AFTER MIDNIGHT (+ BONUS) -G/FO

Nat King Cole' s music is the perfect combination of romantic charm and musical invention. Cole is renowed for his big production numbers and pop hits such hits as Stardust , but he was also an accomplished and unique jazz pianist and excelled in a small-group setting. After Midnight's album cover states that this is a trio release. However, Cole is actually paired up with his trio plus five guest soloists (saxaphone.trombone,trumpet,procussion and violin). The dubious credits don't matter that much. This is precious music and without doubt, one of Cole's best records. Included here are wonderful and intimate renditions of Cole favourites Sweet Lorraine, (Get your kicks on) Route 66 and many others. Trombonist Juan Tizol performs a beautiful version of his Afro-Cuban tune Caravan, and Cole and violinist Stuff Smith trade some hot licks on the up-tempo I Know. For anybody looking into understand the depth and breadth of Cole's jazz roots, this disc is an excellent point of departure.??One of the unfortunate consequences of Nat King Cole's exquisite career as a vocalist is that many fans have forgotten what an exceptional pianist he was. Moreover, Cole influenced pianists as chronologically and geographically divergent as Oscar Peterson, Brazil's Tania Maria, and Diana Krall. After Midnight serves up equal doses of Cole's vocals and piano playing. From the lush beauty of What Is There To Say to the mid-tempo swing of When I Grow Too Old To Dream to the lightening quick I Know That You Know, Cole confirms his place in both Popular Vocalist history and Jazz Piano history as well. In a recording featuring such luminaries as Harry Sweets Edison on trumpet, and the often forgotten violinist Stuff Smith, After Midnight is the perfect offering for any fan of the Nat King Cole Trio as well as those fans who are more familiar with Cole as a vocalist. A perfect blend is found here.??* Format: LP x 2 gatefold sleeve including 6 bonus tracks not included on the orginal vinyl Lp.?* Produced by: Lee Gillette?* Remastered by: Ron McMaster, Steve Hoffman & Kevin Grey?* Recorded at: Recorded at Capitol Studios, Los Angeles, California U.S.A, August 15th and September 24th, 1956??A1. Just You, Just Me A2. Sweet Lorraine A3. Sometimes I'm Happy A4. Caravan A5. It's Only A Paper Moon B1. You're Looking At Me B2. The Lonely One B3. Don't Let It Go To Your Head B4. I Know That You Know B5. Blame It On My Youth C1. When I Grow Too Old To Dream C2. Route 66 C3. I Was A Little Too Lonely (And You Were A Little Too Late) C4. You Can Depend On Me D1. What Is There To Say D2. Two Loves Have I D3. Candy D4. You're Looking At Me (alternate take)