Laughin' to Keep from Cryin' stands as one of tenor saxophonist Lester Young's final studio recordings, captured just over a year before his death in 1959. Produced by Norman Granz, the session brings together three jazz giants — Young alongside trumpeters Roy Eldridge and Harry "Sweets" Edison — backed by a tight rhythm section featuring Hank Jones on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar, George Duvivier on bass, and Mickey Sheen on drums.
Though Young's tone had grown softer in his later years, his phrasing remains deeply expressive and fluid, favoring subtle nuance over brute force. The contrast between Eldridge's fiery drive and Edison's relaxed, bluesy restraint creates a compelling dynamic throughout the session, while highlights include a jam-style take on "Mean to Me" and a moving ballad medley in which each horn player steps into the spotlight in turn. It's a bittersweet and deeply human record that rewards careful listening.
- Format: Vinyl
- Release Date: 07/31/2026
- Remember, for our lowest prices, always order directly from Joco Records!
TRACKS
180. Gram vinyl for superior sound quality
🌍 Joco Planet Impact
With every order, we're offsetting shipping emissions. That's like: