This story is a gem, Ted, thanks so much for sharing it. Over the holidays, I shall lift a glass and offer a toast to Prez and to Bill Potts and all the other unsung lounge players who entertain and share music with folks, just because they love doing it.
Pres wasn't the only giant with whom Bill Potts recorded; take a look at the line-up on Porgy and Bess: Charlie Shavers; Harry Edison; Bernie Glow; Art Farmer; Markie Makowitz; Bob Brookmeyer; Frank Rehak; Earl Swope; Jimmy Cleveland; Rod Levitt; Phil Woods; Gene Quill; Zoot Sims; Al Cohn; Sol Schlinger; Bill Evans; Herbie Powell; George Duvivier; Charlie Persip.
Lester Young is a favorite of mine, and I've never heard this story! Had to dig into my collection and revisit this set. Bill Potts was no Oscar Peterson, but not a bad player. I read somewhere that Lester Was the original "hipster" to use the word "cool" to describe something "good." If so, that's an amazing contribution to the English vocabulary! Ted, have you heard that?
Thanks Ted. In the late 90s and early 00s I played a lot of trombone in high school jazz bands in suburban Maryland/DC, so I definitely know of Bill Potts and can still hum his track 555 Feet High. But I had no idea about this story. I’ll definitely play these albums.
Thank you for this. The essay was written with sensitivity and awareness reflective of Lester's playing. Personally, Lester Young is one of my greatest influences as a musician... and I'm a classical guitarist rather than a jazz player. Oh, and well done, Bill Potts.
I like very much the 5 disks of Lester with Bill Potts, but for me Lester's last stand was with Count Basie at Newport 1957. Every cut he plays on is a wonder
I'm going to read this again this evening in a more mellow mood to better savor the details. So sad really. Now...I would cross the country and pay dearly to hear a set by this little group and the gentle genius it was backing.
This story is a gem, Ted, thanks so much for sharing it. Over the holidays, I shall lift a glass and offer a toast to Prez and to Bill Potts and all the other unsung lounge players who entertain and share music with folks, just because they love doing it.
Pres wasn't the only giant with whom Bill Potts recorded; take a look at the line-up on Porgy and Bess: Charlie Shavers; Harry Edison; Bernie Glow; Art Farmer; Markie Makowitz; Bob Brookmeyer; Frank Rehak; Earl Swope; Jimmy Cleveland; Rod Levitt; Phil Woods; Gene Quill; Zoot Sims; Al Cohn; Sol Schlinger; Bill Evans; Herbie Powell; George Duvivier; Charlie Persip.
Lester Young is a favorite of mine, and I've never heard this story! Had to dig into my collection and revisit this set. Bill Potts was no Oscar Peterson, but not a bad player. I read somewhere that Lester Was the original "hipster" to use the word "cool" to describe something "good." If so, that's an amazing contribution to the English vocabulary! Ted, have you heard that?
He also invented “brush the dirt of your shoulder” and calling his house his “crib”.
Pres might be Person of the Century(
Wow, thank you for turning me on to this recording. Can something be both relaxed and luminous? This is.
Thanks Ted. In the late 90s and early 00s I played a lot of trombone in high school jazz bands in suburban Maryland/DC, so I definitely know of Bill Potts and can still hum his track 555 Feet High. But I had no idea about this story. I’ll definitely play these albums.
Brilliant. And I’m listening now. Thank you for the wonderful story and a choice soundtrack for the season between the carols.
So good. A stylist of the highest order. Long live the Prez.. well written.
Great story Mr G - many thanks!
Viva Prez, thanks Ted and merry xmas too...!
Thank you for this. The essay was written with sensitivity and awareness reflective of Lester's playing. Personally, Lester Young is one of my greatest influences as a musician... and I'm a classical guitarist rather than a jazz player. Oh, and well done, Bill Potts.
I like very much the 5 disks of Lester with Bill Potts, but for me Lester's last stand was with Count Basie at Newport 1957. Every cut he plays on is a wonder
Great story. I’m excited to dig in to this music!
I'm going to read this again this evening in a more mellow mood to better savor the details. So sad really. Now...I would cross the country and pay dearly to hear a set by this little group and the gentle genius it was backing.
Thanks, Ted! Merry Christmas.
Again. Thank you Ted Gioia. Pres just sounds so happy, comfortable. So beautiful I could cry.
Great work !
Did I double-subscribe ?
Thanks