Tenor saxophonist Lester Young reshaped jazz improvisation in Count Basie's late-1930s band with a light, floating tone and behind-the-beat phrasing that stood in total contrast to the era's dominant, huskier saxophone style. His 1936 solo on "Lady Be Good" became a founding text for a generation of musicians, guitarists included, who wanted their instrument to phrase like a relaxed, singing voice instead of a churning engine.

the sound in question

1936

Lady Be GoodLester Young