Jerome Kern's "Nobody Else But Me" is the last song Kern ever wrote, composed shortly before his death in 1945. Walter Smith III's version on his 2018 album Twio treats this historically significant standard at a medium-up tempo of approximately 209 beats per minute in the key of C, with an ABAC form spanning 36 bars. Smith opens with three substantial choruses on tenor saxophone, displaying the fluid, modern approach to jazz improvisation that has made him one of the most respected saxophonists of his generation. His playing combines a warm, slightly dark tone with sophisticated harmonic thinking and a rhythmic flexibility that allows him to float freely over the time. Drummer Eric Harland follows with a one-chorus solo that demonstrates why he is among the most sought-after drummers in contemporary jazz, bringing a combination of technical mastery and musical sensitivity to the extended form. The duo format of tenor saxophone and drums strips the music to its essentials, creating an intense musical conversation where every rhythmic and melodic gesture is amplified. Smith's choice to perform this tune as a duo highlights its beautiful melodic qualities while creating an unconventional performance context that brings fresh perspective to a relatively underperformed Kern composition.
