The Jazz Giants

by Lester Young

Product Description:

Personnel: Lester Young (tenor saxophone); Roy Eldridge (trumpet); Vic Dickenson (trombone); Teddy Wilson (piano); Freddie Green (guitar); Gene Ramey (bass); Jo Jones (drums).

Recorded at Fine Sound, New York, New York on January 12, 1956.

Digitally remastered by Dennis Drake.

Most critics agree that Lester Young's 1950's recordings were flawed. His seminal work is from the mid to late '40s. However, THE JAZZ GIANTS, from 1956, proves otherwise. Young's performance on this set is quite inspired, although some critics contend that this was due to the superb interplay between the musicians (trumpeter Roy Eldridge, trombonist Vic Dickerson, and others).

On tunes such as "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," "Gigantic Blues," and others, Young plays with his usual light and feathery touch. Roy Eldridge, who employs a brassy, more roughhewn approach, is the perfect match to Young's smooth, sparse playing. Indeed, this variety adds spice and momentum to each tune. THE JAZZ GIANTS is definitely Lester Young's best work from his later period.