Noel Jewkes - Chasin' The Pres: Tribute To Lester Young (2013)

Noel Jewkes, tenor saxophone ; Benny Green, piano ; Josh Workman, guitar ; Marcus Shelby, bass ; Harold Jones, drums.

"Tribute to Lester Young"A tribute to Lester Young is the natural catalyst for this wonderful CD from the brilliant, masterful saxophonist Noel Jewkes. A legend among legends, Lester Young was one of the greatest figures in the history of jazz whose power and spirit transcended the tenor saxophone idiom, affecting the entire sound of jazz. Despite Young's pervasive effect, there has been a shortage of special tributes honoring his contributions to the birth of modern jazz.

Jewkes is an original musician, a premier tenor saxophonist, and an alto, soprano, clarinet and flute player, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. This recording, leading a band of top-ranked jazz musicians, has been long overdue and is both a tribute to Lester Young and a jazz celebration of Noel Jewkes.

The "Young Effect" prompted Young to be nicknamed "The President" or just "Pres." As this CD demonstrates, Jewkes' ability to subtly unfurl nuances of jazz harmony and improvisation qualifies him as a member of Young's "Presidential cabinet." The release of this CD fortifies Jewkes' solid reputation and will be welcomed by dedicated fellow musicians and enthusiastic fans alike.