Lester Young
Tenor Sax Solo on
Ad Lib Blues

About

Lester Young's tenor saxophone solo is the fourth and final solo on "Ad Lib Blues," marking his return after ceding the floor to Oscar Peterson and Barney Kessel. This nine-chorus statement at approximately 215 BPM in C is the longest solo on the track, surpassing even his seven-chorus opening. The extended reprise demonstrates Young's remarkable stamina and creative depth, sustaining interest across nine choruses of blues through his endless capacity for melodic invention. The two-solo structure—bookending the performance with Young—frames the entire track as a showcase for the President of the tenor saxophone.

Lester Young was 42 to 43 years old at the time.