Wayne tells a tale about his encounter with Lester Young. This a snippet from a film about Lester called President of Beauty. More info on the film can be found at www.lesterlives.wordpress.com
"He was slow but moving. He had that kind of forward motion." I can see him floating gently up the stairs. Good description of the man and his music. Thank you Wayne.
You look like you from New York. Whatcha drinkin? Wayne is a great story teller. WTF he had a senior moment. I once sat at the bar in the Half Note with Warne Marsh, Lennie Tristano was a few stools away. The joint was empty during a matinee. I remember very little of that conversation. I was a kid maybe 19 that was in 1960 or so.
IMO-tho not all, many of the greatest jazz musicians magically sounded on their horns, as they did in speech. Sonny, Prez, Wayne, Dizzy. I could listen to Wayne talk about a phone book. Listen to him talk about Lee and Jaco-Wishing him the best of health.
The first tune Shorter hums here is "Jumping With Symphony Sid", a nod to jazz deejay Symphony Sid Torin, which Prez made a record of in 1947 for Aladdin, and also which Bird frequently used as an opening/closing theme at his live gigs (Symphony Sid himself would MC live broadcasts Bird did from the Royal Roost and Birdland in NYC in the late '40s).. "Lester Leaps In" (the second tune Shorter hums) was from a Count Basie Kansas City 7 date in 1939. It's a classic and a popular jam tune, I am a little surprised Shorter couldn't think of the title of either tune...(Incidentally, Prez wrote both tunes).
You’re just like me I love Lester’s phrasing it was hip beyond belief. I’m sure you know that J.J. was influenced by Lester. Fun fact most of the famous saxophonists were born as Virgos there are too many to mention but us, yes us trombonists will always pay homage to Lester Willis Young that hepcat that swung like a monkey going from limb to limb. I’ve just finished transcribing Coleman Hawkins epic Body & Soul & I’m now about to transcribe Lester’s version and then I’ll compare both solos. I can play Beans solo off the top of my head but I know Lester’s gonna have some nice surprises such as the Scottish snap !
GUESS I'M ON A JAZZ KICK TODAY ON CHRISTMAS EVE 2017. JUST POSTED A COMMENTARY ON MONK'S MUSIC ALBUM AND YESTERDAY, WHILE SURFING RU-vid, CAME ACROSS THIS. Lester Young was one of the great tenor saxophonists of the 1930's, 40's and 50's. He came to prominence with the Count Basie band in the 30's. I remember reading in jazz magazines that you either liked Young or Coleman Hawkins in those early days of jazz. They were the two giants back then. (Ben Webster also got some mention.) Of course, this is a simplistic way of looking at the music, but I think you get my drift. Wayne Shorter is surely one of the giants of jazz of the last 50 years. He became known when he played in one the first line-ups of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and later turned up in Miles Davis' second great quintet. This clip is from a film about Young called President of Beauty. (Young's nickname was "Prez") It is fascinating and charming to hear Shorter's recounting how he met Young. Shorter says "He was slow but moving. He had that kind of forward motion" Very nice description. Young's style of playing has been called "relaxing in swing."
Willie, Merry Christmas Eve, If you want another perspective on Pres. Check out this BB King segment of an interview I did for my upcoming film, President of Beauty. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bCxZ5YIBTfA.html you can find out more on the film at www.lesterlives.wordpress.com cheers, Henry
Yes, As in in playing so in his language, wayne has a wonderful way of expressing himself. That bit will make it in the film. Look for it in 2019 I hope. Cheers,
And yet, Wayne remembered all of things he learned leading him to Art Blakey and Miles' Davis and was one of the most important figures in hard bop jazz and jazz fusion music history. So, what was your point, really?
