As we continue to celebrate #JazzAppreciationMonth, we spotlight Lester Young—a tenor saxophonist whose cool, lyrical tone helped define the Count Basie sound. Nicknamed “Prez” by Billie Holiday, Lester brought a lightness and flow to jazz that stood in contrast to the heavier, hard-swinging styles of his peers. With Basie, he shaped a new kind of jazz phrasing—more conversational, more melodic, and endlessly influential. His solos were like spoken word: smooth, emotional, and deceptively simple. Whether trading lines with the band or coloring the rhythm section’s swing, Young played with a sense of ease that changed the role of the saxophone forever.
Count Basie
As we continue to celebrate #JazzAppreciationMonth, we spotlight Lester Young—a tenor saxophonist whose cool, lyrical tone helped define the Count Basie sound. Nicknamed “Prez” by Billie Holiday, Lester brought a lightness and flow to jazz that stood in contrast to the heavier, hard-swinging styles of his peers. With Basie, he shaped a new kind of jazz phrasing—more conversational, more melodic, and endlessly influential. His solos were like spoken word: smooth, emotional, and deceptively simple. Whether trading lines with the band or coloring the rhythm section’s swing, Young played with a sense of ease that changed the role of the saxophone forever.
🎶 Link to our special Jazz Appreciation Month playlist.
open.spotify.com/playlist/6ZVtyztIz8Z8z68vud94aP?s…
4 months ago | [YT] | 8