Count Basie and Joe Williams - Memories Ad-Lib

As promised, we will keep the Basie train-a-rollin'.  This side is equally as monumental as the previous post, but a beast of another kind.  For those of you who haven't heard it, clear off a space on your shelf for favorites because you will be adding another title shortly.

Basie on organ?  Check.  Basie with only a small group?  Check.  Freddie Green shredding solos?  Check.  As you can see, this is a far from typical venture for Basie.  With Williams, they swing through what were at that time, old school classics.  The album has a wonderfully warm and sentimental vibe not just from the songs, but the treatment they get from the group.  Sweets appears only on a few tracks, but even still, its a rhythm driven album centered around Williams ever present voice.

I'm not sure what part of the world you are all from.  I know some are in warmer regions and some in rainy, moderate areas.  Here in Canada the snow has broken, and as of this writing I am watching a snow globe scene outside my window.  As this albums lulls in the background, I can't help but feel good.  And that folks, is the greatest part of Memories Ad-Lib.

This is another mint deluxe EMUS reissue, in stereo - a gorgeous rip.  Be sure to check out the liner notes, which were penned by none other than Leonard Feather.  Caught at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  I hope this adds something to everyone's weekend, or perhaps even your holiday.  Enjoy!!!

Roullette R52021
1958

Count Basie - organ;  Freddie Green - guitar;  George Duvivier - bass;  Jimmy Crawford - drums;
Harry 'Sweets' Edison - trumpet;  Joe Williams - vocals.