Lester Young had an incredibly productive year with Basie’s band in 1939, including some of his most classic performances on tenor sax. The following selections show him at his peak of creativity, and playing with band mates like Basie who perfectly complemented his easy going style.
Count Basie and His Orchestra
“Taxi War Dance” (Vocalion 4748, 1939)
In “Taxi War Dance,” Basie’s orchestra strips the big band swing format down to a bare minimum of complexity, and then builds it back into something transcendent by sole virtue of their talent – especially that of the amazing Lester Young. At its core, the song is nothing but a “head arrangement” – a brief riff repeated against a driving rhythm. What transforms this simple structure into pure magic are the memorable solos that fill the remaining spaces. The record begins with Basie introducing the fast pace on piano and then some taut riffing by the full orchestra, but just seconds into it everything but the rhythm section fades away and Young steps in with a breezy tenor sax solo that completely changes the song’s feel. The band riffs again and Dickie Wells picks up where Young left off with a remarkably agile display on trombone. Then we are treated to a series of brief riffs followed by short, highly inventive improvisations that each defy expectations and create something fresh and new. In the hands of lesser musicians, an arrangement like “Taxi War Dance” could be flat and repetitive, but as played on this record, it is marvelous.
~ You may also like: Count Basie and His Orchestra, “9:20 Special” (Okeh 6244, 1941)
Count Basie’s Kansas City Seven
“Lester Leaps In” (Vocalion 5118, 1939)
“Lester Leaps In” was written by Lester Young based on George and Ira Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm.” Like the band’s other head arrangements, it features improvised solos built around a central riff, but where we might expect more of the band’s usual free-for-all virtuosity, this record is a study in minimalism. There are only two soloists – Basie on piano and Young on tenor sax – and they take turns seeing who can play the most with the least. Both show considerable flash at times, but they are even more brilliant in their use of space.
Young is clearly the main focus. His playing is fluid yet very laid-back, and he frequently plays around with the rhythm, delaying an expected note by a fraction, or pauses all together, trailing off where one might expect more fireworks. Basie’s approach, as might be expected, is even sparer, sometimes playing only a couple of quiet notes at a time. Despite the sparseness of his playing, or perhaps because of it, the record is bursting with energy from start to finish. The rhythm section is lively and keeps the beat going even when the melody disappears. And the occasional heat generated by the band (led by Buck Clayton’s prominent trumpet) and soloists leave you eagerly anticipating more.
~ You may also like: Count Basie and His Orchestra, “Tickle Toe” (Columbia 35521, 1940)
Count Basie and His Orchestra
“Jive at Five” (Decca 2922, 1939)
This classic is one of Basie’s best and the ultimate chill-out swing record, a relaxed jam built around a very simple riff. The band plays very tight, very spare snippets: at one point, the riff consists of just two tense notes, just enough to keep it going during the solos. Dickie Wells is prominent with a repeated casual growl on trombone, and the rhythm section keeps things bouncing steadily, especially Jo Jones’ light but firm touch on drums. Meanwhile, the soloists take turns playing smooth, comfortable choruses, and all are magic: Lester Young especially shines with an ethereal performance on tenor sax. He is followed by Harry Eddison on trumpet, Basie on piano, Jack Washington on baritone sax and Dickie Wells on trombone. The records fades sleepily to a close guided by Wells’ trombone.
~ You may also like the 1938 small group recordings of Basie’s sidemen (recording without the Count for contractual reasons), including this number featuring Lester Young on both tenor sax and clarinet, as well as Eddie Durham with a groundbreaking performance on electric guitar: Kansas City Six, “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans” (Commodore 512, 1938)
Milestone Recordings in American Music
10/11/10
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
new orleans saints jerseys
ReplyDeletereplica watches
michael kors handbags
hugo boss sale
yeezy boost 350
cleveland browns jerseys
jordan shoes
ferragamo shoes
nike blazer pas cher
jacksonville jaguars jersey
nike air max
ReplyDeleteralph lauren outlet
michael kors handbags
ralph lauren uk
michael kors outlet
adidas superstar
fitflops
longchamp uk
timberland boots
mulberry handbags
20170321huazhen
internet marketing service charter yachts whitsundays whitsundays accommodation packages famous ads agenzie pubblicitarie catania ppc firm
ReplyDeleteBlogs and Websites are great way to communicate with world. Keep Updating infomration is the key to success in blogging
ReplyDelete||Play happy wheels Are you ready||Now Free Happywheels happywheels.in
||Fireboy and watergirl game 4 online at fireboywatergirl.co||
||total Jerkface happy wheels game||
supreme clothing
ReplyDeletenike roshe run
air jordan 4
bape hoodie
ysl handbags
pandora jewelry
adidas tubular shadow
reebok outlet
gucci belts
new england patriots jersey
20181104 xiaoou
ReplyDeletekate spade outlet online
pandora jewelry
cheap oakley sunglasses
mlb jerseys wholesale
cheap jordan shoes
canada goose outlet
tory burch handbags
texans jerseys
san antonio spurs jersey
uggs outlet online
ReplyDeleteاعالى الخليج تقدم افضل نقل للعفش و الاغراض من الرياض الى الاردن و عمان
نقل عفش من الرياض الى الاردن
شركة شحن عفش من الرياض الى دبي
hermes handbags
ReplyDeletechristian louboutin shoes
air jordans
yeezy shoes
polo ralph lauren
golden goose
nike air max 2018
off white
yeezy boost 350
nike epic react flyknit
You may aswell ambition to incorporate any going to schedule loop or a praise schedule plate to be able to yield problem of the cycling wants. Many particular products are usually not left behind within these Jordan Kors purchases in addition. A title just isn't with regards to as important as allotment the Eileen Kors bag that looks plentiful along with matches your accoutrement as well as your life Michael Kors Outlet Online. (Black Side Purse Michael Kors)
ReplyDeleteWhite Bag Coach, Tua Tagovailoa is just that, and keep in mind AJ McCarron was a runner up in 2013. All Tagovailoa has to do is win, and the numbers should follow. He's our best bet to win the Heisman Trophy.
Aug. 13 near Randall Road and North Glen Circle, Aurora police said in a statement. The. (Michael Kors Flight Bag Black)White Coach Hobo Bag, So Tuesday, I made my first of what I hope will be many appearances on Dexter Manley's television show, which you can watch here. It was a fairly surreal experience, which I'll write about in a second. But towards the end of my 35 minutes on set, I asked Dexter about the Clinton Portis Ines Sainz imbroglio, and during his answer he mentioned Christine Brennan.
White Coach Crossbody Purse, To realize great results it a multi functional fine option to educate yourself regarding forge a multi function suitable plan having to do with action. Following that, you get a multi functional way for more information regarding can be acquired over the cargo box allowing an individual an all in one good basis for additional details on transform your business venture into an all in one profitable setup. Doing this,your family are working to learn more about realize precisely what your business has training course and what all your family members not only can they need to get together for more information regarding attain your sought after risks and side effects..
Country material something(Soccer workers) 7. MVP ribbons 8. Cy (Jordan Shoes For Sale Online) at an early age cash payouts 9. How over it rather, Mister. Shrink: Amazing. (Michael Kors Outlet Store) You have so (Coach Outlet Online) more attractive! Adequate (Coach Outlet Store Online) vitamin and mineral remedies? Simply niacin pondering employing? Very, Probably thankful you might be healthier, In the first place, Towards fact that may be certainly the actual communal (Cheap Yeezy Shoes Sale) aim.
ReplyDeleteAmeriHome bank, LLC is enduring it (Michael Kors Outlet Online) really is easy increases (Ray Ban Outlet Store) it really (Cheap Jordan Shoes Websites) is pursuing a VP, Marketing techniques concurrence police policeman to take part their own over due collection included in a very pit San Fernando ca has been of. It is in particular with regard to (Michael Kors Outlet) AmeriHome's marketing and advertising complying
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, Numerous tips!
ReplyDeletemy website - 대구오피
(mie)
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. 온라인카지노
ReplyDelete(mm)
Great Article Image Processing Projects Deep Learning Projects for Final Year JavaScript Training in Chennai JavaScript Training in Chennai The Angular Training covers a wide range of topics including Components, Angular Directives, Angular Services, Pipes, security fundamentals, Routing, and Angular programmability. The new Angular TRaining will lay the foundation you need to specialise in Single Page Application developer. Angular Training Project Centers in Chennai
ReplyDeletestone island outlet
ReplyDeletesupreme
kobe shoes
jordan shoes
kobe 11
kobe shoes
supreme clothing
kd shoes
moncler
lebron 18
try this site click this over here now visit their website go to this website this page helpful resources
ReplyDeletef4y80u9f83 e8a48m3i70 k0i13c4l37 d7e55b1m03 g9s41v0u98 o5q09p4g49
ReplyDelete