One of the great stride pianists of all time, Willie "The Lion" Smith is represented on two distinct dates on this new CD. 9 of the 16 were recorded in 1971 with Willie being joined by cornetist Tony Newstead, clarinetist Tommy Gwaltney, bassist Van Perry and drummer Skip Tomlinson. The other 7 songs are from a live solo concert from 1944 except for being joined by drummer Gene Krupa on one song "Here Comes the Band". Tracks include: Ain't She Sweet, Am I Blue?, Echoes of Spring, Between the Devil And the Deep Blue Sea on the 1971 date and the Sneakaway, Louisiana, Darktown Strutters Bal, Oh Baby! On the 1944 date.
