The Life and Music of Lester Young: A Pioneer of Cool Jazz

Early Life and Career

Lester Willis Young was born on August 27, 1909, in Woodville, Mississippi. He began playing the saxophone at a young age and soon developed a unique and distinctive style. In the early 1930s, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Billie Holiday.

In 1936, Young joined the Count Basie Orchestra, where he quickly became one of the most popular and influential members. He was known for his relaxed and laid-back playing style, which contrasted with the more aggressive and improvisational style of many of his contemporaries. Young's solos were often characterized by their long, flowing lines and beautiful tone.

Being Prez: The Life and Music of Lester Young

by Dave Gelly

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Cool Jazz Pioneer

In the late 1940s, Young helped to pioneer the cool jazz style. This new style of jazz was characterized by its more relaxed and laid-back tempos, its emphasis on melody and improvisation, and its use of more complex harmonies. Young's playing was a major influence on the development of cool jazz, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the genre.

Later Career and Legacy

Young continued to perform and record throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He made several classic recordings, including "Lester Young with the Oscar Peterson Trio" (1952) and "The Jazz Giants" (1956). Young's health declined in the late 1960s, and he died on March 15, 1959, at the age of 49.

Lester Young was one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. His unique and distinctive style helped to shape the sound of jazz for decades to come. He is considered one of the greatest jazz saxophonists of all time, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Discography

* Lester Young with the Kansas City Six (1938) * Lester Young with the Count Basie Orchestra (1939-1940) * Lester Young with the Jazz Giants (1956) * Lester Young with the Oscar Peterson Trio (1952) * The Complete Lester Young (1936-1959)

Bibliography

* Lester Young: A Biography by Lewis Porter * The Jazz Life of Lester Young by Nat Hentoff * Lester Young on Record by Scott Yanow

Being Prez: The Life and Music of Lester Young

by Dave Gelly

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5135 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	186 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE