Happy Birthday, Lester Young

August 27 is the birthday of jazz saxophonist Lester Young (1909-1959). Young was one of the most important tenor sax players in the history of jazz, and Len Lyons ranks him as "the most innovative instrumentalist in jazz between Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker."

Typical of his playing is his two-chorus solo on "Oh, Lady, Be Good" with Jones-Smith Incorporated:



In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends The Lester Young Story, Vol. 1 (Columbia JG 33502, 2 LPs). Unfortunately, this album is only available on vinyl. A good alternative on CD is the British import, The Lester Young Story, which is re-issued on the Proper label and contains four CDs. (Purchase the CD, The Lester Young Story, at Barnes & Noble.)

Robert