Album Reviews

Recorded in glorious mono in 1956 and issued first in 1957, this set of small combo standards with Cole both singing and playing the piano remains as fresh and vital as it did when originally released. 

Cole's transition from jazz pianist to pop crooner irked some old fans so Nat went into the studio and recorded the crisply punctuated small group set with guest artists alto saxist Willie Smith, trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, violinist Stuff smith and trombonist Juan Tizol.

Recorded in glorious mono in 1956 and issued first in 1957, this set of small combo standards with Cole both singing and playing the piano remains as fresh and vital as it did when originally released. 

Cole's transition from jazz pianist to pop crooner irked some old fans so Nat went into the studio and recorded the crisply punctuated small group set with guest artists alto saxist Willie Smith, trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, violinist Stuff smith and trombonist Juan Tizol.

Among the tunes are Cole favorites "It's Only a Paper Moon", "Route 66," "Sweet Lorraine" and "Just You, Just Me."

Cole's singing and playing are marvelously crisp and precise on what would be his final pure jazz recording.

The 3 45rpm LP set includes five bonus tracks not on the original LP, two of which are alternative takes of "Just You, Just Me" and "It's Only a Paper Moon."

The set was mastered from the original full track, superb sounding mono tape. If you need convincing about the greatness of mono recordings, try this explosive set! The power and presence of the instruments and Cole's voice will throw you back in your chair as will the three-dimensionality of the single track presentation. 

Note: A few years ago Pure Pleasure issued this album at 33 1/3 with some other bonus tracks on a second disc. When i compared it to an original black label Capitol, the results were disappointing. It sounded "digital" and indeed it was cut from a digital master, which is something Pure Pleasure never does.

It turns out that due to a processing screw-up, the usually perfect Pallas plating facility ruined the lacquers. The cost of the re-cut was prohibitive for what PP figured was a limited interest release. To its credit, the sticker on the front did not say "analogue," unlike every other title the label has issued.

If you bought that one and like the music, you really need to buy this incredible-sounding version. The transfer is as close to the sound of a master tape as you're likely to hear in my opinion.

Highly recommended!