Lester Young | Laughin' to Keep from Cryin'

One of tenor-saxophonist Lester Young's final studio sessions (he died a year later), this date apparently had a lot of difficulties but the recorded results are excellent. 

Prez was joined by two great swing trumpeters (Roy Eldridge and Harry "Sweets" Edison) and a fine rhythm section for two standards, two originals and the ballad "Gypsy in My Soul." Young takes rare clarinet solos on two of the selections with his emotional statement on "They Can't Take That Away from Me" being one of the highpoints of his career.

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow






1 Salute to Benny 

2 They Can't Take That Away From Me 

3 Romping 

4 Gypsy in My Soul

5 Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone

6 Ballad Medley: The Very Thought of You / I Want a Little Girl / Blue & Sentimental



Lester Young - Clarinet, , Sax 

George Duvivier - Bass

Harry "Sweets" Edison - Trumpet

Roy Eldridge - Trumpet

Herb Ellis - Guitar

Hank Jones - Piano

Mickey Sheen - Drums