Many years ago, I declared that WBAI might learn something from Count Basie. I don't think it was noticed at the time, so herewith a somewhat expanded version.

Habte Selassie is our Harry Carney, baritone sax for the Ellington band, Carney's sound was magnificent (as is Habte's) rich & full.

Chris Whent is our Earl Warren, "master" of the Basie reeds. We'd be nowhere without him and his steady presence.

Sidney Smith = Johnny Hodges. Lyrical, but swinging, our beloved Jeep!

James Irsay well now who else but Art Tatum? Is there nothing Irsay cannot do?

Max Schmid the rhythm of the station, and so Jo Jones. The finest drummer ever!

Delphine Blue (though technically no longer a part of BAI will always be part of BAI.) Who other than Billie???

(Program Directors could learn a little from Freddie Green.)

M G Haskins: choose your bassist! But Walter Page is not a bad place to start.

These links are not final. But a suggestion.

And where do I fit in? Probably not. Just a member of the band.

This missive from my dear friend and radio co-artist Simon Loekle in about 2008.

He left us a few years later. We miss him everyday.