Formed in Austria toward the end of 1991, Count Basic originated as a venture led by guitarist Peter Legat, an accomplished player who instructed at the Vienna Jazz Conservatory. Aiming at the smooth jazz audience, the ensemble achieved early traction through the track “All Time High,” included on the 1991 compilation 1010 City Beat Vol. 2. Featuring vocalist Lynne Kieran, the number quickly became a radio staple. Shortly afterward, Kelli Sae joined as Legat’s steady vocal collaborator. Although the band’s debut album fell short of expectations, the subsequent single “M.L. In The Sunshine” climbed to the top of the NAC/Smooth Jazz charts, while its parent album Life Think It Over likewise performed strongly. Movin’ In The Right Direction fulfilled its promise by reaching number 3 on the Smooth Jazz/New Adult Contemporary charts. Personnel shifted over time, with bass supplied variously by Willi Langer, keyboards by Dieter Kolbeck, drums by Dirk Eichinger, percussion by Laurinho Bandeira, trombone by Christian Radovan, tenor saxophone by Martin Fuss, and trumpet by Karl Bumi Fian. The group maintained an active international schedule, performing across multiple European nations.
