Search - Lester Young :: Lester Young 1939 - 1952 (Editions Nocturne)

BD Jazz is a new label which offers listeners an introduction to some of the greatest jazz musicians of our time through a two disc set of their most-loved songs. Additionally, a 16 page illustrated book is included, which offers an insight into their lives and music. This specially formatted piece is a must-have for jazz fans as well as jazz neophytes trying to learn about the genre. Lester Young, nicknamed "Pres" by Billie Holiday, is one of jazz?s great tenor saxophonists. He is perhaps best known for his work in the Count Basie Orchestra as well as his recordings with Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson. Along with John Coltrane and Coleman Hawkins, Young is considered one of the greatest saxophonists of all time. Young?s experiences with war and particularly racism during his stint as a soldier during WWII left his mental outlook permanently scarred. Though he continued to play and record, some say that he never fully recovered. Young drank himself to death in 1959.