- Audio CD (25 Sep 2001)
- Number of Discs: 4
- Format: Box set
- Label: Empire Music Group
- ASIN: B0000DES71
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The Lester Young Story is a masterly selection from the work of a great tenor saxophonist, excellently packaged, with an informative booklet. This four-disc box set of classic recordings follows his career from his very first session, a small band date with Count Basie in 1936, to a star-studded live concert with, among others, Charlie Parker, Roy Eldridge, Buddy Rich, in 1949. This isn't the whole story, of course, because Young lived and worked for a further 10 years, but it covers the period when he was at the height of his powers and is packed with glorious music.
To pick out just a few gems--there is the amazing "Lady Be Good"; the record that first announced his arrival to an astonished jazz world and five numbers in which he partners the young Billie Holiday with exquisite delicacy and taste. Elsewhere there are most of his show-stopping solos with Basie's band, in numbers like "Tickle Toe"; and "Taxi War Dance" and a generous selection from his informal small-band sessions with players such as Buck Clayton, Dickie Wells and Charlie Christian, including a rare extract from the soundtrack of the movie Jammin' The Blues. The last disc consists of tracks from Young's early post-war career, when, unlike many of his contemporaries, he was enjoying the stimulus provided by the younger generation of bebop musicians. Because the tracks are arranged in chronological order, it is fascinating to follow Lester through his life during these 13 years and hear him responding to the rapidly changing world around him. The 15 months he spent in the US army affected him badly, but they certainly did not destroy his talent, as some commentators have claimed. The final, joyful rendition of "Lester Leaps In" with Charlie Parker and the Jazz At The Philharmonic team proves that beyond a doubt.--Dave Gelly
CD Description
This four CD set presents the life and times of LESTER YOUNG, the most influential jazz musician after Louis Armstrong and before John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. Prez inspired an army of sax players including Stan Getz and Ronnie Scott. Hear the real article in over four hours of tenor magic featuring Lester from his earliest recording through the Basie band with Billie Holiday, in his own group and right up to the Jazz At The Philharmonic period. Includes material with Buck Clayton, Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, Buddy Rich and more. 84 tracks, over four hours of music, 52 page fully illustrated booklet.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This box set of four CDs contains recordings made between 1936 and 1949 in good transfers, with an excellent 52-page booklet. While Lester Young's great tenor sax playing is featured throughout, the set would be worth while just for the galaxy of other players. On piano, for instance, you can hear Basie, Teddy Wilson, Nat King Cole, and Dodo Marmorosa. This is a must for the serious jazz listener, but it is also worth considering for those who only want some good jazz as background listening. You won't get better value.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
How do Proper records do it?
Four CDs of epoc making music for the price of a couple of take-away pizzas!
I probably like best the small group recordings of the second disc (Afternoon of a Basieite), especially the ones with Charlie Christian, totally melodic and swinging like the clappers.
There are also a number of novelty vocals (Blitzkrieg Baby etc) which show Pres earning a living in a quite unworthy environment but still coming up with innovative, ear bending solos.
An absolute must for every serious jazzers collection.
Thank you Proper Records.
Four CDs of epoc making music for the price of a couple of take-away pizzas!
I probably like best the small group recordings of the second disc (Afternoon of a Basieite), especially the ones with Charlie Christian, totally melodic and swinging like the clappers.
There are also a number of novelty vocals (Blitzkrieg Baby etc) which show Pres earning a living in a quite unworthy environment but still coming up with innovative, ear bending solos.
An absolute must for every serious jazzers collection.
Thank you Proper Records.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Great value; good sound quality; informative booklet - this must be the best general collection of prime Lester available.
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