This is a CD overflowing with classic performances. The great
Lester Young is heard with the 1938 version of the Kansas City Six, a group also including trumpeter
Buck Clayton (in prime form),
Eddie Durham on electric guitar (where he preceded
Charlie Christian) and trombone, the rhythm guitar of
Freddie Green, bassist
Walter Page, and drummer
Jo Jones. The four selections (all of which are joined by an alternate take apiece) are most notable for
Young's switching to clarinet on some of the pieces. His clarinet solo on "I Want a Little Girl" sounds eerily like
Paul Desmond's alto of 15 years later. These classic cool jazz performances have delightful interplay between the two horns. The second part of the reissue features the 1944 Kansas City Six in which
Young (sticking to tenor) and trumpeter
Bill Coleman are joined by a three-piece rhythm section and trombonist
Dickie Wells.
Wells, who takes some very colorful and nearly riotous solos, rarely sounded better, and the four selections are highlighted by three equally rewarding versions of "I Got Rhythm" and two of "Three Little Words." The CD concludes with the four titles by 1938's
Kansas City Five, which was essentially the early Kansas City Six without
Young.
Clayton is once again in top form, and Durham's guitar solos were among the first worthwhile examples of the electric guitar on record. This gem is highly recommended for all jazz collections. ~ Scott Yanow