Lester Young

Sunday, March 11th

Legends of Jazz Presents:  The Music of Lester Young

The Justin Varnes Quartet plays tribute to the music of Lester Young!

Coming to prominence while a member of Count Basie‘s orchestra, tenor saxophonist Lester Young was one of the most influential players on his instrument. In contrast to many of his hard-driving peers, Young played with a relaxed, cool tone and used sophisticated harmonies, using what one critic called “a free-floating style, wheeling and diving like a gull, banking with low, funky riffs that pleased dancers and listeners alike”.  Known for his hip, introverted style,he invented or popularized much of the hipster jargon which came to be associated with the music.

As with the entire Legends of Jazz series, bandleader Justin Varnes will guide guests–in engaging, narrative form– through the life of this legendary saxophonist as well as the impact that his life influences had on his musical legacy.   It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time, and…

…oh, and they’ll also play their behinds off!

This is the first session in our new, very popular, Legends of Jazz series.  If you’d like to become a VIP Subscriber to the entire series, click HERE.