Final answer:
The question refers to an early master of the 'walking bass' in jazz music, recognized for his excellent timing and pivotal role in the Count Basie Orchestra during the 1920s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject in question is referring to one of the early practitioners of the 'walking bass' in jazz music and points towards his connection with the Count Basie Orchestra. This jazz bassist, not named here, was noted for his remarkable sense of timing which contributed to the bass becoming the principle timekeeper within the ensemble.
The mention of the 1920s and the association with Basie suggests this was during the early days of what would become known as the 'Swing Era' in jazz.
The context provided touches upon the cultural landscape of the 1920s, where jazz music was becoming a sensation across diverse audiences, particularly in urban settings where white audiences, including the 'flappers' and 'sheiks', were drawn to the performances of Black jazz musicians.
Historically, this period was known for breaking new ground in both music and social norms, with jazz at the forefront of this cultural shift.