A Quiet Legend · Live in Saint Louis 1961
  • Webster Young
    Webster Young

Webster Young

A Quiet Legend · Live in Saint Louis 1961

Fresh Sound Records

Personnel:
Webster Young (tp), Freddie Washington (ts), Red Anderson (ts), John Chapman, Jodie Christian (p), John Mixon (b), Chauncey Williams (d)

Reference: FSRCD1158

Bar code: 8427328611589

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1932 and raised in Washington, D.C., cornet and trumpet player Webster Young developed his passion for jazz under the tutelage of Louis Armstrong and the inspiration of bebop pioneers such as Dizzy Gillespie. Nicknamed “Little Diz” for his early Gillespie-influenced style, Young honed his craft in Washington’s vibrant jazz scene before serving in the Army during the Korean War, where he played in a band with pianist Hampton Hawes.

In 1956, Young followed Miles Davis’ advice and moved to New York City, where he immersed himself in the modern jazz movement, collaborating with luminaries like Lester Young, Bud Powell, Jackie McLean, and John Coltrane. Davis profoundly shaped Young’s lyrical, introspective style, while Billie Holiday served as another key inspiration, infusing his playing with emotional depth and bluesy resilience.

Young’s 1957 album 'For Lady,' a tribute to Billie Holiday, showcases his soft, heartfelt cornet tone and his ability to convey both melancholy and defiance. That same year, he appeared on Jackie McLean’s groundbreaking albums and contributed to Prestige Records’ 'Interplay for Two Trumpets and Two Tenors' with Coltrane, cementing his reputation as a distinctive voice in modern jazz.

After returning to Washington, D.C., in 1959, Young pursued new opportunities, including an extended stay in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1961. During his tenure at the Little Nero Lounge, a live recording session organized by jazz enthusiast Frank Sousan captured Young leading a quintet featuring some of the area’s finest musicians. The session highlights Young’s evolving style, deeply influenced by Miles Davis, and remains a cherished testament to his artistry.

This release celebrates the artistry of Webster Young, a quiet legend of jazz whose understated brilliance and soulful expression continue to resonate. Despite his sparse recordings, his unique voice left an indelible mark on jazz history, embodying the depth and grace of a musician whose talent deserves greater recognition.

—Jordi Pujol

Tracklist

01. East St. Louis Shoot Out (Webster Young) 12:35
02. Stablemates (Benny Golson) 10:42
03. Whispering (Coburn-Rose-Schonberger) 15:44
04. Ray's Idea (Fuller-Brown) 15:16
05. When Light Are Low (Williams-Carter) 17:23
06. When I Fall In Love (Young-Heyman) 7:53

Album details

WEBSTER YOUNG Quintet
Webster Young, trumpet; Freddie Washington, tenor sax; John Chapman, piano; John Mixon, bass; Chauncey Williams, drums.
Red Anderson, tenor sax, added on #5
Jodie Christian, replaces Chapman on #6
Recorded live at the Little Nero Lounge in St. Louis, Missouri, on Saturday, afternoon, August 19, 1961

Original recording by Frank Sousan, previously issued on VGM Records
This CD release produced by Jordi Pujol
© 2025 by Fresh Sound Records

Mono · 24-Bit Digitally Remastered
Blue Moon Producciones Discograficas, S.L.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Note on the “Sound of the Double Bass.” There are several moments in the recording where the double bass is barely audible, particularly during the accompaniment sections. However, it becomes clearly audible during the solos in tracks like ‘Ray’s Idea,’ while its presence is somewhat weaker in ‘Whispering.’ This issue originates from the original recording and is not due to any subsequent modifications.
Price:

10,95 €  (tax incl.)

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