Willie Smith - Willie The Lion Smith and His Jazz Cubs

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.