Customer Reviews

Transcriptions

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

 

 

First things first: that odd title. "Transcriptions" refers to independent transcription services of the 1930-40s which supplied radio stations with "live" recordings meant for broadcast only. In those days, the broadcast of live music played by musicians in the studio was favored over the playing of commercially available records in the belief that listeners were unlikely to buy a record they could hear on the air for free (how times have changed). Transcription services rose to fill broadcast time when live music, network shows and local-affairs programming wasn't enough. From the enclosed booklet: "These sessions were usually a little more informal than phonograph record dates and often boasted a higher level of material because artists were not trying to cut the latest song-plugger's tripe in search of a hit."

The booklet is right: this music is excellent. Yes, it's true: Nat Cole's best work is with the Trio, before his pop solo career. No full appreciation of Cole's music can be realized without the amazing Trio. The collection contains a fairly even distribution of vocal/instrumental tracks, and there's not a bad one in the bunch. My only quibble -- and the reason for four stars instead of five -- is the two repeated tracks on Disc One: "Just You, Just Me" and "I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)." Unnecessary "first" and "alternate" versions are included, and who cares except an archivist? All I know is that I have to hear the same darn two songs AGAIN a few minutes later. I hate it when record producers do that.

I like this collection, but I would recommend it for the dedicated fan only. The more casual fan can find a more broad selection at a better value with other titles (COOL COLE is a good example). I chose TRANSCRIPTIONS because it fits well, with little repetition of tracks, with the other titles in my King Cole collection.

I am a long time Cole fan and have to say that I think this is the best collection I`ve heard. Never really appreciated just how great a pianist he was until this selection. I would disagree with the reviewer above that this is just for die-hard fans, whenever I`ve played it to anybody they love it. Great songs, great playing and great singing. The best.

Great place to start for those wanting to explore early Nat King Cole. Excellent playing by all performers. Some hiss from the master records can be heard, but to me it only adds the the vibe of the recordings. The guitar work on these records is pure mastery. Highly recommended!