I suppose most diehard jazz collectors will possess these titles, but probably scaterred among many ancient 78s and recentky obsolete LPs. Anyway, i twas a nice, romantic gallic touch to produce a compilation emphasising the close relationship – musical and social – between Billie Holiday and Lester Young. John Hammond claimed that they met for the first time at the Teddy Wilson recording session he organized on January 25, 1937, but Billie has state dit occured earlier in Harlem during a jam session at the Uptown House, where she was singing. ‘It was at one of those sessions I first met Lester Young. From then on, Lester knew how I used to love to have him come around and blow pretty solos behind me’. This is just what he does on these tracks ; he is reflective, understated and completely empathetic with his Lady Day, while she, of course, is superb. Teddy Wilson is his usual suave, brilliantly lyrical self, and the very underrated Buck Clayton supplies tender, mostly muted support. Benny Morton, Johnny Hodges, Dicky Wells and Roy Elridge are among the other stars shimmering briefly in the holiday-Young constellation, and soloists and the ensemble for the most part float on a smooth cushion provided by the Basie All-American ryhtm section. So, if you haven’t yet sampled the premious legacy of Holiday – Young – Wilson, run, don’t walk, to your CD retailer and purchase this double CD – if he hasn’t go tit in stock, order it ! Reproduction is most acceptable, but playing times could have been improved by adding the few sides that are missing to make this the complete Lady Day & Pres Collection.
Ian CROSBIE – JAZZ JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
Ian CROSBIE – JAZZ JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
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