Count Basie / Billie Holiday / Ben Webster / Coleman Hawkins / Lester Young
The Sound Of Jazz
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1973 pressing of the 3-track tape original. Recorded in true stereo two years before "Kind Of Blue". "The Sound of Jazz," a landmark recording, manifests as a vibrant tapestry of mid-20th-century jazz artistry. This album, originating from a 1957 CBS television special, assembles an illustrious ensemble of jazz luminaries, including Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, and Lester Young. Each artist brings a distinct voice and virtuosity, weaving together a rich soundscape that captures the spontaneity and camaraderie of live performance. With Count Basie's dexterous leadership, the rhythm section pulses with an effortless swing, setting a foundation for the soloists to explore the melodic contours with improvisational brilliance. Holiday's ethereal voice, laden with emotional depth, delivers a poignant counterpoint to the robust instrumental backdrop.

The recording stands out for its authentic representation of the jazz ethos, where collaboration meets individual expression. Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins, with their robust tenor saxophones, offer contrasting yet complementary narratives, while Lester Young's smooth, lyrical phrasing provides a serene elegance. The album captures an era where jazz was not just music but a dynamic conversation between artists, each contributing their own dialect to the collective language. While the technical quality might reflect the limitations of live recording at the time, the raw energy and emotive power more than compensate, offering listeners a window into a golden moment of jazz history. This assemblage of talent, captured in a moment of unguarded creativity, ensures "The Sound of Jazz" remains a timeless testament to the genre's enduring allure.