Lester Young Trio - Tea For Two I Cant Get Started

elreydelmundo1

Review by Elrey Delmundo

A Cozy Dive into "Tea For Two / I Can't Get Started" by Lester Young Trio Man, if you’re lookin’ for something smooth to sink into, this little gem from 1942 is where it’s at. The Lester Young Trio—yeah, that’s Lester on tenor sax, King Cole ticklin’ the ivories, and Red Callender holdin’ down the bass—crafted a record that feels like sittin’ in your favorite armchair with a cup of coffee. It’s jazz, but not the kind that tries too hard; it’s easy listening, just vibes all the way through. Let me tell ya about “Tea For Two.” This track hits different, man. You know those songs that feel like they’ve always existed? Like someone plucked ‘em straight outta thin air because they’re so perfect? That’s what happens here. King Cole’s piano work is buttery soft, gliding along without ever overstayin’ its welcome. And then there’s Lester—he doesn’t need to shout or show off. His saxophone just whispers sweet nothings into your ears, makin’ you wanna close your eyes and drift away. Every note feels intentional, like he’s talkin’ directly to you. There’s no rush, no clutter—just pure soul laid bare. Now, flip over to “I Can’t Get Started,” and wow, does this one tug at ya. The song starts subtle, almost shy, but as it builds, you can hear how much heart these guys put into it. Red Callender’s basslines are steady, keepin’ everything grounded while Cole adds delicate flourishes on piano. But again, it’s Lester who steals the show. His playing isn’t flashy—it’s intimate, like he’s lettin’ you in on some secret only he knows. By the end, you’re left wonderin’, how’d they pack so much emotion into two minutes? What makes this album stick with me ain’t just the music itself—it’s the vibe. These cats weren’t tryin’ to reinvent the wheel; they were just makin’ art that felt good. And honestly, don’t we need more of that right now? In a world full of noise, this record reminds you to breathe. To slow down. To appreciate simplicity. Oh, and here’s a kicker: Did you catch that Norman Granz supervised this session? Dude had an ear for greatness, didn’t he? Funny how decades later, we’re still talkin’ about three musicians hangin’ out in a studio, makin’ magic sound effortless. Guess some things never go outta style.

Download Lester Young Trio - Tea For Two I Cant Get Started
Artist: Lester Young Trio
Album: Tea For Two I Cant Get Started
Rating: 5.0

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: lester-young-trio-tea-for-two-i-cant-get-started.zip
  • MP3 size: 12.2 mb
  • FLAC size: 79 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Tea For Two
I Can't Get Started

Video

Lester Young - Tea For Two (1942)
Lester Young - I can't get started

Images

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Catalog Numbers

  • P1001
  • A1001

Labels

  • Philo Recordings
  • Aladdin

Listen online

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  • écouter en ligne
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • lytte på nettet
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  • ouvir online
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Formats

  • Shellac
  • 12"
  • 78 RPM
  • Reissue

Credits

RoleCredit
BassRed Callender
PianoKing Cole
Supervised ByNorman Granz
Tenor SaxophoneLester Young

Notes

  • Instrumental
  • (Recorded July 1942)
  • Aladdin Recordings on labels

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A): P1001A
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B): P1001B
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A runout): P-1001-A B-1540
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B runout): P1001B

About Lester Young Trio

US jazz trio, mainly recorded materials in 1942/43 or 1944, supervised by . Do not confuse with (performing in mid 40s), which may have the same name on some releases: "Lester Young Trio

Name Vars

  • Giants 3
  • The Lester Young Trio

Members

  • Buddy Rich
  • Nat King Cole
  • Lester Young
  • Red Callender

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Tea For Two / I Can't Get Started* by the Lester Young Trio is a hidden gem from 1942. It features none other than Nat King Cole on piano! Backed by Red Callender on bass and led by the legendary Lester Young on tenor saxophone, this jazz masterpiece blends smooth, easy-listening vibes with timeless tracks. Norman Granz, a key figure in jazz history, supervised the session. Fun fact: This album was released under two labels, Philo Recordings and Aladdin, making it a unique piece of US jazz history.

Comments

theinsidercadaval
2025-03-16
There are lots of pianists who sound very similar. Only the truly great ones have their own unmistakable styles. Nobody can take Nat King Cole for somebody else. He got sounds and phrases out of the piano which nobody else ever had.
crevita
2025-03-16
This time of the year and all the time I wish you were here Grandpa Red. ❤️ I’ve learned so much from your spirit. Here’s some new music from your grandson Michael Callender. The Legacy is alive. The song is “Man in the Mirror” let’s make a change. https://youtu.be/3wbG9T6qluc
michael2806
2025-03-16
Pres lived across Broadway from Birdland in 1959, I never had the chance to meet him or see him perform. His Music lives on and it is in honor of his Artistry. Rest Easy Mr. President!
puuantenna
2025-03-16
Thanks Murakami
love it
koyelpandit86
2025-03-16
chords?
brkjz
2025-03-16
Juste avant de partir faire son service militaire, Lester Young n’était pas encore recouvert
de bleus des pieds à la tête.
skaa06
2025-03-15
something about jazz just keeps me so at peace. My own personal high
rahulpandeynagra
2025-03-15
this is so beautiful but it makes me sad to listen to
deepaksaer
2025-03-15
Murakami brought me here and I could not be happier about this
sophieebiscuit
2025-03-15
Been lovin this song done by Lester for most my life.
mwolff6
2025-03-15
Does anybody know where I can get the notes of this awesome piece?
mydriveholiday
2025-03-14
I agree 100%
11az8
2025-03-13
timeless jazz,so beautiful!
Probably just a single.
shatteredcastle
2025-03-12
Not many albums in 1942 - mostly singles.
lucycustodio
2025-03-11
really god song for my sad soul
miket485ea6886d
2025-03-10
what album is is this?
kelsiecollins2017
2025-03-09
Nat is not only King of singers, King of players, King of small bands - but also King of accompanists! Interesting comparison to (also great) Teddy Wilson accompanying Lester.
motivationwriter
2025-03-09
fantastic song find, helluvagun Nat K. sounds like Andre Previn did 20 years later, except yields a tad to hot style on the beat emphasis popular of the day, Pres always leaned toward this, but his advanced lyricism led to the cool and complex meanderings that became part of the 'cool" school" of jazz
arshvig
2025-03-09
very nice, thank you