In Washington D.C. 1956, Volume 4

Product Description:

Personnel: Lester Young (tenor saxophone); Bill Potts (piano); Norman Williams (bass); Jim Lucht (drums).

Recorded at Olivia Davis' Patio Lounge, Washington D.C. in 1956. Includes original release liner notes by Norman Granz.

Digitally remastered by Joe Tarantino (1998, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).

This CD documents a superb gig Lester Young played with the Bill Potts Trio at Olivia Davis's Patio Lounge in Washington D.C. Had pianist Bill Potts not lured Young into letting him record one of the six shows by buying him a bottle of Hennessy cognac, this recording would not exist. Here Young displays an unimpeachable command of his instrument.

The set is made up of mostly standard tunes, such as "Pennies From Heaven," "Almost Like Being in Love," "I'm Confessin' That I Love You," and others, and Young and company really excel. Perhaps the highlight of the set is the relaxed version of "D.B. Blues," showing that Young retained his cool tone and behind the beat phrasing even on bluesy numbers.