Nat King Cole & George Shearing – Nat King Cole Sings / George Shearing Plays Let There Be Love

Nat King Cole & George Shearing – Nat King Cole Sings / George Shearing Plays Let There Be Love

Nat King Cole Sings / George Shearing Plays Let There Be Love brings together two giants of mid-century jazz for one of the most elegant vocal and piano collaborations of the era. Originally released in 1961, the album pairs Nat King Cole's unmistakable voice with the sophisticated piano playing of British jazz legend George Shearing, creating a beautifully understated collection of jazz standards and romantic ballads.

Nat King Cole had already established himself as one of the defining voices of the 20th century by this point, moving effortlessly between jazz, traditional pop and sophisticated balladry. His warm baritone and impeccable phrasing made him one of the most successful crossover artists of his generation, while his earlier work with the King Cole Trio had firmly established his credentials as an outstanding jazz pianist.

George Shearing brought his own distinctive musical language to the project. Famous for his elegant "locked hands" piano technique and the distinctive sound of his quintet, Shearing was one of the most celebrated jazz pianists of the post-war era. The pairing of these two artists gives the album an effortlessly refined atmosphere, balancing Cole's intimate vocals with Shearing's rich harmonic approach.

The album opens with September Song, followed by the upbeat Pick Yourself Up and the emotionally expressive I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good. The title track, Let There Be Love, is one of the collection's highlights, combining Cole's relaxed vocal delivery with Shearing's sophisticated jazz sensibility. Azure-Té and Lost April continue the romantic mood on Side A.

Side B features a superb selection of standards, including A Beautiful Friendship, Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) and Serenata. I'm Lost and There's A Lull In My Life provide further showcases for Cole's distinctive phrasing before the album closes with Don't Go.

For collectors of Nat King Cole vinyl and classic jazz, this is an especially appealing release, combining vocal jazz, traditional pop and sophisticated lounge-era arrangements. Fans of George Shearing, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan and Tony Bennett will find much to enjoy in this timeless collection.

A beautifully relaxed addition to any 1950s/1960s jazz, vocal jazz or easy listening vinyl collection, Nat King Cole Sings / George Shearing Plays Let There Be Love demonstrates why both artists remain enduring names in the history of sophisticated popular music.

Tracklist

Side A

1. September Song
2. Pick Yourself Up
3. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
4. Let There Be Love
5. Azure-Té
6. Lost April

Side B

1. A Beautiful Friendship
2. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)
3. Serenata
4. I'm Lost
5. There's A Lull In My Life
6. Don't Go