Ken Burns Jazz Collection

by Lester Young

Product Description:

Personnel includes: Lester Young (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Billie Holiday (vocals); Marshal Royal (alto saxophone); Frank Foster, Frank Wess (tenor saxophone); Charlie Fowlkes (baritone saxophone); Buck Clayton, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Roy Eldridge, Thad Jones (trumpet); Eddie Durham (trombone, guitar); Benny Morton (trombone); Buster Bailey (clarinet); Count Basie, Teddy Wilson, Johnny Guarnieri, Nat "King" Cole, Dodo Marmarosa (piano); Freddie Green (guitar); Walter Page, Slam Stewart, Red Callender (bass); Jo Jones, Sid Catlett, Buddy Rich (drums).

Compilation producers: Ben Young, Richard Seidel.

Recorded between 1936 and 1957. Includes liner notes by Francis Davis.

Digitally remastered by Kevin Reeves (Universal Mastering Studios-East).

This is part of the Verve Records Ken Burns JAZZ series.

Tenor sax icon Lester Young was dubbed "Pres," short for President, by singer Billie Holiday, as a term of not only affection, but also as a tribute to Young's unique influence in the jazz world. Young was the first saxophonist to deviate from Coleman Hawkins' bold, big-toned, breathy, hot approach, opting instead for a light, transparent, cool tone. He sacrificed nothing in terms of swing, and his inventiveness turned the jazz world upside down. This collection is one of the most comprehensive collections ever of Young's work, covering his big band years with Count Basie, as an accompanist for Billie Holiday, and his later solo career.

There's the jaunty swing of "Honeysuckle Rose," the mad swing-dance abandon of "Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie," where Young anticipates the R&B/rock & roll school of saxophone playing, and the lush, tender romanticism of "Polka Dots and Moonbeams." The latter tune is from a 1950s reunion with the Basie big band, a beautiful example of ballad playing that gives lie to the notion that Lester Young's talent had somewhat declined towards the end of his life. This collection is an ideal overview of an American musical colossus.