Spotlight on Nat King Cole

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
With his silky tenor and subtle, if highly underrated phrasing, Nat King Cole will long be remembered as one of the 20th century's true vocal giants. But lost among his renowned ballads and wealth of pop hits is the fact that Cole began his career as one of America's great jazz pianists, before his tentative vocalizing with the Nat King Cole Trio forever sealed his fate. Though Cole purists will be familiar with much of this material, this satisfying collection eschews the biggest hits to focus on standards by Gershwin, Mercer, Berlin, and Rodgers and Hart (among others), performed in musical settings ranging from Cole's original trio (in a pair of previously unreleased tracks), the Count Basie Band, and arrangements by the likes of Nelson Riddle and Billy May. The result is a remarkably fresh introduction to an artist who effortlessly wove jazz, blues, and pop into a dreamy, often transcendent new whole. --Jerry McCulley --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Spotlight on Nat King Cole, Music, Nat King Cole, Ballads, Easy Listening, Popular Music, Traditional Pop, Vocal Jazz

Average customer rating:

Excellent

Even if some of these Songs have been done over and over..

A must for Cole fans.

So many wonderful songs

A Must!

Spotlight on Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole
Manufacturer: Capitol
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 | Opera & Vocal | 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
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ASIN: B000002TQO
Release Date: 1995-08-01

She's Funny That Way
Sunday, Monday Or Always
Crazy She Calls Me
Spring Is Here
You'll Never Know
Funny (Not Much)
I Want A Little Girl
Am I Blue?
(It Will Have To Do) Until The Real Thing Comes Along
Embraceable You
Should I?
Say It Isn't So
Too Marvelous For Words
Mood Indigo
For You
I Remember You
That's All
Lights Off

Amazon.com

With his silky tenor and subtle, if highly underrated phrasing, Nat King Cole will long be remembered as one of the 20th century's true vocal giants. But lost among his renowned ballads and wealth of pop hits is the fact that Cole began his career as one of America's great jazz pianists, before his tentative vocalizing with the Nat King Cole Trio forever sealed his fate. Though Cole purists will be familiar with much of this material, this satisfying collection eschews the biggest hits to focus on standards by Gershwin, Mercer, Berlin, and Rodgers and Hart (among others), performed in musical settings ranging from Cole's original trio (in a pair of previously unreleased tracks), the Count Basie Band, and arrangements by the likes of Nelson Riddle and Billy May. The result is a remarkably fresh introduction to an artist who effortlessly wove jazz, blues, and pop into a dreamy, often transcendent new whole. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2005-07-16

This is far and away my favorite Nat King Cole compilation. The song choices are compelling, the arrangements are lush and inviting. The album is completely bewitching. Buy it.

Even if some of these Songs have been done over and over.........2001-12-17

..and over! "She's Funny that Way",say, may not be my favorite "old standard", but Nat does put his special imprint on even non-top-of-line tunes. Every one here is given the "King" treatment,which is standard for Nat and his players. Included here is the best version of "For You" I've heard, among my all-time favorites anyway, and not overplayed like perhaps some of the others here. It has a nice jazzed-up arrangement,Nat's smooth voice fitting it perfectly. Same with "Mood Indigo". This album is especially suggested for those who already have his most famous songs, and want something showing Nat doing tunes that,for him, are less known.

A must for Cole fans........2001-01-02

This album is a brilliant collection of songs as only Nat 'King' Cole can do them. Certainly not a Greatest Hits package, this album features some rare gems. A swinging Cole-Riddle performance of "Should I?" recorded in 1956 which has gone unheard for nearly 40 years, until this album. Also you will hear a latter-day trio rendition of "Embraceable You", which up until now was only available on the mammoth "The Complete Capitol Recordings of the Nat King Cole Trio". But the most exciting item here for Cole collectors is a previously unreleased 1952 trio recording of "Too Marvelous for words". This performance features Joe Costanzo, a bongo player, who was a regular addition to the trio's lineup from '49 to '51. The booklet also features a very informative 6 page essay. A must for any Cole fan.

So many wonderful songs.......2000-07-20

I guess most people associate Nat King Cole with one of two things; "The Christmas Song" or the re-mixed duets with daughter Natalie. Unfortunately that is all the exposure that some people get. Nat King Cole is probably one of the greatest vocalist/pianist of the 20th century. His wonderful knack for delivering a lyric is second to none, and the emotion that he puts into every song he sings sets him apart from any other singer of his generation. This CD contains such great tunes as "Too Marvelous for Words" and the romantic ballad "That's All". If you have had limited exposure to Nat King Cole, then this is a perfect album to get started with. If you like it, and I'm sure you will, be sure and get more or Mr. Cole's work. He was a great artist who left us all way too soon.

A Must!.......2000-06-30

Nat King Cole is One Of The Greatest Artists Ever.His Voice is a Diamond unto itself.This Collection Reflects His Genius.He was So RIch in Tone that He Made it Look Too Easy.The Man was In His Own League&Class.

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