In Washington D.C. 1956, Volume 5

Product Description:

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

Recorded live at Olivia Davis' Patio Lounge, Washington D.C. in December 1956. Includes liner notes by Bill Potts & Norman Granz.

This CD, which documents an inspired night for Lester Young (also known as "Pres"), is proof that Young was always a musical tour de force. Even in his later years, Young remained vital to the development of jazz. Many critics claim that Young's playing went steadily down hill after his tenure in the military (where he was the victim of fierce racism). However, Young displays a joie de vivre on this CD that is simply contagious.

Performances by Young and his group are playful and imaginative. In particular, Young's solos all seem to make a real statement; his "no frills" approach is cool yet reactive, incisive yet spontaneous. An obscure trio, made up of pianist Bill Potts, drummer Jim Lucht, and bassist Norman Williams, supports him. Additionally, trombonist Earl Swope sits in on the final four tracks. Highlights include the medium bounce "When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles with You)" and the uptempo blues titled appropriately "D.B. Blues."