Although there are several books on Lester Young, including one by Lewis Porter, editor of this collection, Porter felt the need to collect the scattered articles on the saxophonist which he felt provided new insight into Young’s life and music. Some articles had never been published, one had never been published in English, and two interviews appear in new, authoritative transcripts. The book is divided into biographical articles, interviews, and discussions of the music, all enhanced by rare and unpublished photos and Porter’s commentary.

Part One includes a discussion of Lester’s style with his brother Lee, articles by jazz journalists such as Whitney Balliet, Dan Morgenstern, and Nat Hentoff, and a touching tribute by pianist Bobby Scott who calls Lester a ...“visitor from a small planet.”

Known simply as “Pres,” short for President of the Saxophone, a moniker given him by Billie Holiday, Lester offers up some surprises in the lingo that was his alone. He professes admiration for saxophonists Jimmy Dorsey and Frankie Trumbauer and singer Jo Stafford. He loved all kinds of music and listened constantly, ordering a radio for his room whenever he traveled.

Part Three consists of detailed analyses of Young’s solos, his style, his influences, and his legacy. The articles are scholarly yet of interest to fans. As Porter points out, “The articles in this section reflect the greatest possible variety of approaches to Young’s music.” This is a rich collection which offers a clear portrait of this giant of 20^th century music.

Lewis Porter is an associate professor of music at Rutgers University, a jazz scholar, and musician. He is the author of Lester Young.