Lester Young

This portrait of the legendary saxophonist, known as 'the Prez', centres on a jazz opera inspired by his life. Interwoven with film of this ambitious work in rehearsal and performance are contributions from people who knew him - fellow Basieite Buddy Tate, master of 'macvouty', Slim Gaillard, the arranger and composer Gil Evans. Rare archive film of Lester Young reveals a shy, withdrawn man behind the musical giant.