George Shearing & The Montgomery Bros.

1. Love Walked In

2. Love Walked In [Take 1][*]

3. Love for Sale

4. No Hard Feelings

5. Enchanted - The Montgomery Brothers, George Shearing

6. Stranger in Paradise - The Montgomery Brothers, George Shearing

7. Lamp Is Low

8. Double Deal

9. And Then I Wrote

10. Darn That Dream

11. Darn That Dream [Take 1][*]

12. Lois Ann

13. Mambo in Chimes

14. Mambo in Chimes [Take 1][*]

George Shearing & The Montgomery Bros.,George Shearing,Ojc,Bop,Cool,Jazz,Pop

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: Not up to their usual standards - it drags....... It limps badly Two Reviews; Pick One super mellow extravaganza Harry Warren Uplifted

Hopeless Romantics Michael Feinstein , and George Shearing Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Romance on Film/Romance on Broadway By Myself: The Songs of Judy Garland Tribute Isn't It Romantic Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook ASIN: B000AA4MEU Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. I Had The Craziest Dream
2. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
3. This Heart Of Mine
4. At Last
5. I'll String Along With You
6. You're My Everything
7. The More I See You
8. Serenade In Blue
9. I Know Why (And So Do You)
10. September In The Rain
11. Shadow Waltz
12. There Will Never Be Another You
13. I Only Have Eyes For You
14. You'll Never Know
15. You're My Everything (Alternate Version)

Amazon.com

These sixteen performances are a perfect pairing of vocalist and pianist. Both Michael Feinstein and George Shearing work well in such a spare setting and they've wisely chosen to focus exclusively on ballads. These two consummate musicians, a generation apart, are united by the timelessness of the traditions they both draw from. For this project they turned to the songs of an under celebrated American composer, Harry Warren. While many of his songs are well known standards, his name is less recognized than such contemporaries of his as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern. This elegant set brings to mind a classic collaboration from three decades earlier by Bill Evans and Tony Bennett. Recorded with warm clarity, the CD moves with subtle momentum, as the passion in the performances ebbs and flows across the luxurious songs. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Not up to their usual standards - it drags..............2006-11-15

As a huge long time fan of both Shearing and Feinstein and collecting both, I was disappointed in this pairing. Mostly it's Feinstein too soft, too slow and no changes in vocal coloring - everything sounds the same - lacking any energy. If you want a CD totally mellow and perhaps sleep inducing, this is the one for you. I expect more from Feinstein. Shearing is perfect, as always! Frankly, Feinstein has lost out in my collection to Michael Ball who really can sing anything perfectly!

It limps badly.......2006-08-02

Shearing, a pianist of great sophistication, pokes along on this recording to accomodate Feinstein's overall lame - and occasionally expiring - delivery of the lyrics. If this were Shearing and a quartet, without Feinstein, the results would have been Shearing's usual delicious product, I'm sure. Why is a great talent like Shearing yoked to a mediocre lightweight?

Two Reviews; Pick One.......2006-07-21

This is an album of 15 songs written by the late, great Harry Warren (recall the play/review "42nd Street"), sung by the great Michael Feinstein and accompanied by the great George Shearing. Every song is sung as a ballad, and nothing is played or sung louder than mezzo piano.

What to say about it? I see a strong case for a four-star review, and I see a strong case for a five-star review.

Four stars: While there is much to admire in the musicality of these two great musicians, they sound here as though they are competing for the prize of who can pull back the most. Except for slight flourishes on "I Know Why (And So Do You)" and "Shadow Waltz", the normally ebullient Shearing (recall his "New York New York" and "Lullaby of Birdland" with Torme, for example) is barely recognizable. Songs that normally have drama to them, such as "At Last" and "I Only Have Eyes for You", have been stripped of that here. As a result, these pieces almost sound like pieces from a museum. The curators, Feinstein and Shearing, have preserved pieces to be admired; but I personally like living things.

Five stars: Do any of you have any idea how difficult it is to sing a piece softly, without losing tonality, without losing focus, and making your lowest note sound as clear as your uppermost? Can any of you appreciate a singer who can train his voice such as to make his falsetto sound like his chest voice in timbre? Feinstein does that here--15 times. Every note is burnished with beauty. And I do mean every note. When I think of great 5-star albums, such as John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, Sinatra's "Sings for Only the Lonely" or last year's "One to Every Heart" by Mark Murphy, I ask: "Why not 5 stars?" Indeed, why ever not? The distinctions between the 4, in terms of beautiful end product (albeit different styles) are insignificant.

My verdict: Given that I have had nothing but this c.d. in my player for the past 7 days, I have to give it 5. I just don't have that happen with 4-star c.d.'s. Besides, this is a perfect album to sing along with in the car, while driving to choir practice. Try to match up with Mr. Feinstein for 15 minutes, and by the time you get to rehearsal, you're good to go. RC

super mellow extravaganza.......2006-03-28

I had tears in my eyes when I first heard this album. I get emotional over music I really like, and this album got to me.So many great standards so well delivered by the duo. They deliberately chose slower ballads for this album so don't look for uptempo,snappy songs in this one.Not that Harry Warren could not write faster stuff like Jeepers Creepers,Shuffling Off to Buffalo etc. This album is to sing along with softly or hum.I kept thinking of Bogart in the rain in Casablanca and other lovers in W.WII.I know the main tune in that movie was not by Harry Warren;it simply reminded me of great love tunes from that era by Julie Styne[Time After Time] and the grossly underrated Harry Warren.Grab someone you love, some good wine and savor one of the great popular composers and a great duo.They should do more Harry Warren albums,Michael and George.I thank them profusely.

Harry Warren Uplifted.......2006-02-22

While I am not a great duo fan, and recommend MF get back to those lushly orchestrated back-ups, these tunes are uplifted as good as I have ever heard them.
My only gripe is that sometimes, MF gets a little too slow for my tastes. He can be like a Shirley Horn of a different gender, so I found this album drags too much. It's like listening to a doctoral dissertation of Buxtehude.
Finally, I am an old Shearing Quintet lover, and boy would that have made this a gem. Shearing has not won me over as a paino player like say Brubeck or Evans, but with the quintet setting he is an icon nonetheless.

Average customer rating: Charming and Versatile

Latin Lace/Latin Affair George Shearing Manufacturer: EMI Gold Imports ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Here & Now!/New Look! Burnished Brass/Satin Brass The Best of George Shearing, Vol. 2 (1960-169) Black & White Satin The Best of George Shearing (1955-1960) ASIN: B0000088DU Release Date: 1998-04-06

Tracks:

1. The Story Of Love
2. Serenata
3. Tu, Mi Delirio
4. Cali Mambo
5. Rondo
6. To The Ends Of The Earth
7. The Moon Was Yellow
8. Wonder Struck
9. Sand In My Shoes
10. Mambo Caribe
11. It's Not For Me To Say
12. Mambo No. 2
13. All Or Nothing At All
14. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
15. Afro No. IV
16. Magic
17. It's Easy To Remember
18. Estampa Cubana
19. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
20. Mambo Balahu
21. Dearly Beloved
22. Juana Palangana
23. This Is Africa
24. Anywhere

Album Details

Arguably his Most Commercial and Popular Recordings Were Forays Into the Land of Latin. These Albums Are Superb Illustrations of Romantic Easy Swing Music. This Music is Guaranteed to Stir the Feet and Emotions.

Customer Reviews:

Charming and Versatile.......2000-06-11

Those of us familiar with George Shearing's work for Capitol from the 50s and 60s and who have been searching for those albums on CD have cause to rejoice with the release of this two-album CD.

Shearing was not a virtuoso of the Art Tatum class, but his music is elegant, sophisticated and instantly recognizable. I doubt if many listeners nowadays would dance to the tunes found on LATIN LACE or LATIN AFFAIR, but one could easily do so since percussion and rhythm figure so prominently. The arrangements are clever, the tempi varied, and the performances virtually flawless, so the music can be listened to for itself. On the other hand, it can also serve as great background music for cocktail parties and/or dinners.

LATIN LACE is composed mostly of what I take to be authentic Spanish/Latin American tunes. LATIN AFFAIR, however, casts Norteamericano standards in a Latin mold. If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, I recommend the BLACK SATIN/WHITE SATIN CD, another Shearing twofer.

Average customer rating:

How Beautiful Is Night George Shearing , and Robert Farnon Orchestra Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lullabies of Birdland: A Musical Autobiography Deep Velvet/Old Gold and Ivory Here & Now!/New Look! Burnished Brass/Satin Brass Latin Lace/Latin Affair ASIN: B000003D3O Release Date: 1993-04-27

Tracks:

1. Dancing In The Dark
2. Heather On The Hill
3. Oh, Lady Be Good!
4. More Than You Know
5. Our Waltz
6. How Beautiful Is Night
7. Once Upon A Time
8. Days Gone By
9. Put On A Happy Face
10. Hauted Ballroom
11. Just Imagine
12. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top

Average customer rating: George Shearing could sell a tune without even trying--and that's no small feat !!! Easy to like with a good blend of Easy and some Latin tempos George Shearing and strings: a sound like no other George Shearing's Black and White Satin Easy listening, rather than jazz in these old LP's...

Black & White Satin George Shearing Manufacturer: Razor & Tie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Latin Lace/Latin Affair The Best of George Shearing (1955-1960) Here & Now!/New Look! The Shearing Spell/Velvet Carpet The Best of George Shearing, Vol. 2 (1960-169) ASIN: B000009D3R Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

1. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
2. If I Should Lose You
3. Starlight Souvenirs
4. What Is There To Say
5. Black Satin
6. You Don't Know What Love You
7. Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You
8. One More In May
9. Moon Song
10. Medley: As Long As I Live/Let's Live Again
11. Your Name Is Love
12. Dream
13. Laura
14. There's A Small Hotel
15. Old Folks
16. Blue Malibou
17. How Long Has This Been Going On
18. Love's Medley
19. An Affair To Remember
20. There'll Be Another Spring
21. Moonlight Becomes You
22. I'll Take Romance

Customer Reviews:

George Shearing could sell a tune without even trying--and that's no small feat !!!.......2007-06-28

George Shearing entertained countless people in the twentieth century with his excellent piano playing; his blindness never discouraged him. Not only is he a hero for enriching our lives with his fine work; his artistry provides an excellent example for younger emerging artists to study so that they can better themselves.

The CD is a "two-fer" CD; this means that we get all the tracks from two of George Shearing's record albums: Black Satin and White Satin. Awesome!

The CD track set begins with the ten tracks from Black Satin. "The Folks Who Live On The Hill" gives us a perfect beginning to the CD. The lush musical arrangement sounds so smooth; this is easy music at its very best with an emphasis on George's piano playing. The arrangement makes good use of the strings and percussion to evoke a pensive yet soothing mood for "The Folks Who Live On The Hill."

"If I Should Lose You" continues in the same vein only now we hear a Latin beat added to the overall arrangement. The piano gets more of the spotlight, too. Grab your sweetheart, jump up and start dancing--this is the perfect music to dance to! "Black Satin" oozes sophistication with yet another classic ballad being molded to fit within the Latin rhythms of the day. Excellent! The strings enhance the quality of "Black Satin," too. "Nothing Ever Changes My Love" uses many of the same techniques employed by the song "Black Satin." Roll up the rug and start dancing, folks! That Latin beat with its trademark percussion from the late 1950s and the early 1960s always moves me. These arrangements by Billy May and George Shearing shine like gold.

"Moon Song" begins with a dramatic flourish by the strings; and George Shearing comes in with a beautiful piano arrangement for "Moon Song." "Moon Song" is remarkably romantic, pensive and sensitive all at once. George's flawless piano playing during the middle of this number showcases his talent. What a lush arrangement overall, too. The CD track set for the record album entitled Black Satin ends with the upbeat, bouncy and somewhat spicy medley of "As Long As I Live/Let's Live Again." What a joyous tune for the ending of this set! The strings complement George Shearing's piano playing to perfection; and I like how they use the drums.

We then get all the numbers from another George Shearing album entitled White Satin. White Satin literally bursts at the seams with romantic numbers; and the beginning track entitled "Your Name Is Love" sets this tone right away. The flutes are well used in this arrangement as Billy May conducts the number. "Dream," a well known classic love ballad, gets the royal treatment by Shearing, May and the rest of the crew. They perform "Dream" with passion and style. George's piano playing is nicely showcased in "Dream," too. Great! The ballad "Laura" comes from the movie of the same name; and you won't need any lyrics to this number to experience the thoughtful and somewhat melancholy mood of this number. George's piano runs parallel to the percussion; this creates a lush, romantic effect that makes "Laura" an instant highlight of this album.

"How Long Has This Been Going On" starts with a great horn introduction; and when the band and George on piano come in the full romantic effect of this instrumental ballad really shines. This is easy listening music that even royalty couldn't resist! They also slow down the usual tempo just a bit to embellish this great number. "Love's Melody" relies on the strings and the piano to carry the bulk of the melody; and this works well.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. "I'll Take Romance" ends the CD--and the second record album entitled White Satin--with a distinctly upbeat tone that leaves you wanting more. The infectiously catchy melody makes good use of the piano as the strings and percussion enhance the number. "I'll Take Romance" works on several levels at once; and therefore this number makes for a strong ending to this CD.

The liner notes give you the song credits and chart debut dates for the record albums Black Satin and White Satin. I would have liked an essay but this is a minor disappointment.

George Shearing's remarkable talent glistens on every single track on this fine CD; and he will remain a force in the entertainment world for quite some while to come. I recommend this CD for fans of George Shearing; and people who enjoy easy listening with an occasional Latin beat thrown in will always enjoy this CD.

Thank you, George!

Easy to like with a good blend of Easy and some Latin tempos.......2006-11-26

Over an hour of solid Shearing with the first 10 Numbers emphasizing the Quintet, and the next 12 (White Satin) giving more emphasis to the whole Orchestra. One great song is #15 entitled "Old Folks". For such a wonderful musical number, I wonder what the Lyrics might be? 5 duplicates from other Albums, but all good ones, and all told 4 Latin tempos. A very good mix of two Shearing stylings is a real winner.

George Shearing and strings: a sound like no other.......2006-04-02

Having received a faux-antique record player as a Christmas present, and eager to try out my new toy, I purchased both "Black Satin" and "White Satin" as LPs from a used book store. The lush orchestral arrangements, coupled with the distinctive Shearing piano-vibraphone melody, took my breath away. The opening song, "The Folks Who Live On The Hill", best represents this combination, offering the listener a beautiful partnership of Shearing's interpretation and the background of strings that support ably the haunting mood of the song. "Black Satin", a Latin-based melody with plenty of swing, leaves the listener wanting more. Another song with a Latin theme is "Blue Malibu". The percussion, combined with the harmonic patterns from Shearing's piano, take you to a sunny beach overlooking blue waters and white sands. From sexy to introspective, the songs of this compilation will lift your spirits. Truly timeless music!

George Shearing's Black and White Satin.......2004-10-07

This set of productions by George Shearing was put together for their similar sounds and if you listen to these 22 songs and try to figure out which songs belong to what production, it would be a pretty hard task. The combination of Shearing's beautiful piano and the strings behind the music make this a pleasant and relaxing CD to listen to. Compared to other Shearing productions, these two collections give the listener a more sensitive and mellow sound which makes it perfect for a late rainy night.
A song that stands out from this collection is the melodious "Moon Song." This track, although just over two minutes, has so much music that it will make you listen to it over and over again. The most interesting part of this song is the dramatic ending which goes back to the intro of the song but this time more mysterious and haunting. Another song that will draw your attention is the popular standard "Laura." From all the versions that I have heard this is by far the best of them. Similar to "Moon Song," the ending of "Laura" comes back to the main melody but takes an unexpected turn to give it a happy ending. The sounds of this track give me the impression that if there is a "Laura", she is a lovely woman.
Although there are no lyrics in these productions, I think these sounds give the listener one thousand things to talk about, like it did for me.
I enjoy listening to George Shearing because his music is very rich in melody and his solos represent him as a great pianist. Whether he plays with his quartet or with an orchestra in the background, Shearing shows that he is versatile at different sounds.
Other artists that I listen to along with Shearing are Bill Evans, and Eliana Elias to name a few. From other Shearing albums that I own, I would definitely recommend his Christmas production: "Christmas with the George Shearing Quintet."

Easy listening, rather than jazz in these old LP's..........2003-07-06

Beautiful music, but best for background sounds, is my take on these two Capitol LP's. Razor & Tie put them together on CD in 1998, but "Black Satin" was a 1957 release, and "White Satin" came along in 1960. Both have orchestra backing, which diminishes the jazz feel for Shearing's always superb piano work. While the booklet credits "The George Shearing Quintet & Orchestra" for "Black", no players are named. Since Billy May did the arrangements, however, one might assume he also provided the other musicians. On the "White" album, three years later, May is credited with "conducting" the orchestra. Out of the 22 tracks, only two are written by George. The rest are a mixture of standards and now-obscure songs. I love Shearing, but I like him best with a quartet or quintet. His solo albums and his orchestra-backed works tend to be pretty, but a bit dull. Still, there are moments on this disc which are compelling, including his rendition of the Gershwin's classic "How Long Has This Been Going On?" A naughty bonus, for its era: The original cover of "White Satin" is reproduced as the back cover insert in this reissue. It features a redheaded woman in an open-front white dress, semi-reclining in an inviting pose. Tame by the standards of rap music videos, but quite daring for 1960.

Average customer rating: Another Sheraing Guess George Shearing and Jean DuShon? Yes!

In the Night George Shearing Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Late, Late Show Softly/Round Midnight Dynamic! Ultimate Dakota Staton More Than the Most! ASIN: B000093U3W Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

1. From Rags To Richards
2. (I'm Left With The) Blues In My Heart
3. Pawn Ticket
4. In The Night
5. Easy
6. I Hear Music
7. Senor Blues
8. Confessin' The Blues
9. Later
10. The Thrill Is Gone
11. The Late, Late Show
12. I'd Love To Make Love To You

Customer Reviews:

Another Sheraing Guess.......2007-02-07

I bought the LP in the early 60's, it help start my music collection.
Now I have the LP and CD. I think it's a classic. Any music lover trying to get good music needs this in there collection. Dakota Staton has a beautiful style for jazz and George Shearing knows just how accompany other jazz artist making both sound super. Again This CD a is a must have.

George Shearing and Jean DuShon? Yes!.......2006-01-13

Glorious album! George Shearing is a genius at the piano and it was wise for agent, John Levy to put two of his clients, Shearing and Dakota Staton together for this effort. He also paired Nancy Wilson with Shearing and there was talk of Levy's new discovery, Jean DuShon, doing an album with George. I would have loved to hear that one. DuShon was from Detroit and like Staton had a lot of gospel and blues in her singing. That would have been fabulous. Plus, Jean had impeccable taste in choosing songs.

I loved what Shearing did with Peggy Lee, Nat "King" Cole and Mel Torme. Can you imagine what he could have done with Jean DuShon?!!!!

Average customer rating: A demonstration record on pianism

Shearing Piano George Shearing Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of George Shearing (1955-1960) The Best of George Shearing, Vol. 2 (1960-169) I'll Take Romance Latin Lace/Latin Affair Definitive George Shearing ASIN: B00005JH4U Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

1. Stella By Starlight
2. On The Street Where You Live
3. Guilty
4. Friendly Persuasion
5. For Every Man There's A Woman
6. It Might As Well Be Spring
7. High On A Windy Hill
8. If
9. A Tune For Humming
10. Sigh No More
11. My Funny Valentine
12. In The Still Of The Night
13. So Would I
14. Tenderly
15. Can't We Be Friends
16. It Never Entered My Mind
17. Memories Of You
18. Don't Explain
19. Homesick, That's All
20. Reverie

Customer Reviews:

A demonstration record on pianism.......2004-12-30

I've been a fan of Mr Shearing since his MGM days and his bebop
masterpieces of the forties when such musicians as the great Ms Margery Hyams and Mr Denzil Best were in his quintet remain some of my favourite memories of that period. His Lullaby of Birdland after all is a classic, and his interpretations of East of the Sun and September in the Rain which highlights his use of locked hands are iconic pieces from that period. Nevertheless,I confess he lost me for much of the intervening years when the music he issued on CD tended towards, at least to my ear, cruise ship music or cocktail jazz. The CD before you, rescued by Mr Cuscuna, is an absolute gem and a stunning example of Mr Shearing's pianism. May I draw your attention to just one track - Stella by Starlight - and dig it as an exemplary interpretation of a standard made magic by a formidable technique and a musical intelligence and imagination of the highest order. This may be the single finest Shearing album I own and include in that estimation all his quintet work on the Mosaic reissue.

Average customer rating:

Definitive George Shearing George Shearing Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Best of George Shearing The Best of George Shearing (1955-1960) Shearing Piano The Best of George Shearing, Vol. 2 (1960-169) I'll Take Romance ASIN: B00006IQOP Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

1. September In The Rain
2. East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)
3. Conception
4. I'll Remember April
5. Tenderly
6. Geneva's Move
7. Pick Yourself Up
8. I'll Be Around
9. You're Driving Me Crazy
10. Lullaby Of Birdland
11. Love is Just Around The Corner
12. Mambo Inn
13. Memories Of You
14. Senor Blues
15. Caravan
16. Jordu
17. You Came A Long Way From St. Louis
18. Jumpin' With Symphony Sid
19. The Nearness Of You
20. What Is This Thing Called Love?
21. Over The Rainbow

Average customer rating: View of a musician Great Mel, Great George, Great Songs, Great Evening Magical Evening With Mel and George!

An Evening with George Shearing & Mel Tormé Mel Tormé & George Shearing Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mel and George "Do" World War II An Elegant Evening Top Drawer A Vintage Year An Evening at Charlie's ASIN: B0000006E4 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
2. Born To Be Blue
3. Give Me The Simple Life
4. Good Morning Heartache
5. Manhattan Hoedown
6. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
7. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
8. Love
9. It Might As Well Be Spring
10. Lullaby Of Birdland

Customer Reviews:

View of a musician.......2000-09-20

This CD is so excellent it almost defies description. It is one of the most satisfying musical experiences I've had. In addition to the astounding rapport between Torme and Shearing, the bass playing of Brian Torfft is the best I've heard - and I've played bass on and off for 40 years. Essential to any collection

Great Mel, Great George, Great Songs, Great Evening.......2000-07-10

Two performances in this CD are worth for it all ... but all is high standard here. Listen specially to Tormé's throwing his voice against piano and bass "contrapunto" on "Love"; and to the rendition of "Born to Be Blue". Very good.

Magical Evening With Mel and George!.......1999-04-09

Just the two gems "A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square" and "It Might As Well Be Spring" make this remarkable evening of Torme' and Shearing worth listing to! It's a fine jazz performance and Brian Torff (on bass) does an excellent job keeping up with these two jazz legends. Mel Torme' and George Shearing are tops.

Average customer rating: The Best of George Shearing (1955-1960) Nice work from his early years...

The Best of George Shearing (1955-1960) George Shearing Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of George Shearing, Vol. 2 (1960-169) Shearing Piano Latin Lace/Latin Affair Definitive George Shearing Black & White Satin ASIN: B000005H10 Release Date: 1995-10-31

Tracks:

1. Midnight In The Air
2. Have You Met Miss Jones
3. Dancing On The Ceiling
4. Cuban Love Song
5. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
6. Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You
7. Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love)
8. Later
9. Cheek To Cheek
10. Sand In My Shoes
11. Kinda Cute
12. September In The Rain
13. East Of The Sun
14. Estampa Cubano
15. A Ship Without A Sail
16. Laura
17. Bernie's Tune
18. Canadian Sunset

Customer Reviews:

The Best of George Shearing (1955-1960).......2007-01-09

It brought back plesant memories of my college and military years.

Nice work from his early years..........2002-03-26

Blind British pianist Shearing got his start in recording way back in 1949, first on MGM, then settling in for a decades-long stay and mass popularity with Capitol records. He has played solo, and as a quartet, a quintet, with full orchestras, with great female jazz singers, and with Latin percussionists. He has made his mark with straight versions of the best standards as well as with pure jazz. He's good live (I saw him in 1965) and in the studio as well. This is a fine 18-song collection recorded as a quintet over six years and an amazing 15 separate LP's. Shearing is great as background sound for reading or a party, but he also rewards attentive listening via earphones. He had a zillion albums on vinyl and quite a few have made it to CD now. You really can't get cheated with any of them. What I like best on here are "Have You Met Miss Jones?" and "Dancing on the Ceiling" and "The Folks Who Live on the Hill" and "Cheek to Cheek". He also reprises his first record hit, "September in the Rain" and offers enjoyable versions of "East of the Sun" and "Canadian Sunset". While this kind of stuff is extremely pleasant listening, Shearing reached that goal by using a determined intelligence and great sidemen. If you like "piano jazz" as a category, you already own some George, don't you? If you lack Shearing, this is a worthy introduction.

Average customer rating: classic cd A beautiful friendship... An album for the ages. A true classic-sublime and perfectly remastered From the Oyster comes the Pearl, or, in this case, Pearls

Nat King Cole Sings/George Shearing Plays Nat King Cole & George Shearing Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: After Midnight: The Complete Session The Best of George Shearing (1955-1960) Shearing Piano The Billy May Sessions Beauty and the Beat! ASIN: B00004U9MQ Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

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 (Bonus Track)

Amazon.com

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 Duke Ellington, Jerome Kern, and Matt Dennis. 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, elegant surface. Not surprisingly, Shearing still cherishes this album as one of his favorites in a long career. All that plus three bonus tracks. Unmissable. --Dave Gelly

Customer Reviews:

classic cd.......2006-07-23

excellent remaster of two of the best artists who ever performed. I wish they would reissue more of these oldies.

A beautiful friendship..........2005-11-09

To me the birth of the super group didn't start with Crosby, Stills and Nash, it happened a few years earlier when the combined talents of Nat Cole and George Shearing recorded this album for Capitol Records. Shearing's playing is impeccable and Cole is in great voice. Both artists had perfected a very distinctive sound and the blending of their sounds is a feat of musical alchemy unrivaled. "Fly Me To The Moon", a song that landed on every album recorded in the early sixties is done superbly. "Azure-Te", is one of my all time favorite recordings. I can't help feeling sad everytime I listen to "Guess I'll Go Back Home", it makes me miss Cole's simple expression of sentiment. We should be greatful that recordings such as these keep his legacy alive.

An album for the ages........2005-08-30

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. n Mary Whipple

A true classic-sublime and perfectly remastered.......2005-05-11

This is the epitome of relaxing, subtle jazz. The arrangements define tasteful and Mr. Cole has never sounded better. An absolute must for the jazz fan, and a beautiful contrast to the swinging Billy May Sessions, which I also highly recommend.

From the Oyster comes the Pearl, or, in this case, Pearls.......2004-10-14

A poor soul, stuck in this post-9/11 era of ours,
might be forgiven, after listening to this impossibly
beautiful disc, for thinking of a lost time of breezy, assured prosperity,
new jet travel, Jack & Jackie in the White House, and a feeling of
"We've got all the time in the world
to enjoy these vouschsafed pleasures...Come on in and have at it."

And of course, it wasn't so simple: even in his exclusive Hancock Park home,
Nat & his family had to deal with racism, IRS harrassment and other controversies...
And Geroge Shearing's life, while fulfilling, has hardly been easy, being blind...
Still, from the oyster comes the pearl- in this case, 15 pearls (or tracks).

Often the "Shearing Quintet Sound" gets imitated and sounds, well,
superficial and "cocktail-y." But in the hands of its creator, this style
NEVER sounds like a surface-level bluff; it's beauty, borne of real-life struggle...
And after THAT, one can relax, let it unfold and "pleasure" us with its surprises.
One of those surprises: beholding the seemingly predictable voicings of melodic phrases
that you KNOW are coming;
when your "prediction" is fulfilled, you get not only a "logical satisfaction"
but a surprise "pleasure hit." Case in point: the instrumental bridge to "Azure-Te."
You "know" what's coming,
but the FEELING, regardless of how many times you play this track,
is a fresh surprise. It has to do with style, discipline and empathy- applied to
collective phrasing from one musical "clause" to the next.


And speaking of instrumental bridges, just listen to those in "Pick Yourself Up" (track 2)
and "Serenata" (track 9); kaleidoscopically unexpected harmonic colors in a relaxed groove-
propelled by Shearing
and Shelly Manne's drums.

Not to mention Nat's seemingly loose but potent, jazz-inflected delivery of words
and music ("I Got It Bad," "Azure-Te, "A Beautiful Friendship").

Then, see for yourself if track 8, "Fly Me To The Moon," isn't
the ultimate in sheer, sensual seduction. (Indeed, to get anything
within even hailing distance of this track, we've had to wait- for over 40 years ! -
for Michael Bublee's "Put Your Head on My Shoulder." Use BOTH with caution...)

And for autumnal tang, "September Song," and "Lost April"
with its lament over April's "numbered days"
("...so when they passed/Love couldn't last..."),
are worthy jazz/pop equivalents of the andante in Mozart's 39th Symphony.
Which makes one realize that, although an album like this seems
to flow out of some kind of eternal "spring" from which several MORE could have come...
yet, this musical partnership never happened again. Still, there's so much
variety of mood, texture and tempo, within this one album, that
it nearly "makes a world of its own," and envelopes you in a feeling of
such well-being that the autumnal regrets ("the sand particles") become pearls.
So, in the end, no regrets: just beautiful collaborative music,
in a class of its own. Life is too short NOT to have music like this on hand.

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