Happy Birthday, Lester Young

Jazz saxophonist Lester Young was born on August 27, 1909, in Woodville, Mississippi. Nicknamed "Prez," 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."

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 from Amazon.com. A good alternative on CD is The Lester Young Story, which is re-issued on the Jazz Archives label. (Purchase the CD, The Lester Young Story, at Amazon.com.)

As jazz critic Scott Yanow points out, Young "came up with a completely different conception in which to play his horn, floating over bar lines with a light tone rather than adopting Coleman Hawkins' then-dominant forceful approach." That style can be heard on his solo on "Oh, Lady, Be Good," recorded in 1936 with Count Basie, here:

Robert
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Happy Birthday, Wayne Shorter

Jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter was born on August 25, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey. Shorter is regarded by many as the greatest living composer in jazz and has won 9 Grammy Awards. He worked with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in the late 1950s, Miles Davis's second quintet in the 1960s, and Weather Report in the 1970s.

Critic Richard S. Ginell describes Shorter's style as a "more succinct manner on tenor sax, retaining the tough tone quality and intensity and, in later years, adding an element of funk."

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends the following recordings that include Shorter:

• Miles Davis: Miles Smiles (Buy at Amazon.com.)
• Miles Davis: Bitches Brew (Buy at Amazon.com.)
• V.S.O.P.: The Quintet (Buy at Amazon.com.)
• Weather Report: 8:30 (Buy at Amazon.com.)

Shorter plays "Footprints" with Herbie Hancock on piano here:

Robert
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Happy Birthday, Count Basie

Jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer, William "Count" Basie was born on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey. Basie first formed his own jazz orchestra in 1935, taking them to Chicago the following year for their first recording. He led the group for almost 50 years, featuring what critic William Ruhlmann calls "a light, swinging rhythm section that [Basie] led from the piano, lively ensemble work, and generous soloing."

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends two recordings of Count Basie: The Best of Count Basie and 16 Men Swinging. Unfortunately, these are only available in vinyl.

Jim Determan, who has updated Lyons's list of albums for CD, recommends instead the following titles:

• Count Basie: The Complete Decca Recordings (Buy at Amazon.com)
• Count Basie: April in Paris (Buy at Amazon.com)
• Count Basie: Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings (Buy at Amazon.com)

Basie and his orchestra play "Blue Skies" here:

Robert
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