• Track Listing

After Basie and his band sailed out of Kansas City in the mid-'30s, presenting to the world a light, fantastic 4/4, a new rhythmic paradigm was born. Columbia was Basie's recording studio home for much of the '30s and '40s, when many of his milestone recordings were made. Interspersed with tracks by Basie and band are some exceptional small group sides, plus a friendly skirmish with Duke Ellington in a classic battle of the bands. Highlights include performances by Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins, among others.