The Kansas City Sessions

by Lester Young

Product Description:

Personnel includes: Lester Young (tenor saxophone); Freddie Green (vocals, guitar); Buck Clayton, Bill Coleman (trumpet); Eddie Durham (trombone, electric guitar); Dicky Wells (trombone); Joe Bushkin (piano); Walter Page, John Simmons (bass); Jo Jones (drums).

Reissue producer: Orrin Keepnews.

Includes liner notes by Loren Schoenberg.

Digitally remastered by Erick Labson (1996, MCA Music Media Studios).

This CD is overflowing with legendary performances by Lester Young and members of the Count Basie Orchestra. Basie himself, however, does not appear on this release. Recorded in 1938 and 1944, this music reflects the style of jazz (swing) that came out of Kansas City early in the '30s. Young was an integral part of this scene, performing not just with Basie, but with Benny Moten, King Oliver, Walter Page's Blue Devils, and others. Still, don't be fooled, all of this music was actually recorded in New York City after Young and the Basie band left Kansas in search of greener pastures.

There are some very intriguing moments on this compilation. First of all, guitarist Freddie Green sings on "Them There Eyes" (Green, as Basie fans know, never soloed). Also, trombonist Eddie Durham plays electric guitar solos on a number of selections. Young himself plays classic tenor and clarinet solos throughout. Highlights include the trad sounding "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" and the uptempo swinger "I Know That You Know."