Count Basic

Founded in the early '90s, Count Basic has become one of the representatives of the so-called acid jazz scene, along with bands such as Galliano, Brand New Heavies, Young Disciples, and Incognito.

Branded by its mastermind and guitarist Peter Legat and the incredible soul vocalist Kelli Sae, Count Basic can refer to an impressive track record of international success: two Smooth Jazz #1 Hits on US radio charts and more than 75,000 albums sold in the USA alone. A #1 Hit on the credible Japanese J-Wave radio station with sales of over 30,000 units, numerous #1 playlists all over the world, and last but not least, the success story in Count Basic's home territory of Austria.

Since the release of their worldwide acclaimed debut album Life Think It Over in 1994, Count Basic have been part of Europe's live touring circuit and have impressed audiences at, e.g., The Jazz Cafe (London), Tinkoff Club (Moscow), Fabrik (Hamburg), Subterania (London), Head On (Oslo), Jazz Festival (Vienna), Palais Xtra (Zurich), or Hot Club de Paris (Paris), just to mention a few.

Performing live has always been very important to Count Basic, who deliver a powerful live show with an 11-piece "big" band. Each of the performing musicians has their own track record, from Vienna Art Orchestra to Jazzkantine, from Defunkt to Donna Summer — somewhere between jazz, soul, pop, and R&B.

Bigger & Brighter is Count Basic's 4^th studio album and features a remarkable musical change: still sounding like Count Basic with the typical vocals of Kelli Sae, the incisive horn arrangements, and Peter Legat's guitar style, the album has more pop appeal and R&B flavour than the earlier releases. However, the typical jazz-influenced instrumentals that have become a trademark of the Count Basic style can also be found on Bigger & Brighter: Maya, a smooth jazz song very much in the style of M. L. in the Sunshine, and the uptempo club burner 24bit Sushi.

Right next to the jazz style and the R&B flavour, there is a third side to the music of Count Basic: the remixes. Released on The Remix Hit Collection, no less than seven Kruder & Dorfmeister remixes, a remix by Vlado dZihan, one by Uptight, and many other interesting reworks of Count Basic songs can be found.