The two recordings that follow are masterpieces for so many reasons. This was an aesthetically successful small group that Lester Young formed after leaving Count Basie at the end of 1940. His front-line partner was his friend Shad Collins, and the three other members of the ensemble were supportive and forward-looking. Clyde Hart was on piano but not able to play this broadcast. The band with Hart recorded four sides with Una Mae Carlisle for Bluebird Records on March 10. The late Jan Evensmo suggested a different, later time period for this date in his 2018 Shad Collins solography, but sadly, I can no longer ask him why.
The announcer is Ralph Berton, brother of drummer Vic Berton, who had a radio program on New York’s municipal station, and these two extended performances come from an appearance at New York City’s Manhattan Center. TICKLE-TOE, Lester’s composition, was named for a dancer who was part of the Basie entourage; TAXI WAR DANCE, referencing a taxicab strike, is an uptempo improvisation on the harmonies of WILLOW WEEP FOR ME.
The music was recorded at the time, presumably by someone at WNYC, possibly for Berton, and these performances appeared, in my time, on a collector’s record issued by Jerry Valburn in the late Seventies. But Jerry’s source material had some defects; I believe that this issue offers clearer sound.
WNYC-AM broadcast, Ralph Bertpn, m.c., February 15, 1941. Lester Young, tenor saxophone; Shad Collins, trumpet; John Collins, electric guitar; Nick Fenton, double bass; Doc West, drums. Source material: “Lester Young, Volume 2, 1939-42, The Complementary Works,” Masters of Jazz MJCD 47, issued 1993.
and
Ethereal and intense both. That this band didn’t succeed hugely is a great tragedy. But that these extended performances survive is a miracle, one we can revisit. Thank you, bringers of joy.
And do share this music with people whose lives would be enhanced by it.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 