AMG Review of Kansas City Sax: Complete Kansas City Master Takes

Thom Jurek
All Music Guide

Jasmine Records has assembled selections from Lester Young's formative and defining years on the Kansas City jazz scene in this 20-track edition. This is where Pres got his nickname, and where the young, brash Charlie Parker tried to cut him on the stand and lost. Young was a member of the legendary Kansas City Seven between 1938 and 1945, and this disc offers a fine portrait of what a formidable band it was, with guitarist Freddie Green and Count Basie also in the ranks. The sound is more than acceptable, and showcases how Young, even when trying to be a good soldier, stood out from the pack on his horn -- check the solos in "After Theater Jump," "I Got Rhythm," and the killer original master of "Lester Leaps In."