Lester Young
Tenor Sax Solo on
Mean To Me

About

Lester Young's tenor saxophone solo opens the improvising on this 1955 recording of "Mean to Me" from the Pres & Sweets session. Young takes one chorus over the 32-bar AABA form in C at an uptempo 153 BPM, navigating Fred Ahlert's 1929 standard with the melodic economy and relaxed swing feel that defined his late-career playing. This session paired two former Count Basie Orchestra alumni—Young and trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison—in a small group setting backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio, and Young's opening solo sets a collegial, swinging tone. Edison and Peterson follow with two choruses apiece.

Lester Young was 45 to 46 years old at the time.