muzycy:
Featuring:
Lester Young: tenor saxophone
Willie Smith: alto saxophone
Howard McGhee: trumpet
Vic Dickenson: trombone
Nat King Cole: piano
Joe Albany: piano
Dodo Marmarosa: piano
Chuck Wayne: guitar
Dave Barbour: guitar
Red Callender: bass
Chico Hamilton: drums
Roy Haynes: drums
Tiny Kahn: drums
Buddy Rich: drums
among others.
Editor's info:
This release presents the great Lester Young's complete sessions for the small Aladdin label, which were made right after the saxophonist's release from prison and dishonourable discharge from the U.S. Army. Although legend has it he was never the same after his experiences in the military, Young's playing throughout these recordings exceeds even his own high standards.
FEATURING: Willie Smith (as), Howard McGhee (tp), Vic Dickenson (tb), Nat King Cole, Joe Albany, Dodo Marmarosa (p), Chuck Wayne, Dave Barbour (g), Red Callender (b), Chico Hamilton, Roy Haynes, Tiny Kahn (d), among others.
While Lester's Army experiences undoubtedly left their mark on the saxophonist, it would be incorrect to state that all of his troubles began at that time. Being subjected to strict treatment (in which racism played an important role) was certainly hard on Lester. However, it is also true that he was a complex person with strong self-destructive impulses. However, his playing here is superb in most cases, and his interaction with other great musicians like Nat King Cole, Dodo Marmarosa, Joe Albany, Argonne Thornton (who later changed his name to Sadik Hakim), Willie Smith, Howard McGhee and his Basie companion Vic Dickenson proves to be very effective. As a bonus to the Aladdin sessions, we have included the other studio session by Lester with Nat King Cole, recorded for Norman Granz for his label Norgran in 1946.