If you're a fan of Lester Young, you'll like this CD. If you're a fan of Oscar Peterson, you'll like this CD. If you a fan of both Lester and Oscar and a fan of great jazz you have GOT to have this CD.
Lester Young is at his smoothest on this 1952 recording. He seems to caress each note, playing with the patience that personifies great musicians. This is not pleasant background music. It is to be savored and enjoyed -- more so with each playing.
The Oscar Peterson Trio is the perfect compliment to Young. Peterson does not accompany Young so much as blend with him. Indeed they are a great combo and the one downer about this CD is the knowledge that Young and Peterson did not team up for more music.
Ray Brown on bass and J.C. Heard on drums are quite good and Barney Kessel has some inspired moments on guitar.