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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
It would be difficult to think of a more perfectly matched pair than this. Shearing and Cole had so much in common--both were brilliant pianists, both had combined good jazz with popular success. They were even born in the same year. Nat Cole's velvet voice sounds even better with the rhythmic spice of Shearing's quintet, plus strings and percussion. The numbers on this 1961 album are all superb examples of classic American song, by such composers as Ellington, Kern and Matt Dennis, and each one is given a fresh and original treatment by arranger Ralph Carmichael. One of the tracks, "Let There Be Love", went on to become a hit single. The overall impression is of emotional warmth beneath a cool and elegant surface. Not surprisingly, Shearing still cherishes this album as one of his favourites in a long career. All that plus three bonus tracks. Unmissable. --Dave Gelly
Product Description
1-September Song 2-Pick Yourself Up 3-I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 4-Let There Be Love 5-Azure-Te 6-Lost April 7-A Beautiful Friendship 8-Fly Me To The Moon 9-Serenata 10-I'm Lost 11-There's A Lull In My Life 12-Don't Go 13-Everything Happens To Me 14-The Game Of Love 15-Guess I'll Go Back Home
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Though Cole and Shearing came from totally different backgrounds, their approach to music was similar, and in this remastered CD of the original 1961 album, the two find the perfect blend of sound and mood, allowing each to be himself while complementing the other. Cole is a crooner here, singing mellow, usually romantic ballads, and often sliding down the scale to his lower notes. Shearing plays quiet, inventive, and "tinkly" accompaniments in the background, without ever stepping on Cole's notes. Both are gentlemen of the old school who maintain a professionalism and formality which shows clear respect for the audience and for each other, while at the same time conveying a sense of controlled passion and warmth for the music.
Varying the sound from the easy swing beat of "Pick Yourself Up," in which Cole offers gentle advice, rather than an assertive recommendation, to the Latin beat of "Serenata" and "The Game of Love," the very slow ballads of "Lost April" and "I Got It Bad," and the less familiar songs of "There's a Lull in My Life" and "Don't Go," Cole uses phrasings which make overly familiar lyrics suddenly come alive. Shearing, keeping his piano accompaniments relatively simple, adds to the moods Cole creates, while Ralph Carmichael, with the String Choir, fills in the arrangements.
Three songs stand out: "Let There Be Love" begins with a bluesy piano intro and light percussion, until Cole and Shearing guide the song into somewhat louder and jazzier realms near the end. "Fly Me to the Moon" is sung much more slowly than usual, sounding more intimate and private as a result, as if Cole is singing directly to the audience in phrasings that sound conversational. "The Game of Love," with its syncopated Latin beat has a great piano solo by Shearing, flute-y piccolo sounds, and a more integrated accompaniment with the strings. Cole's phrasing is reminiscent of Belafonte here.
For listeners more accustomed to the minimalist percussion and piano accompaniments of modern jazz and ballad soloists, the inclusion of the heavy strings of the String Choir may sound a bit dated and a bit intrusive, an overly romantic (Nelson Riddle-like) element commonly included on recordings at that time. Cole and Shearing adapt to the strings beautifully, leaving room for them while keeping their own styles simple. With beautiful songs rendered even more beautiful by the partnership of Cole and Shearing, this is an album for the ages. Mary Whipple
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
There is no doubt about it, this one is an absolute gem.
Here we have a pianist-turned-vocalist who simply rejoices in what his piano sideman is doing. Nat later described George's "double-doogies" (whatever they are) as something magical and there is no doubt that Shearing was equally inspired by his illustrious lead's vocalising.
Their "Let There Be Love" is a perfection, an evergreen, an immortal and that one track alone is worth the price of the entire album.
George Shearing did it again when he accompanied Peggy Lee on their "Beauty and the Beat" album.
Here we have a pianist-turned-vocalist who simply rejoices in what his piano sideman is doing. Nat later described George's "double-doogies" (whatever they are) as something magical and there is no doubt that Shearing was equally inspired by his illustrious lead's vocalising.
Their "Let There Be Love" is a perfection, an evergreen, an immortal and that one track alone is worth the price of the entire album.
George Shearing did it again when he accompanied Peggy Lee on their "Beauty and the Beat" album.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Nearly 40 years ago I bought the LP on which this CD is based. It started a musical love affair with both these fine artists. The bonus is that there are 3 extra tracks on the CD which weren't on the original LP. Hearing this CD again is like being reunited with an old friend.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Nat King Cole & George Shearing
Nat King Cole and George Shearing are at their very best on this classic 1962 top ten chart album. A personal favourite is their chart hit "Let There Be Love" but all fifteen... Read more
Published 6 months ago by W. Baker
Easy Listening Music
This has always been a classic recording for those who enjoy easy listening. I could listen to it over and over again and eulogise over dear old George's fantastic virtuosity on... Read more
Published 6 months ago by MrGee
a brilliant cd
A lovely cd showing the talent of Nat King Cole and George Shearing. Playing it over and over.Well worth the money
Published 9 months ago by Mr. David R. White
Shearing memories
It's good to hear an older recording. This was a gift for a Shearing fan and so far I've had no word as to what he thought, other than, thanks, it's great.
Published 14 months ago by Jean Ash
Nat Cole sings and George Shearing plays
Two stars (and more) for the price of one!! Here we have the Shearing Quintet (with Emil Richards on vibes, Al Hendrickson on guitar, Al McKibbon on bass and Shelly Manne on drums)... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Dr. H. A. Jones
Nat and George perfect!
Wonderful relaxing combination of both artists at their best, I cant stop playing it in the evenings, real unwinding music! Highly recommend!
Published on 4 Jan 2010 by Sally Smith
Beautiful
George Shearing with piano, and Nat King Cole by singing make this a beautiful cd. I specially like "fly me to the moon". Definetely I'd recommended this cd.
Published on 3 Mar 2009
One for the Hall of Fame
The combination of the great man Nat, & the man from England, ( His protege ) was a work of genious. The master (now a vocalist) and pupil as accompanying pianist. Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2008 by E. B. Rawlinson
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