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David Young's Quiet Strength

The 1940s and 50s Indianapolis jazz scene produced several musicians who would go on to careers of international note:

An unsung hero of that scene passed away in February 2009: tenor saxophonist David Young was 75 at the time of his death. Young was a jazz artist unknown to the general public, but he was much-loved and respected among members of the Indiana jazz community. He was also admired by a small circle of jazz aficionados around the globe for his contributions to pianist George Russell's albums of the early 1960s.

Affable yet reserved, and passionately dedicated to music, Young played with a quietly adventurous strength, and deliberately kept a low profile. The Night Lights show David Young: a Quiet Strength features:

  • the saxophonist's recordings with Russell and Baker
  • two sides from his sole album date as a leader
  • a live performance with the Mercer Ellington-led Ellington Orchestra of the late 1970s
  • and an unreleased nightclub recording of Young with Baker's late-1950s Indianapolis hardbop group
  • as well as Baker's remembrances of his friend and colleague.

External References

  • David Young's obituary in the Indianapolis Star
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