Basie’s genius first thrived on singles in the era of 78-rpm records, but he showed he could master the LP format on this 1958 collection, which features forward-looking arrangements and compositions by Neal Hefti. His elegant-yet-driving, up-tempo piano style gets to shine in opener “The Kid From Red Bank,” while his expertise with balladry distinguishes the suave “After Supper.” Tenor saxophonist Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis’ solos (as on “Whirly Bird”) help make this recording a late-career Basie milestone.