Lester Leaps In: Lester Young

Track List:

1. Lester Leaps In  
2. I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You
3. Up And Atom
4. These Foolish Things
5. Neenah
6. (Back Home Again in) Indiana
7. How High The Moon
8. ‘Deed I Do

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 CD booklet features rare photos with extensive liner notes from jazz historian Scott Yanow.

January 20, 1951:

• Lester Young – tenor sax
• John Lewis – Piano
• Gene Ramsey - bass
• Jo Jones – drums

February 24, 1951:

• Lester Young – tenor sax
• Cyril Haynes – piano
• Gene Ramsey - bass
• Jo Jones – drums

May 19, 1951:

• Lester Young – tenor sax
• Cyril Haynes – piano
• Gene Ramsey - bass
• Jo Jones – drums
• Jesse Drakes – trumpet

May 2, 1952:

• Lester Young – tenor sax
• Gene Ramsey – bass
• Jesse Drakes – trumpet
• Earl Knight – piano
• Lee Abrams – drums