Count Basie: Li'l Darlin'

The New Testament Basie band that began during the 1950s retained all the buoyant swing of the early group from the 1930s. But the new configuration called for more polished ensemble writing, a task which Neal Hefti could accomplish in spades. The laid-back spooling out of the melody makes this the warmest and classiest ballad on the album. Wendell Culleys muted-trumpet solo is as relaxed and moody as the entire chart is simply enjoyable. This original by Hefti remains a mainstay of the Basie bands legacy to this day.