"Joe Williams was the last great big-band singer, a smooth baritone who graced the rejuvenated Count Basie Orchestra during the 1950s and captivated audiences well into the '90s. His first (and best) LP, Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings, appeared in 1955, containing definitive versions of "Every Day I Have the Blues" (already his signature song) and "Alright, Okay, You Win." "Every Day" hit number two on the R&B charts, and sparked another LP -- 1957's The Greatest! Count Basie Swings/Joe Williams Sings Standards -- spotlighting Williams' command of the traditional pop repertory. Even while performing and touring the world with Basie during the late '50s, Williams made his solo-billed debut LP (dit album) for Regent in 1956, and followed it with a trio of albums for Roulette." (Allmusic).
"This CD fills an important gap in the discographies of both Joe Williams and Ben Webster. While Williams was in town for a week-long gig at Pio's in Providence, Rhode Island, he and his group (pianist Junior Mance, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Mickey Roker) were surprised to find Ben Webster in the club one night, so he was invited to sit in. Everyone on the date is in terrific form. Williams is masterful throughout the evening, inserting a touch of humor to his receptive and attentive audience as he glides effortlessly through the set. The vocalist is especially complemented by Webster's robust tenor in a sensitive ballad like "A Hundred Years From Today" or a mid-tempo swinger like "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'." Like many club recordings made in the mid-'60s, the sound quality of the rhythm section is a tad muddy, but any fan of Joe Williams will easily adjust to it. Highly recommended." (Ken Dryden, Allmusic)
