This 1955 session could really be termed a reunion date. The tenor saxophonist and trumpeter had worked together in the Count Basie Orchestra --
Harry Edison for 17 years and
Lester Young for seven of those. Together again, these two jazz giants revive the musical rapport they first developed in the
Basie band.
Young and
Edison's approach on this session reflects their tenure with
Basie; for example, it was common for
Young to solo followed directly by
Edison in the
Basie days, and they follow that same plan here.
The two horn players perform a swinging, rousing version of
the Count's legendary "One O'Clock Jump," which features superb solos by pianist
Oscar Peterson and drummer
Buddy Rich, both legends in their own right. Other highlights on
Pres & Sweets include the subtle "Pennies from Heaven" and the lovely ballad, "It's the Talk of the Town," the latter of which displays
Herb Ellis' delicate guitar stylings and
Pres' beautiful light and airy tone. ~ Rovi Staff