Obviously, this is where I upload whatever I have lying around on RU-vid. Some of it is serious, some of it is just boneheaded fun. Tread lightly, and enjoy!
Featured in the band : Charlie Shavers (leader, and trumpet), J.C. Higginbotham (trombone), Pee Wee Russell (clarinet), Willie the Lion Smith (piano), Dickie Thompson (guitar), Harry Sheppard (vibraphone), Vinnie Burke (bass), Sonny Greer (drums-formerly of Duke Ellington’s band), and Mae Barnes (singer).
Lester Young's music was overshadowed by nonessential musical accompaniment. Back in those days, a Black man or woman's music HAD to include white musicians otherwise exposure was nonexistent. I noticed how the cameraman did a closeup on Lester but in the background, the white guitarist was more prominent. It is a true shame to not hear 100% of the true essence of Black music from those times. It is rare with yesterdays' record companies to not exploit superior Black musicians as we have a few examples of John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, etc.
Pee Wee Russell and Les on the same stage. Two musicians who basically had the same approach to ballad playing (they also shared the same taste for beverages). Is there a FULL recording of this concert? Or does anybody know if they ever played together on records? I have not found any.
My God, Lester Young literally reinvented the tenor saxophone. Before Prez came along, the way to play the tenor sax was the way Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster played tenor. But Prez played with a relaxed, cool tone and used sophisticated harmonies that influenced every saxophonist that came after him, from Charlie Parker to John Coltrane. Rest In Peace Prez 🙏🏾🎷
My grandfather was a jazz musician and Lester Young was his hero. My grandfather had a photo of my father as a baby that was actually signed by Prez, wishing him a happy life. He had it in his wallet until the day he died. My mom gave it to me and I still have it to this day.
When I lived in NYC in the 90’s there was an annual Lester Young Memorial Concert at the jazz church on 52nd street. Coltrane gets perks for putting religiosity front and center in his playing, but Prez, especially frail Prez, has always spoke to me more directly.
He wasn't a alcoholic He used alcohol and cannabis as tools for connecting with people He died as he gave all his love without wanting anything in return
According to credits listed on another page (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZM1DUXDm7o4.html), the front line consists of Charlie Shavers - trumpet and (and, apparently, leader), J.C.Higginbotham - trombone, Pee Wee Russell - clarinet, Coleman Hawkins & Lester Young - tenor sax. I notice at least one additional trumpet and trombone, have nothing to offer in their case. In other clips I saw a different clarinetist (and another trumpet) - seems to me this must have been a full 16-piece big band. In any case, it's the only time I have had the opportunity to hear Hawkins and Young trading fours (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0kUQF_iqYQ0.html) - priceless! Rhythm section is Willie "The Lion" Smith - piano (almost didn't recognize him without his cigar), Harry Sheppard - vibes, Dick Thompson - guitar, Vinnie Burke - bass, Sonny Greer - drums.
Anyone wanting to hear how great Pres was should listen to any and all things recorded before World War Ii. His playing in the 50's ranged from uneven to very sad, but lo and behold on The Sound of Jazz TV program in, I think, '58, he got off a beautifully coherent chorus on one of Billie Holliday's signature tunes, and she did really well too, a case of two mortally wounded artiists inspiring each other to their greatest capacities. SO moving.
@@robertlepper5460 Listening--a lot! There's no need to get snarky. We both love Press after all! You have to read all of what I have to say. Given how little time was left to him, his work in "The Sound of Jazz" was heroic and beautiful.
@@MrKlemps I fully support what you say. That does not mean Les could not play first rate in his later years. Teddy Wilson recalls that one time, after Les had had no alcohol for several months, he played with his old verve and freshness.
@@wernerblaser5565 Thank you. I don't doubt it since genius has a way of working its way through the thickets. Quite possibly Pres had so much respect for Teddy and enjoyed playing with him so much that he forced himself off the hard stuff so that he could be at his best. And his best could be touched by no other sax player and very few on any instrument.
