Recorded in 1968 on the album Basie Straight Ahead, this slow swinger defines the Basie style at this tempo. While not overly demanding technically, this chart will challenge even the best bands to

Recorded on the landmark album Basie Straight Ahead, the tempo Sammy has indicated on the score is "mucho fasto" – which gives you an idea of the flag-waver that is Magic Flea. A

The quintessential recording of this chart was captured on the 1968 album Basie Straight Ahead. Unlike many of Sammy's charts for Basie, this one starts with the saxes and rhythm section instead of

This exciting chart was recorded by both the Count Basie Orchestra and the Buddy Rich Big Band.

This is the sound and groove that helped define the Count Basie Orchestra for a decade. Medium swing, brass in bucket mutes, and smooth-as-silk chord changes are at the heart of this chart. It flows along

Sammy Nestico loved horses, and many of the titles he chose for his music reflect that love – Hay Burner is a perfect example. Aside from being a no-nonsense straight-ahead swing chart, there

Another hit from the Basie Straight Ahead album is this driving swinger in F minor. This chart gives the band a great chance to really play soft and make a huge build over an entire phrase to a

This laid-back blues is a masterful tribute to Count Basie and Sammy Nestico. First trumpet plays a high C. Solo opportunities for alto sax and trumpet. It swings like crazy!