"Red Boy Blues" is a Lester Young original performed on the 1955 Pres & Sweets session, a straightforward 12-bar blues in F that allows the three principal soloists to demonstrate their mastery of jazz's most fundamental form. Edison leads off with three choruses of trumpet at a comfortable 120 BPM, his sparse, witty approach to the blues reflecting lessons learned during decades in the Basie band, where economy of statement was a cardinal virtue. Peterson follows with two choruses of blues piano that blend bebop sophistication with a deep understanding of the idiom's earthier roots. Young closes the solo section with two choruses of tenor saxophone, his relaxed delivery and oblique melodic choices revealing the cool sensibility that would profoundly influence an entire generation of West Coast jazz musicians. The tune's simplicity is deceptive, as the blues form demands that each soloist find something personal to say within the most well-worn structure in jazz. The rhythm section of Peterson, guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Buddy Rich provides supple, swinging support throughout.
