Happy Prez Day!

Our nation's greatest presidents were terrific improvisers. But on this President's Day, JazzWax salutes tenor saxophonist Lester Young, whom Billie Holiday named "the Prez" for his take-charge, cool playing style.

In honor of the Prez, here's one of the finest jazz shorts ever made: Jammin' the Blues (1944), directed by Gjon Mili. Anytime someone tells you they don't quite get jazz, send them the link to this one.

Written by Marc Myers, copyright © by JazzWax (Marc Myers LLC www.jazzwax.com)