Young, Lester - Leaps In Live At Birdland 1951-1952

New Vinyl Record - Lester Young - Leaps In Live At Birdland 1951-1952

The never-before-released set captures one of the most influential tenor saxophonists of all time, live at NYC's iconic jazz venue Birdland. It features eight tracks recorded on four different dates in 1951 and '52 for ABC Radio's famed "Jumpin with Symphony Sid." Host Sid Torin introduces several of the tracks, one of which, "Neenah," includes a shoutout to audience member Billie Holiday who originated the bebop legend's nickname "Prez" (for "President of the Tenor Sax"). The backing bands feature pianists John Lewis, Cyril Haynes, and Earl Knight; percussionists "Papa" Jo Jones and Lee Abrams; bassist Gene Ramey; and trumpeter Jesse Drakes. The album will be pressed on 180-gram vinyl and features rare photos with extensive liner notes from jazz historian Scott Yanow. Here's an excerpt of the performance notes: In 1951, the 41-year old saxophonist was still very much in his prime, leading a supportive and swinging quartet. The first three numbers on this album are from Jan. 20, 1951 and have Young joined by pianist John Lewis who was a year away from forming the Modern Jazz Quartet, bassist Gene Ramey, and drummer Jo Jones.