Personnel:
Webster Young (tp), Freddie Washington (ts), Red Anderson (ts), John Chapman, Jodie Christian (p), John Mixon (b), Chauncey Williams (d)
Reference: FSRCD1158
Bar code: 8427328611589
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1932 and raised in Washington, D.C., cornet and trumpet player Webster Young developed his passion for jazz under the tutelage of Louis Armstrong and the inspiration of bebop pioneers such as Dizzy Gillespie. Nicknamed “Little Diz” for his early Gillespie-influenced style, Young honed his craft in Washington’s vibrant jazz scene before serving in the Army during the Korean War, where he played in a band with pianist Hampton Hawes.
In 1956, Young followed Miles Davis’ advice and moved to New York City, where he immersed himself in the modern jazz movement, collaborating with luminaries like Lester Young, Bud Powell, Jackie McLean, and John Coltrane. Davis profoundly shaped Young’s lyrical, introspective style, while Billie Holiday served as another key inspiration, infusing his playing with emotional depth and bluesy resilience.
Young’s 1957 album 'For Lady,' a tribute to Billie Holiday, showcases his soft, heartfelt cornet tone and his ability to convey both melancholy and defiance. That same year, he appeared on Jackie McLean’s groundbreaking albums and contributed to Prestige Records’ 'Interplay for Two Trumpets and Two Tenors' with Coltrane, cementing his reputation as a distinctive voice in modern jazz.
After returning to Washington, D.C., in 1959, Young pursued new opportunities, including an extended stay in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1961. During his tenure at the Little Nero Lounge, a live recording session organized by jazz enthusiast Frank Sousan captured Young leading a quintet featuring some of the area’s finest musicians. The session highlights Young’s evolving style, deeply influenced by Miles Davis, and remains a cherished testament to his artistry.
This release celebrates the artistry of Webster Young, a quiet legend of jazz whose understated brilliance and soulful expression continue to resonate. Despite his sparse recordings, his unique voice left an indelible mark on jazz history, embodying the depth and grace of a musician whose talent deserves greater recognition.
—Jordi Pujol
"Trumpeter Young rates an entry in Leonard Feather's first The Encyclopaedia of Jazz but not in subsequent editions. He's not in The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz either.
Born in South Carolina in 1932, Washington became Webster's base later and it's where he began to play. By 1956 he was in New York and recorded a clutch of decent albums for Prestige in 1957 with Jackie McLean and Paul Quinichette among others.
By the time of this recording he was in St Louis. This is the point at which the assiduous Jordi Pujol has re-entered Young's story with this live session fronted by him at the Little Nero Lounge. Clearly a pretty restless type. Webster then played in California and became an educator. He died in 2003. So, a hard man to pin down but on this evidence, a player worth our attention. Essentially, a full on bopper, his quick articulation and slight frailty of tone suggest an amalgam of early Miles Davis and Fats Navarro He plays long, often intricate lines but without any overt grand-standing, the s band busy behind him, drummer Williams dropping bombs with pianist Chapman comping and soloing capably.
The sound balance gives little idea of what bassist Mixon is up to while Washington is clearly consumed by Coltranes style and goes on too long, although Anderson who sits in later on 'When Lights Are Low' is more straight-ahead.
The 12-minute 'Hast Louis Shoot Out' goes at pace, Young thoughtful and Williams prolix. Much the same applies for 'Stablemates' while ’Whispering’ is quieter. Young's improvisation pleasingly set up and completed. Pianist Christian replaces Chapman to advantage on 'When I Fall in Love'. An interesting reminder of an overlooked talent."
—Peter Vacher (July, 2025)
https://www.jazzwise.co.uk/
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"If you’re a hard bop fan in terms of music by Horace Silver or Art Blakey, you’re going to discover a friend in the obscure trumpeter Webster Young (1932-1971). He played with the likes of Coltrane, Gordon, McLean and even Ike & Tina Turner before turning into the world of jazz education. This album of his working quartet with Freddie Washington/ts, John Chapman/p, John Mixon/b and Chauncey Williams/dr from a 1961 gig is a three unit course in vintage hard bop.
Young had a sweet and mellow tone a la Kenny Dorham and Blue Mitchell, and he cruises with the beefy Washington on a sleek read of “Stablemates” and belts it out on a sizzling read of “Whispering”. Young’s got some great ideas when he stretches out on “East St. Louis Shoot Out” and hits hard around Chapman’s piano on “Ray’s Idea”. Tenor saxist Red Anderson joins in for a full fledged “When Lights Are Low” and Young closes out the album on an aria of “When I Fall In Love”. Put this guy on your “to do” list."
—George W. Harris (March 10, 2025)
https://www.jazzweekly.com/
