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A Tribute to Lester Young

A A A Comments By Rick Mason Wednesday, Sep 23 2009

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To launch its new season, the Twin Cities Jazz Society will celebrate the centennial of saxophone great Lester Young's birth with a tribute featuring some of the area's premier jazz musicians in a variety of settings. On tap will be the JAZZAX Saxophone Quartet, the Laura Caviani Trio, saxophonist Dave Karr, and singer Charmin Michelle. JAZZAX comprises David Milne, Michael Walk, Pete Whitman, and Greg Keel, all formidable players who appear in multiple contexts around town as well as being influential educators. Pianist Caviani's trio includes in-demand local stalwarts Gordy Johnson on bass and drummer Phil Hey. Karr also has essentially played with everyone in town in addition to leading his own quartet. Michelle's vocal savvy and ability to conjure the knowing intimacy of Billie Holiday make her a natural to cover material on which Lady Day and Young collaborated. Tenor sax ace Young, dubbed "Prez" by Holiday, influenced generations of sax players and was a star in Count Basie's band during the '30s and '40s. This concert will feature fresh arrangements of tunes associated with Young as well as compositions he inspired. (Photo by Tom Corcoran)
Sun., Sept. 27, 3 p.m., 2009