The George Shearing Quintet And Orchestra – White Satin

The George Shearing Quintet And Orchestra – White Satin

White Satin is a 1960 studio album from "The George Shearing Quintet And Orchestra", bringing together the sophisticated piano-led sound of George Shearing's celebrated quintet with an orchestra arranged by the legendary Billy May. Released by Capitol Records as ST 1334, the album presents a beautifully polished programme of jazz standards, romantic ballads and melodic instrumental pieces.

Shearing's distinctive piano style sits at the centre of the arrangements, surrounded by the colours of the quintet and orchestra. The album follows the lush, sophisticated direction heard across several of Shearing's late-1950s and early-1960s Capitol recordings, combining elements of cool jazz, bop and orchestral easy listening. Contemporary trade coverage described White Satin as a continuation of Shearing's series of lush "mood" albums, highlighting selections including "Dream", "Laura", "Your Name Is Love", "Moonlight Becomes You" and "How Long Has This Been Going On".

The repertoire draws heavily from the Great American Songbook and Hollywood songwriting tradition. "Dream", "Laura", "There's A Small Hotel", "How Long Has This Been Going On", "An Affair To Remember", "Moonlight Becomes You" and "I'll Take Romance" all receive Shearing's elegant treatment, while "Blue Malibu" is an original composition by Shearing and Bill Hegner.

Billy May's involvement is particularly significant. A major arranger, composer and bandleader, May had already established himself through his work with artists including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Peggy Lee. On White Satin, his orchestral arrangements provide a rich backdrop for Shearing's quintet, giving the record its characteristic combination of rhythmic jazz playing and smooth, cinematic orchestral colour.

The album was issued during an especially prolific period for Shearing. White Satin followed releases including Satin Brass, The Shearing Touch and On The Sunny Side Of The Strip, all dating from 1960, demonstrating the extraordinary range of projects he was undertaking during this period.

For collectors of George Shearing, Billy May, Capitol jazz, cool jazz, piano jazz and vintage orchestral easy listening, White Satin is an attractive example of Shearing's highly polished early-1960s sound, with twelve carefully arranged performances that work equally well as focused jazz listening or sophisticated background music.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Your Name Is Love – 2:53
2. Dream – 2:26
3. Laura – 2:54
4. There's A Small Hotel – 2:54
5. Old Folks – 3:09
6. Blue Malibu – 2:10

Side B

1. How Long Has This Been Going On – 3:09
2. Love's Melody – 2:33
3. An Affair To Remember – 3:05
4. There'll Be Another Spring – 2:58
5. Moonlight Becomes You – 2:57
6. I'll Take Romance – 2:38