This 1955 album brings together the legendary Lester “Pres” Young and Harry “Sweets” Addison. Lester Young was 45 years of age but in a physically deteriorating state, he passed away five years later at the age of 49. “Sweets” was 39 at the time and lived another 40 years after the Pres passed away. As for their ability to play, age was not a deterrent, they were absolutely great on this album, “Pres and Sweets.” They also had a great cast supporting them, with the likes of Buddy Rich (Drums), Ray Brown (Bass), Oscar Peterson (Piano) and Herb Ellis on guitar. The music throughout this recording is very soulful, very straightforward and of course, overwhelmingly bluesy. Lester Young leads throughout every song, jamming from beginning to end, in the only way that he could only do. He was so blessed with the ability of expressing his inner self and streaming all his emotions into the minds of the listeners through his tenor saxophone. There will never be another Lester Young, there’ll never be another musician with the ability to stop you completely in the middle of whatever you’re doing, important or non important and help you understand, about what life is all about! Classic album that everyone should own and listen to whenever they need a reality check.
About the album:
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. This 1955 session could really be termed a reunion date…..Read More
