LESTER LEAPS IN Count Basie Kansas City 7 FEATURING LESTER YOUNG

remember the firs time i heard this, and the whole album, in 10th grade 1970 in nyc. still listening all the time, 2024!

My grandfather was born on a cotton plantation in rural Mississippi, and later worked at a cotton gin. In 1936, at the age of 25, he heard Lester Young in the Count Basie Orchestra and immediately fell in love with Prez’s playing. Shortly after hearing Prez, he bought himself a used tenor saxophone, which he taught himself to play. He was so good that he would gig all over the country and made a good living as a jazz musician. After retiring, he taught my father how to play and he would teach me before passing away at the age of 89. My grandfather hero-worshipped Lester Young, and it was because of Prez that he got out of rural Mississippi and made something of himself. 3:18 is quite right. Thank you Prez 🙏🏾

My God, Lester Young literally reinvented the tenor saxophone. Before Prez came along, the way to play the tenor sax was the way that 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 🙏🏾🎷

Saw him in 1974 Pittsburgh Civic Arena. Tight and super freaking loud! I was a Senior in High School and played in my HS jazz band. After hearing him I felt like I was still in the sandbox stage. Graduated High School and went into the Marine Corps and played with the band for 4 years. Had the honor of playing with some awesome musicians from all over the states. Still playing my bass and always looking to jam with others. If you play or have played,stay with it! It’s something you can do until the end. The body has a shelf life for sports but music you can play until the day you drop!

My father turned me onto the prez 60years ago.Thanks dad..

Has to be in the top 20 jazz cuts of all time! Lester's solo is a treasure trove for any aspiring musician. Count Basie's piano is a great lesson in the less is more approach.

Thank God for this recording. My dad turned me on to The Count. KC rocked in those days. I’ve heard the stories.

Great music, and so glad you put faces and names........thanks to you and others who keep this alive.

Aww thanks so much I love this I'm an up and coming aspiring studied Jazz singer and I'm from Kansas City I love and have taking all our heritage here I'm so inspired.

Absolutely brilliant compilation!! The Prez and the Count. Wow....

Lester Young rules on the sax. Great song!

Great photos to the great music! Thanks!

This is a true Jazz classic! I want to commend you for the great editing too - VERY well done!!

So glad I found this.

Even just that guy's (Lester's) face tells a story. I love that sad-sack face like that of my own departed brother's...anybody else? Makes me want to start wearing a pork-pie hat.

WHAT A WONDERFUL SOUND HE GETS WITH THE SAX! SWINGING!!

Thank You!

БРАВО!

He can't be beat!....even today ! Where did all of the big bands go? Why? John M. Hill,author.

Thank you very cool