Customer Reviews

Lester Leaps in

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not the 20-bit Japanese remaster in the critic review, but another UK pirate disk. Not as bad as many of them, but the thin dynamic range and tubby bass detract from this generous helping of fine Prez recordings from '39 to '44 in a variety of settings. Included are recordings with Count Basie (big band and small groups), the great unsung pianist Johnny Guarnari, the better known great pianist Teddy Wilson, Buck Clayton (trumpet), Walter Page (bass), and Jo Jones (drums). The sound quality is only fair, not much remastering effort evident here. 5 stars for the music, 3 for the audio. Sure would like to have that Japanese disk!

UPDATE 4/8/11:

After getting to really hear Lester on the Hep Basie CDs and a treasured Mosaic 4 CD set, I'd have to say the remastering totally fails to present Lester's marvelous tone, vital to the Young experience. If Amazon would let me, I would demote this to one star, because this CD led me to believe Prez was an overrated tenor player. For shame!

Since my youth I have had an ear for roots music, whether I was conscious of that fact or not. The original of that interest first centered on the blues, then early rock and roll and later, with the folk revival of the early 1960's, folk music. I have often wondered about the source of this interest. I am, and have always been a city boy, and an Eastern city boy at that. Nevertheless, over time I have come to appreciate many more forms of roots music than in my youth. The subject of the following review is an example.

I came to an appreciation of Lester Young via Billie Holiday. I have long listened to her lovely, haunting voice when I need a little 'pick me up'. It is only in recent years that I have come to appreciate jazz. Yes, I know Billie is jazz. But for me she always represented the blues. Does anyone really want to get into an academic argument over it. You'll find no taker here. In any case, as it turns out I knew Lester way before I knew his specific work. I always wondered who that saxaphone player behind her was on her best work. Surprise, surprise. Of special note here listen to Lester Leaps in and Jo-Jo, you will not be disappointed.