The cuts on this anthology were recorded with Count Basie's legendary 1940s band near its end. They were mostly unissued and show a band still capable of playing joyous blues and vigorous swing, but also close to exhausting its creative juices. Most cuts are entertaining; some, like "Hit That Ball," and are enjoyable period pieces, but none of them equal the vitality or drive in the great music Basie made earlier in the decade. The really intriguing numbers are the three tunes by Basie with a sextet, but J. August's forgettable vocals mar "If You See My Baby," and "Sweets" offers crackling trumpet solos from Harry Edison contrasted by highly derivative tenor solos from George Auld. This disc isn't great or classic Basie, but it provides insight into a critical and seldom-evaluated period in his legacy. ~ Ron Wynn