Reunited after many years with tenor saxophonist Lester Young, Billie’s visual reaction to his moving solo remains as eloquent as anything she ever sang; a touching finale to their historic musical partnership. Introduced by Robert Herridge (producer/host of CBS’ “The Sound of Jazz”), this is perhaps the single most well-known “live jazz” performance in TV history. Other members of the all-star band seen here: Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Gerry Mulligan, Roy Eldridge, Doc Cheatham, Vic …
how bout coleman hawkins solo,
i mean right lester’s solo just hits you right in the gut with every note, but man hawkins is killin’
Kind of a who’s who of the swing era. Gorgeous. Lester’s solo is incredible. It’s him right down to the ground. One thing though, 6.10, Gerry Mulligan… Jim Carey? :p
So what!!!
8-P
Glad you did, it’s never too late!
I’ve played guitar for decades – still do. I picked up alto about seven years ago. But played it “like a tenor”. It wasn’t until a few years ago when I got hold of a vintage tenor that it finally got together. I wish I’d done all this 30 odd years ago!
she lived, glad she did
The Holy Grail of Jazz artists…
@ChiTown7721 i have to tell you : the best solo performance ever is from Jimmi Hendrix ( independently of the instrument ) , the National Anthem. It’s pure art vibrating in Woodstock. 
stunning
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Lester’s solo here has to be the most gorgeous solo I’ve ever heard. Prez could say more with one chorus than most sax players could say with 20. Lester was the man who inspired me to pick up the horn four years ago. I had always wanted to play sax, but I thought that since I was 22 it was too late for me to start. Then I heard Lester and that was it! Bought my first horn a week later and been playing ever since.
She was high for sure, but everyone was using that those days. Herion and Jazz muscians were peas in a POD. FANTASTIC MUSIC, and a FANTASTIC voice. A distinct voice, not like all these new signers. THEY SUCKS
that was such a fantastic bit of insight like it!
Billie sang it best when she had a few bundles shot up.
her voice is captivating like a gorgeous bird song that you hear and just listen to, so emotional!!!! i like billie
Hey Yardbird … vibrato ain’t so terrible way these cats do it. Lester for president!
Fucking sublime.
Amen!
i agree
SIng IT GIRl!
One can only imagine what was going through Billies’ mind when Lester young took his solo. Just look at the expression on her face. Surely the the finest collection of period musicians?
Wow..what a band!
o lady day lady day! you were and remain incomparable. You can take the soul somewhere it’s never been.
The Queen!
Wonderful and unforgettable Lady Day.
Thanks for this.
Fine, fantastic
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