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- Artist: George Shearing
- Rating:
- Release Date: 1995 03 01-1995 03 03
- Total Time: 62:14
- Genre: Jazz
Review
Pianist George Shearing re-creates the instrumentation of the classic Nat King Cole trio on this 1995 session, but, rather than try to emulate the original performances, he wisely offers his own perspective on Cole's repertoire. Shearing, who collaborated with Cole on the successful 1961 date Nat King Cole Sings/George Shearing Plays, counts Cole as an early influence and inspiration. For these 14 pieces, he combines his own elegant touch, elements of Cole's style -- including a pianistic approach to Cole's singing style -- as well as some of pianist Teddy Wilson's boppish swing. The most distinctive piece is a highly impressionistic version of Cole's 1948 hit "Nature Boy," which Shearing performs unaccompanied. Cole's trio was propelled by the energy and drive of the guitar and bass. Oscar Moore's guitar, and later that of Irving Ashby and then John Collins, was key, both for rhythm and as a solo voice. All three guitarists had a vintage, amplified sound noted for its warmth and sustaining tone. Shearing's guitarist, Louis Stewart, relies more on the natural tone of the guitar itself. His rhythm work is not as dynamic as Moore's, but it fits well with Shearing's conception. Longtime Shearing bassist Neil Swainson provides a solid foundation for the group and has a balanced, well-recorded presence in the mix. The performances generally run a good bit longer than the originals, giving the trio room to stretch out on several tracks. Comparisons are inevitable, but, ultimately, Shearing's work here must stand on its own merits -- which it does in this fine, relaxed trio outing that takes a genteel, drawing-room approach to the Cole sound. ~ Jim Todd, All Music GuideTracks
| Track Title | Composers | Performers | Time |
| Straighten up and Fly Right | Irving Mills, Nat King Cole | George Shearing | (4:35) |
| I'm Lost | George Shearing | (3:58) | |
| Sweet Lorraine | Mitchell Parish, |
George Shearing | (4:35) |
| Nature Boy | Eden Ahbez | George Shearing | (3:55) |
| Homeward Bound | Leonard Feather | George Shearing | (5:20) |
| I'm Thru With Love | Gus Kahn, Fud Livingston, Matty Malneck | George Shearing | (3:53) |
| It's Only a Paper Moon | Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, Billy Rose | George Shearing | (5:12) |
| Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You | Don Redman, Andy Razaf | George Shearing | (4:57) |
| Lost April | Eddie DeLange, |
George Shearing | (5:00) |
| Peaches | Terry Gibbs | George Shearing | (6:17) |
| You've Changed | George Shearing | (3:52) | |
| I'd Love to Make Love to You | George Shearing | (3:12) | |
| Could Ja | George Shearing | (3:25) | |
| I Just Can't See for Lookin' | George Shearing | (4:03) |
