Is Latin Lace a good place to start with George Shearing?

Yes, Latin Lace is recommended as a starting point for new George Shearing listeners. Lush arrangements blend Latin rhythms with Shearing's signature cool jazz, creating an inviting atmosphere of romantic nostalgia. At the time of the release of 'Latin Lace' in March 1958, George Shearing was already a celebrated figure in jazz, known for his innovative piano style and successful crossover appeal. This album followed his commercial breakthrough with 'George Shearing Quintet' and showcased his ability to fuse jazz with Latin influences, marking a significant moment in his evolving artistry.

Who is Latin Lace for?

Latin Lace works well if you're into steady melodic flow throughout, for casual gatherings and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on Latin Lace?

Latin Lace has 12 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Latin Lace

George Shearing · 1958

30 min · 12 tracks · jazz

Lush arrangements blend Latin rhythms with Shearing's signature cool jazz, creating an inviting atmosphere of romantic nostalgia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Story of Love (Historia de un amor) Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its romantic melody and intricate harmonies, immediately showcasing Shearing's adept blending of jazz and Latin styles.
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Mambo Caribe — With its infectious rhythm and vibrant energy, this track exemplifies the playful spirit of the album, highlighting Shearing's skillful improvisation over lively percussion.
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It's Not for Me to Say — This poignant ballad demonstrates Shearing's sensitivity as a musician, featuring lush chords that create an intimate atmosphere while allowing space for emotional expression.
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Cali Mambo — A standout piece that captures the essence of Latin jazz, this track showcases rhythmic complexity combined with melodic charm, revealing Shearing's mastery in seamlessly integrating diverse musical influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends Latin rhythms with cool jazz, showcasing Shearing's piano and creating a romantic atmosphere.

What we noticed

The album features lush arrangements with a consistent use of Latin rhythms, creating a cohesive sound throughout.
Each track typically showcases Shearing's piano in the foreground, supported by strings and percussion that enhance the romantic atmosphere.
The tempo varies across tracks, but many maintain a relaxed pace that invites listeners to engage with the melodies.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic flow throughout
for casual gatherings
short tracks for quick enjoyment
vibrant rhythms for uplifting mood

Maybe skip if you

seekers of lengthy epics
prefer heavy, intense sound

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped popularize Latin jazz and solidified Shearing's reputation in the genre.
Career context: At the time of the release of 'Latin Lace' in March 1958, George Shearing was already a celebrated figure in jazz, known for his innovative piano style and successful crossover appeal. This album followed his commercial breakthrough with 'George Shearing Quintet' and showcased his ability to fuse jazz with Latin influences, marking a significant moment in his evolving artistry.
Stylistic neighbors: Bill Evans· Dave Brubeck· Chet Baker