“Lester Young Trio” – Lester Young

Album: Lester Young Trio

Artist: Lester Young

Year: 1951

Genre: Jazz

Grade: A-

Buddy Rich on drums, Nat King Cole on piano and the Prez himself, the legendary Lester Young, on tenor sax. Quite a trio, and quite an album too. The music of the Lester Young Trio (originally released as a four-song, 10″ LP on Mercury Records) is relaxing and inspired, every song a swinging showcase of each musician’s talents. Rich’s drumming is magnificently understated (“I Want To Be Happy“), Cole’s piano playing has perhaps never been better (“Back to the Land“) and Young delivers solo after memorable solo: every note he plays is masterful, and his light, airy, unhurried signature style has got to place him among the top two or three saxophonists to ever live. “I Cover the Waterfront” is quickly becoming one of my favorite early ’50s jazz ballads.

If only Lester Young Trio had better sound quality. Originally recorded in 1946 and produced by Norman Granz, these sessions suffer from inferior recording technology — even more apparent than other records of the era. It’s a shame, as this is some of the best Prez music that came out of his postwar period (he served in the Army in 1944 and was dishonorably discharged in 1945 after spending a year in a detention barracks for marijuana and alcohol possession).

Even with the hampered sound, Lester Young Trio is still a must-listen for any jazz fan. Young himself is reason enough, but the impressive interplay with Rich and Cole makes this into a landmark occasion. This album is recommended.

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Accolades

• Top 10 Albums of 1951 — #10