Search - Lester Young, Teddy Wilson :: Pres & Teddy

Proving Once Again Pres Was Still On Top

Jazzman | Chicago, IL | 07/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is a common misconception that's been going around jazz circles for a long time now that when Pres got out of the army in the mid forties that his playing went drastically downhill and that few of his recordings after that time are worth acquiring. That is a complete crock and this album (recorded in 1956) proves it along with many other albums like "Jazz Giants '56", "With The Oscar Peterson Trio". and "Pres and Sweets" just to name a few. There are no bad songs on this album. Every song is wonderful, although "All of Me" and "Pres Returns" and "Prisoner of Love" (what soul he really puts into that one!) are probably my favorites. Take my word for it and get this album. Your satisfaction is guaranteed."

Simply the Best

Nikica Gilic | 09/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Indeed, this is Young at his best; in his later years he may have been less consistent than in his youth, but when he was good, boy was he good or what?

Did Teddy Wilson help make this album a masterpiece? Oh, I believe he did - since he didn't change his style very much, since he wasn't flamboyant or selfdestructive and since he lived and played consistently for very long, Mr. Wilson is not appreciated enough, but he is, I believe, the essence of swing and one of the best jazz pianist ever.

Compute for your self - his work in Benny Goodman trio and quartet is more than brilliant (check the great Carnegie Hall concert), sessions he arranged with Billie Holiday and a veritable who-is-who in jazz of the 30's (Roy Eldridge, Lester Young, Benny Goodman, Ben Webster, Johnny Hodges...)are irreplacible, whereas his work with the Pres in the 50's proves how swing was still alive and kicking at the time.



Young and Wilson share the spotlight for me on this album, but it would be a shame not to mention great bass player Gene Ramey and the great (if not the greatest) swing drummer Jo Jones who knew Pres very well from their Basie years...

"All of me" is my favorite, but "Louise" and other performances are equally beautiful..."

Teddy and the President

Michael Palermo | 01/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ive had this album for probably 25 years,but I could't resist a good value. This disc is a wonderful session of Pres and Teddy,witha great rhythm section(Gene Ramey and Jo Jones). Pres blows beautifully on this recording, even thought he does sound tired at times. Teddy Wilson backed up Pres on the 1930's sessions with Lady Day;these two go hand in glove. Do youself a favor and pick up one of the very best jazz albums from this or any other era."