SOMEBODY LOVES ME by Lester Young, Nat King Cole and Buddy Rich

This is a rare session bringing together three jazz icons, Lester Young (tenor tax) Nat King Cole (piano) and Buddy Rich (drums) for the Gershwin classic, 'Somebody Loves Me'. It was recorded in Los Angeles in December 1945.

I love Lester Young's playing, particularly on this song. His tone is so mellow, and his lines are straightforward but sophisticated, without being 'busy' like some sax players. Nat King Cole is his usual brilliant self on piano, perfect accompaniment for Lester, often with left hand bass lines being played (there is no bass player on this session). This was before he became famous as a singer. Finally, one of the best drummers of all time, Buddy Rich, although to my ears, his playing could have been brought forward a bit more in the mix.

There is no video of this session. So I have put together a slideshow to try and simulate what it must have been like to hear them play together.

Comments and ratings are invited.