr), Sonny Cohn, Joe Newman, Jimmy Nottingham, Ernie Royal (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell, Frank Rehak (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell, Seldon Powell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Kenny Burrell (g), Ellis Larkins (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d)

Al Grey (ldr), Joe Newman (t), Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Eddie Higgins (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d)

Freddie Green (g) on b-h; Eddie Higgins (p) on b-h; Eddie Jones (b) on b-h; Sonny Payne (d) on b-h.

Benny Powell is the second trombone soloist on tracks d and e. Track a is performed only by the horns.

Ray Charles (ldr), Phil Guilbeau, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Clark Terry, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Urbie Green, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal, Frank Wess (as), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Ray Charles (or, v), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d)

Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan (ldr), Sonny Cohn, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Kirk Stuart (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Sarah Vaughan (v)

Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan (ldr), Sonny Cohn, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Kirk Stuart (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Sarah Vaughan (v)

This take of Mean to Me was rejected.

Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan (ldr), Sonny Cohn, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Kirk Stuart (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Sarah Vaughan (v)

Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan (ldr), Sonny Cohn, Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Snooky Young (t), Henry Coker, Al Grey, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, ts, f), Frank Foster, Billy Mitchell (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Kirk Stuart (p), Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne (d), Sarah Vaughan (v)

Track c is called "Until I Met You."

Count Basie, Duke Ellington (ldr), Cat Anderson, Sonny Cohn, Willie Cook, Fats Ford, Lennie Johnson, Thad Jones, Eddie Mullins, Snooky Young (t), Ray Nance (t, vn), Louis Blackburn, Lawrence Brown, Henry Coker, Quentin Jackson, Benny Powell (tb), Juan Tizol (tb, tam), Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, Marshal Royal (as), Frank Foster, Paul Gonsalves, Budd Johnson (ts), Jimmy Hamilton (ts, cl), Frank Wess (ts, f), Harry Carney, Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn (p), Aaron Bell, Eddie Jones (b), Sonny Payne, Sam Woodyard (d)

Jimmy Hamilton (ts) on n; Frank Wess (f) on b-d, g; Count Basie (p) on a-g, j-m, o; Duke Ellington (p) on a, c-m; Billy Strayhorn (p) on h-i; Aaron Bell (b) on a-f, l-n; Eddie Jones (b) on a-b, g-m, o; Sonny Payne (d) on a-b, e-g, l-m, o; Sam Woodyard (d) on c-f, h-k, n; Juan Tizol (tam) on c-d.

The Ellington orchestra is heard in the right channel and the Basie orchestra in the left.

Count Basie, Frank Sinatra (ldr), Al Aarons, Sonny Cohn, Thad Jones, Al Porcino, Fip Ricard (t), Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Rufus Wagner (tb), Marshal Royal (as), Frank Wess (as, f), Eric Dixon, Frank Foster (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Buddy Catlett (b), Sonny Payne (d), Frank Sinatra (v)

Count Basie, Frank Sinatra (ldr), Al Aarons, Sonny Cohn, Thad Jones, Al Porcino, Fip Ricard (t), Henry Coker, Benny Powell, Rufus Wagner (tb), Marshal Royal (as), Frank Wess (as, f), Eric Dixon, Frank Foster (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p), Buddy Catlett (b), Sonny Payne (d), Frank Sinatra (v)

Mel Torme (ldr), Al Aarons, Sonny Cohn, Joe Newman, Don Rader, Fip Ricard (t), Henry Coker, Urbie Green, Grover Mitchell, Benny Powell (tb), Eric Dixon, Frank Foster, Frank Wess (sax), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g), Count Basie (p, dir), Buddy Catlett (b), Sonny Payne (d), Mel Torme (v)

Ella Fitzgerald (ldr), Al Aarons, Sonny Cohn, Joe Newman, Don Rader, Fip Ricard (t), Henry Coker, Urbie Green, Grover Mitchell, Benny Powell (tb), Marshal Royal (as, cl), Frank Wess (as, f), Eric Dixon, Frank Foster (ts), Charles Fowlkes (bar), Freddie Green (g, per), Count Basie (p, con), Buddy Catlett (b), Sonny Payne (d), Ella Fitzgerald (v)

Freddie Green (g) on a-i, k-p; (per) on j.

Two tracks from this session were recorded by a small ensemble of which Benny Powell was not a part and these are not included here. Freddie Green plays maracas on Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall. Tracks e and f are alternate takes.

Pepper Adams (ldr), Thad Jones (t), Benny Powell (tb), Charles McPherson (as), Zoot Sims (ts), Pepper Adams (bar), Hank Jones (p), Bob Cranshaw (b), Dannie Richmond (d), Charles Mingus (dir)

Benny Powell does not solo on any of the tracks.

Back to Benny Powell page at Noal Cohen's Jazz History Website