Customer Reviews

Latin Lace / Latin Affair

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

 

 

Those of us familiar with George Shearing's work for Capitol from the 50s and 60s and who have been searching for those albums on CD have cause to rejoice with the release of this two-album CD.

Shearing was not a virtuoso of the Art Tatum class, but his music is elegant, sophisticated and instantly recognizable. I doubt if many listeners nowadays would dance to the tunes found on LATIN LACE or LATIN AFFAIR, but one could easily do so since percussion and rhythm figure so prominently. The arrangements are clever, the tempi varied, and the performances virtually flawless, so the music can be listened to for itself. On the other hand, it can also serve as great background music for cocktail parties and/or dinners.

LATIN LACE is composed mostly of what I take to be authentic Spanish/Latin American tunes. LATIN AFFAIR, however, casts Norteamericano standards in a Latin mold. If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, I recommend the BLACK SATIN/WHITE SATIN CD, another Shearing twofer.

SHearing was a master at velvety latin music. These two albums represent only a portion of his vintage latin albums released in the late 50's & early 60's. Both of these albums work perfectly together on a single CD. Shearing uses a latin combo to produce lush textures that make you want to slip into a smoking jacket and pour a martini (or margarita). I highly recommend this CD. I'm only hoping that more of the Shearing's latin catalog gets released on CD soon!

The creamy sounds of the George Shearing Quintet coupled with pulsating but restrained latin rhythms combine to bring a galaxy of wonderful tunes to life.

A feast for the latent latin soul, an invitation to the feet, and supreme musicianship come together to make this album, now over 40 years old, one of the transcendent joys for the audiophile-music lover: ever!

I don't have the CD - I have the old LP and cannot transfer it to CD or cassette. Will SOMEONE please get in touch with me if they are willing to do this for me! This has to be one of the best latin beats out there - past or present - it is definitely up there with the Buena Vista Social Club. kkarapet@uusc.org

I definitely agree with the other 2 reviews, especially the second one from CA - he hit the bullseye with his review!

(Latin Lace) George is HOT on this one! Smooth piano, pulsating rhythms, a masterpiece. If you like music that warms the heart and stirs the soul, this is it.

I purchased this CD the day I heard that Shearing had passed. It was a bitter sweet moment as George Shearing was the one who inspired me to be a fan of Jazz more than 50 years ago. I had purchased the albums on this CD way back when. Shearing was also a great influence on one of my favorite pianists, the late Jack Wilson. The Shearing sound is still as melliflous as ever. But time has advanced music as everything else so although I enjoy his sound, the recording and music dynamics have changed greatly over the years so that this music is now not as complex or as driving as today's jazz,be that the smooth variety or the more traditional style.
That being said, George is George and as such there will always be a place for him in any jazz collection.