Customer Reviews

After Midnight

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

BRAVO, INDISPENSABLE!!! Nat "King" Cole, with his trio and distinguished guest artists, in MONO, with sound that continues the outstanding sonics of this incredible series.

Nat Cole was about to turn the corner into the singing career that made him famous when he brought his trio into Capitol records in 1956 and made these recordings. The man had an uncanny ability to comp (jazz lingo for piano accompaniment) while singing. His solos are virtuosic, pared down to essentials, just like vintage Count Basie, and the band is so tight, they fit like a tailored suit. The contributions from the assembled instrumental soloists are lovely.

I hear more color in his vocals than I have EVER heard in ANY issues of these recordings, and I own all of them. Even in mono, this sounds like the trio is sitting in my living room.

PLEASE, BUY THIS, LOVE IT, and SUPPORT THE OUTSTANDING AUDIO RESTORATION OF THESE INCREDIBLE RECORDINGS!!!!!

DO NOT MISS!!! Yes, just like the last two issues in this series, this disc made me float about six inches above the floor.

Much has been said about the great loss that was Cole's absence from jazz performance, when he was promoted as a crooner. These recordings show the joy and the loss of that wonderful presence as pianist and jazz singer. The swinging, relaxed character of these performances is a feast of joy, even when the songs are complete trifles... Just like Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong, Cole could sing the simplest song and elevate it!

I am still of the opinion that the SACD issues of the last of Cole's Capitol albums are the release of the year!!! This one is for the ages... If you love jazz and singing, get this!

Because of good reviews, I finally gave in and bought the SACD. I'm glad I did. It is the best ever recording of Nat King Cole that I've heard...considering that this was made in the 50's and in MONO. Now I'm hooked and is looking for the vinyl version of it.

I am not a huge fan of the person who mastered this SACD release nor his throng of nasty kool-aid drinking followers. With that said, this SACD of After Midnight is incredible. It beats all slabs of vinyl I have for this album. It envelops my listening area so nicely it's hard to believe its "only" mono. Don't let petty bias' or politics stop you from picking up this truly reference quality SACD

First off, if you are lucky enough to have an SACD player be prepared to have the sensation of Nat King Cole playing in your living room. It's sonic goodness at its best. Now, this recording isn't Nat King Cole the easy listening hit maker. Though there are a few cuts that went on to be hits, this album is Nat the jazz interpreter. Know the Nat King Cole you are getting will help in your enjoyment of "After Midnight". Finally, all hail SACDs! Let the recording industry know we want these back!! Spin this disc with friends and turn them onto to the excellence of SACD sound. We need to be ambassadors for this format to make it viable.