Customer Reviews

Nat King Cole Trio: Instrumental Classics

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If like me you came to jazz after 1955, chances are you're quite familiar with Nat the pop singing star but know far less about his piano prowess. This is the album that finally set the record straight for me--he was above all a talented, creative jazz pianist whose sensual voice seduced not only the public but Nat as well into listening exclusively to its promises of fame and fortune. Had he not sung a note, he would no doubt have taken his place right alongside Teddy Wilson and Art Tatum. In fact, listening to him on this album is so much like hearing Oscar Peterson (who ironically inherited Nat's singing voice as well) that I've had to revise my life-long assumption that Oscar was above all a descendant of Tatum. The Cole lineage seems ever more traceable, especially when you consider that one of Oscar's favorite jazz performances was "Easy Listening Blues," one of 18 tracks on this CD.

Twenty-five years ago I had a chance to have a brew or two with Monty Alexander. When I asked him if Oscar was a major influence, he responded: "Yes, but not as much as Nat." Now I finally understand what he was talking about.

(Note: No doubt Capitol will replace this 1992 reissue with a remastered version minus the surface noise. Bear in mind, however, that there's always a trade-off: Eliminating "scratchy" sounds also erases high-frequency musical information.)

Nat Cole was a great band leader and arranger besides being a great vocalist and pianist. The first eleven selections are outstanding "Jumpin' At Capitol" through "Rhumba Azul." The next four are basically piano solos with accompanment by the guitar and the bass. The last three are average with annoying bongos/congas. But the first eleven with what Will Friedwald termed the greatest edition of the King Cole Trio (Cole, guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Johnny Miller) overwhelmingly makes this a five-star CD album that the inferior quality of the last seven does not detract from it. In my opinion, Capitol should have included "I Know That You Know," "To A Wild Rose," "Rex Rhumba," "In The Cool Of The Evening," and "Laguna Mood" in lieu of the last seven.

The way Cole, Moore and Miller treated "The Man I Love" by the Gershwin Brothers rates as classical jazz. It is the best rendition of that great work of art that I ever heard. In fact "The Man I Love" with "Body And Soul," by Johnny Green and et al, Rachmaninov's "Prelude In C Sharp Minor" and Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love" constitute the greatest date (January 17, 1944) in recorded history for small group jazz.

Enjoy the music by the King Cole Trio as I have since 1963 when I was a fourteen-year old kid.

G. E. Williams, White Plains, Westchester County, New York

This has to be the ultimate double take album;everybody I've played it for
says,"That's Nat King Cole?!I knew he could sing,but..." Well, I'm certainly happy to have tracked this down as proof that the critics aren't always wrong;he really was one of the handful of great pianists,ever.And check out the treatment he gives to Rachmaninoff's
'Prelude In C Sharp Minor' and 'Laugh!Cool Clown'-his take on 'Pagliacci' by Leoncavallo.'However,Cole's drummerless trio came about(the cd booklet isn't entirely sure whether drummer Lee Young-Lester's brother didn't show up for a gig or a club owner suggested it-Cole,along with Oscar Moore on guitar and Johnny Miller on bass,was one very fortunate "accident".

Before Nat King Cole became famous for his vocal style, he was the leader of this phenomenal jazz trio. This 1992 release showcases Mr. Cole's roots as a jazz instrumentalist. If you're looking to build a great jazz collection, I highly recommend this compilation!

The King Cole Trio is better than the Benny Goodman Trio. I didn't think that was possible.

This selection of tracks by the Nat King Cole Trio includes classic renditions of many standard tunes which the trio had in their book. Composers include Cole Porter, Gershwin, Les Paul, Jerome Kern, Nat himself, and even Rachmaninov in a great arrangement of the well-known piano Prelude in c sharp minor. Everything is highly enjoyable, and Nat's playing shows that he was one of the best pianists of his generation. He infulenced many who came after him, and I for one wish he hadn't chosen to change his career to just singing; he had a pleasant voice, but his playing was great, not just ok. Listen to his improvising on any of these tracks and you'll agree that he had a superior mind for musical development, especially on the piano, and was a great group leader, as well.

The remastered sound on all tracks is fine. I only wish the trio had made recordings into the stereo era. At least we have this excellent cd.

A friend suggested we purchase this CD. I love it. It is so calming to listen to when I am in the car.

I you are interested in listening to Nat on the piano without singing, this is a classic

I found this CD at the public library and I probably listened to it about sixty times the next couple of weeks.

The first song sounds like where they got the idea for the theme song for inspector gadget - let me know if you think this or if I am totally off the mark!+?

This is not an indepth review, there are plenty of officiators of jazz that know what they are talking about - if the samples do not make up your mind, then check your library

I recently got so busy with classes (college) that I forgot all about this album. I am glad a found it again!

Notice that all the reviews are 5 stars - hint - wink wink, nudge nudge ...get yourself a copy and enjoy

This CD is excellent for listening to in isolation, while driving, in the background of a dinner or while reading a book

Stumbled on this CD while listening to Pandora Radio, had forgotten that Mr Cole made his mark initially as a jazz pianist. At the risk of giving it the kiss of death his trio's music is smooth and classic, beautifully executed, and simply a joy. I'd even go so far as to say it's a cure for the evening news.