Customer Reviews

Definitive George Shearing

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"The Definitive George Shearing" is a collection of 21 of the most remarkable and famous melodies that George Shearing recorded between 1949 and 1959 in solo, trio and quintet settings. Besides the usual instruments that were utilized on these sessions (piano, guitar, bass, drums and vibes), the addition of bongos, conga and harmonica made it more striking and exotic-sounding. To name just a few of the talented musicians among many others who supported him on these recordings are Toots Thielemans, Dick Garcia (guitar), Cal Tjader, Joe Roland (vibes), Israel Crosby, George Duvivier (bass), Bill Clark, Percy Brice (drums) and Armando Peraza (bongos/conga).

In June of 2007, George Shearing became Sir George Shearing when he was conferred the honor of Knighthood by The Queen at Buckingham Palace for his contribution to music. And following was his sentiments upon his conferment and I quote...

"I don't know why I'm getting this honor...I've just been doing what I love to do....My mind keeps flashing back on my beginnings as pianist playing in a pub for the equivalent of $5.00 a week. What a journey it has been from that pub to Buckingham Palace. Receiving such an honor as a Knighthood might also show young people what can be achieved in life if one learns his craft and follows his dreams."

Congratulations Sir George! He surely deserves the accolade and most of all the title. He's truly one of the most reputable, highly-regarded and revered musicians in terms of awards, honors and recognitions bestowed upon him, apart from his exceptional piano artistry.

The crème de la crème from this compilation is the original recording of his signature tune, the classic "September In The Rain" which was recorded in 1949 and with his version he became an overnight sensation. This recording was embraced and welcomed by jazz lovers and his fellow musicians as well, and more significantly it hit the Number One spot on the Billboard for many consecutive weeks after it was released. His own composition, "Lullaby of Birdland" also became a hit after its released and eventually became his "national anthem." His concerts and live shows would not be over without him playing this wonderful tune.

Other highlights include a slightly swing rendition of "East of the Sun (And West of the Moon"), sweet and mellow takes on "I'll Remember April" and "I'll Be Around," as well as engaging numbers with Latin flavors, "Mambo Inn" and "Caravan." Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and Billie Eckstine graced this recording with their notable vocals on "You Came A Long Way from St. Louis," "The Nearness of You" and "You're Driving Me Crazy," respectively. The great pianist/arranger/composer shows off his marvelous artistry as he performs solo on "Tenderly" and "Memories of You," which are two of the best tracks from this collection.

Sir George, who will turn 89 next month on August 13th, has always been on the foreground in the genre of jazz piano since his remarkable entrance to the world of jazz in the Forties. He has been consistent with his inimitable body of work, and has been delighting his fans all these years. His piano artistry is distinctively unique and his music is marked by timeless elegance and style - the kind of music that is so lovable and enjoyable for all seasons through all the years.

For more of his notable albums, please check these out: Lullabies of Birdland: A Musical Autobiography, I'll Take Romance, Live at the Cafe Carlyle, My Ship, Rare Delight of You, Hopeless Romantics and The Swingin's Mutual!

This is just the perfect collection for someone new to his music, and also a great add-on to any collector of his body of work.

"Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." ~ Confucius ~

the best of another genius, (i feel most musicians are geniuses). i saw him in seattle in 1954 (i think). his service dog was lying next to the piano enjoying the music with everyone else. this is one of the best nostalgia jazz cd's out there. rc

EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY. EVEN THOUGH IT IS A VERY OLD RECORDING, IT STILL SOUNDS GREAT! HATS OFF TO AMAZON, AGREAT COMPANY. BEE BE.

This collection of Shearing recordings, some including standout vocalists (Billy Eckstine, Peggy Lee, and Nancy Wilson), is a wonderful compilation of Shearing's work. Brian Priestly has chosen a set of music from the pinnacle of Shearing's career stretching from early 1949 through mid-1963 recorded in a number of different US cities and featuring some of the giants of jazz (e.g., Joe Roland, Cal Tjader, Toots Thielemans, Chuck Wayne, and a rarity for then and now, a female musician, the great Marjorie Hyams). This CD is music to the ears and a historical document at one and the same time.

Although outside package undamaged, the CD plastic container inside was broken in several places. CD played OK, so did not care to go thru hassle to return, and kept it, altho it's difficult to store with my others.