Customer Reviews

The World Of Nat King Cole

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With its broad scope and high quality repertoire, this new CD instantly becomes THE single-disc NKC collection to own. Besides all the obvious tunes, it's got songs from throughout his career, with excellent remastered recordings of top-notch performances. So often I scratch my head when I see so many and frequent 5-star customer ratings for products (5 stars for EVERYTHING), but this CD truly deserves the rating.

Let me count the ways The World of Nat King Cole is so swell. First and foremost, it presents the amazing talents of its subject in all their manifestations. His velvety singing is so well known, but this CD also gives us a chance to enjoy Nat's jazz piano playing too. The guy is so cooool - just for one small instance, listen to the way he sings "Cal-eye-fornia" on the second chorus of "Route 66." Then there's the fact that this disc, with its 28 songs (!) gives a pretty comprehensive look at the various stages Cole's career went through, from jazz leader to pop star. Next check out the sound quality. Considering most of these recording were made about a half-century ago, and it becomes staggering to hear how clear and intimate these songs sound today! Finally, I appreciate the design of the CD packaging and the very nifty CD booklet.

Over the years I have owned any number of Nat King Cole collections. Although I never failed to enjoy the music I found each of those vinyl LP's or compact discs to be flawed in some way. Collectors like myself have long been clamoring for something better. Finally in 2005 Capitol Records has seen fit to correct this egregious oversight. Nearly three years in the making, "The World of Nat King Cole" provides the listener with nearly 80 minutes of the very best that this beloved and legendary performer has to offer. Please understand that this disc is not really intended to be a "greatest hits" package. That would be virtually impossible for Nat King Cole because just about every song he ever recorded had the potential to become a "greatest hit". Rather, "The World of Nat King Cole" provides the listener an outstanding overview of a recording career at Capitol that spanned nearly a quarter century. You'll hear several of his biggest numbers with the King Cole Trio. Songs such as "Straighten Up and Fly Right", "Nature Boy" and "Route 66" were huge hits in the early 1940's and remain popular to this day. If you are hoping to find some of Nat's biggest solo hits you certainly will not be disappointed. Enjoy once again all-time favorites like "Ramblin' Rose", "Too Young", "Walkin' My Baby Back Home" and so many others. But what distinguishes "The World of Nat King Cole" from so many other of the previous compilations is the inclusion of some of the best material from his LP's. I especially enjoyed a tune called "Let There Be Love", a terrific jazz number that was featured on the 1962 album "Nat King Cole Sings/George Shearing Plays". There is also a song from his "Live At The Sands" LP and three upbeat numbers backed by the swingin' Billy May Orchestra. Rounding out the collection is the remarkable 1991 recording of "Unforgettable" with his daughter Natalie Cole.

Kudos to the engineers at Capitol Records for the unbelievable remastering job on these songs. Each and every one of the songs on this disc is crystal clear. I was simply overwhelmed by the sound on songs like "Nature Boy", "Orange Colored Sky" and "L-O-V-E". It was literally like hearing many of these songs for the very first time! And I would be remiss if I failed to mention the outstanding 28 page booklet that is just packed with photos and facts about the man and his music. Whether you are a long time fan of Nat King Cole or sampling his music for the very first time this is the collection you want. "The World of Nat King Cole" stands head and shoulders above all the rest. Very Highly Recommended.

If you're an avid Cole Collector, there's really nothing new here. However, if you're new to Nat King Cole's music, this is an excellant starting point. Not only are the Original versions of his influencial singles here (except Smile which is from his 1961 album "The Nat King Cole Story", and "Send For Me", which is a re-engineered version of the 1957 hit from the 1965 album "Looking Back")but there are also some gems from his LP releases as well, like On the Street Where You Live, from his "My Fair Lady" album, and "Let's Face the Music", from the '64 album of the same name. This album is pretty much a retread of the "Greatest Hits" package from 1994, and the "Capitol Collectors Series" from 1990, but with a few extra goodies. You've got a beautifully created booklet, with lots of rare photos of Nat with President Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth, and even relaxing at home with his kids. Good Stuff. Now, Capitol, where is the long awaited television documentary "The World Of Nat King Cole", that was supposed to accompany this CD? It has already aired in Great Britain, and is on DVD there. Why not here?

If you are like me and have bought every Nat Cole anthology because you know he is one of the best ever, but now have half a dozen "greatest hits" albums, you might wonder "why buy another one?" In one word, engineering: the data extraction from the old Ampex tapes and 78 masters just keeps getting better (compliments to the remastering group at Capital; I know it's a lot more than "engineering"). The song selection is terrific and the liner notes are too, but if you have high quality audio, the sound will transport you. It is studio quality, almost "master tape" sound, significantly better than anything done previously. Is Nat's version of "Stardust" the ultimate one, a masterpiece of popular song? This disc may convince you, if you are not already.

This year, 2005, marks the 40th anniversary of the passing of the legendary singer/musician/composer/trailblazer Nat King Cole (2/15/1965), and to commemorate that moment in time is this CD, THE WORLD OF NAT KING COLE. (A companion DVD will be in release later this year.) Nat was one of Capitol's most successful artists ever -- one of musical history's greatest as well -- and we lost him way too soon. However, his music continues to touch lives -- old and young, rich and poor, all races and religions -- he had/has a universal appeal, not matched by very many. Capitol Records, in cooperation with the Cole Family, has managed to compile a wonderful treasure trove of 28 of Nat's most popular songs on one CD that captures The King, his spellbinding charisma, and the instantly recognizable warmth of his tenor/baritone voice perfectly.

Including his initial successes playing some excellent jazz/swing piano with the King Cole Trio ("Straighten Up and Fly Right", "Route 66", "It's Only A Paper Moon", "For Sentimental Reasons", "Orange Colored Sky") and his solo works with arrangers Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Gordon Jenkins and Ralph Carmichael (many of which were originally recorded in mono and were the hits, that's why they were chosen for this CD - "Smile", "Mona Lisa", "Nature Boy", "Too Young", "Ramblin' Rose", "L-O-V-E" to name just a few) and liner notes by daughter Natalie, THE WORLD OF NAT KING COLE is really one of the best compilation CDs of Nat's work that you can purchase. Yes, songs like these are evidence of why Nat was called "King" -- because he RULES! For old and new fans alike, don't let this pass you by. THE WORLD OF NAT KING COLE is one you'll want to revisit - time and time again!

I had never truly been a fan of Nat's, save for the usual holiday fare piped throughout shopping malls and blaring inescapably on the radio during the month of December (or even earlier!), but I could not resist this album when I first saw mention of it on Amazon.com. I listened to a few sound clips online and finally decided to purchase The World of Nat King Cole. Well, from the first track to the last (there are 28 total) I was hooked. Nat handles such standards as, "Smile," "It's Only a Paper Moon," "Nature Boy," "L-O-V-E," and not one, but two versions of "Unforgettable" (the second being a posthumous duet with daughter Natalie Cole) with incredible versatility, switching from a pitch perfect easy listening croon to a swaggering swing that possesses the power to both excite and sooth the listener.

Known for his honeyed voice, Nat King Cole deserves every accolade attributed to him. The World of Nat King Cole is a refreshing retrospective look at a man and his music that should not be missed! Pick up a copy today and let the swelling music transport you back to simpler times when songs had a hummable melody, memorable lyrics, and a bona fide star to interpret them.

This CD is a great starting point for anyone who is only casually acquainted with Nat's legendary career. Twenty-eight tracks, great audio quality, and terrific liner notes by Natalie Cole make "The World of Nat King Cole " a one-of-a-kind bargain. The songs are pretty much in chronological order from the 1940's through the 60's until Nat's untimely death in February of 1965. It's a classy 40th - anniversary salute to one of the greatest pop/jazz vocalists of the 20th-century. Cole, Sinatra, Bennett, and Torme form the Hall of Fame of the most brilliant interpreters of pop standards, and this CD is a worthy addition to that collective discography. Essential, five stars, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I've just gotten into the King and I am glad I did, better late than never, right? This album is PERFECT for any newcomer and even veteran fans. Most of these songs I've heard but only covers of including "Smile" and "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas." I was amazed at how this album is one of those great albums you don't have to skip over any songs. Each song is beautiful and it really brings a positive light and mood when you listen.

I was going to create a list of the tracks and rate them individually but the majority receive 5 out of 5 stars so it's pointless.

Nat passed away in February of 1965. He left us too soon but left us a wonderful selection of music to enjoy. I felt this remastered version might have artificial sharpness in the high frequencies but the sound is quite warm. A lot of remastered recordings from the 40's to 60's had harsh sound when compared to their vinyl counterparts. This is not a greatest hits album but a lot of them are included. The standout of missing songs for me was 'Answer Me, My Love' but I have it on other albums. 'Nature Boy' is an alternate version and works quite well. 'Day In Day Out' I've never heard before. This album has entered the top 50 Billboard charts.

In addition to being one of the finest Jazz pianists ever, he possessed the dreamiest vocal instrument in recording history and became the most accomplished singer of Pop Music. His definitive, hauntingly beautiful and inspiring version of STARDUST alone is worth owning of this latest compilation, WORLD OF NAT KING COLE. Encompassing different phases from his Jazz Trio, Big Band Orchestra, Pop and Country tinged ballads, Swing, and an occasional sprinkle of rock and roll mid-tempo tunes this twenty-eight track disc of Nat King Cole standards, most definitive gems, will please even the merely curious or casual music lover. The "live" performance included here of the swingin' THOU SWELL, at The Sands Hotel, demonstrates what an exciting concert stage performer Cole was in front of an audience. A wonderful tribute and essay reminiscing the memories of her father, his famous musician friends and his music is authored by the artist's greatest legacy herself, Natalie Cole. Sibling Carole Cole also contributes "Thank You's" in the liner notes. This is a tremendous treasure of a disc and one of the better compilations issued in recent years. Now, I must go explore that early 1990's Capitol Records Nat King Cole Box Set I bought last year that I still have not opened and listened to. Always save the best for last! Mr. Cole, if only you knew how UNFORGETTABE you and your music have become throughout the passing years.