Rich Vein of Basic Basie From Mosaic

“The Complete Roulette Live Recordings of Count Basie and His Orchestra (1959-1962),” just released by Mosaic Records, focuses on the Basie band during one of its two most creative periods.

The 12-LP or eight-CD collection--taken from three concerts done by Basie in Miami, Stockholm and the now-defunct Birdland club in New York--consists of 137 tracks, 108 of which have never been previously issued.

The package is abundantly rich. There are plenty of classics, such as Neal Hefti’s “Lil’ Darlin’, “ and there’s the tell-it-like-it-is blues shouting of Joe Williams on “Everyday I Have the Blues.”

There are lesser-known gems, such as two Thad Jones pieces: the sumptuous ballad “To You,” which has been done as a vocal by Manhattan Transfer, and “Counter Block,” perhaps the most modern composition in the set. Up-tempo exercises abound, with Ernie Wilkins’ “Basie” a perfect example. The Miami version features a roaring tenor sax solo by Billy Mitchell.

Two other excellent sets make up the current Mosaic release schedule: “Stan Kenton: The Complete Capitol Recordings of the Holman and Russo Charts,” documenting the entire output of the enterprising composer-arrangers Bill Holman and Bill Russo for Kenton, and “The Complete Blue Note Recordings of Larry Young.”

The Kenton set, a six-LP or four-CD set documenting works recorded between 1950 and 1963, ranges from the ethereal--such as Russo’s “Solitaire,” which the composer described in the liner booklet as “filled with strangeness”--to Holman’s “Zoot,” a romper where tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims is given room to move.

The nine-LP or six-CD package highlights Young who, like Jimmy Smith a decade before him, offered a revolutionary approach to the Hammond B-3 organ. His light touch and plush, glowing organ sounds are evident in a variety of settings, from the lyrical “Street of Dreams,” which he recorded on a session led by guitarist Grant Green, to the loosely structured “Mother Ship,” where trumpeter Lee Morgan stands out.

The albums are available by mail order only. Information: (203) 327-7111.

Critic’s Choice: At 28, Benny Green plays piano in the manner of a well-rounded veteran: alternately, he can be funky, tuneful, whimsical, hard-edged, or poignant. Like one of his heroes, Bobby Timmons, he has a deep love of the blues that permeates even the fastest renditions and definitely puts a stamp on his ballad offerings. Like another influence, McCoy Tyner--who coincidentally is at Catalina Bar & Grill Tuesday through next Sunday--Green boasts a prodigious technique that enables him to deliver with clarity and precision any idea that flows through his considerable imagination.

The former Art Blakey Jazz Messenger, who has also worked with Freddie Hubbard and Betty Carter, is in the midst of a tour, fronting his own trio--with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Carl Allen. The gentlemen swing superbly on Green’s second Blue Note Records release, “Greens,” which is one very appealing album. No doubt the pianist’s appearance Wednesday through Saturday at the Vine Street Bar & Grill will be equally fruitful.