To perform at the Southland meant a band had arrived in the top division, and Basie was there. This broadcast present ballads and punchy numbers for dancers insterpersed with vocals from Helen Humes and Jimmy Rushing, and features the tenor sax of Lester Young. The Downbeat show gave little opportunity for dancers and allowed the band to "swing at tempo," which they certainly do here. Young had left, but Don Byas shines with vocals handled Thelma Carpenter, Earl Warren and Jimmy Rushing. Both broadcasts also feature Buck Clayton, Harry Edison, Dicky Wells and Buddy Tate.