Nat King Cole Sings/George Shearing Plays
Nat King Cole · 1962
47 min · 15 tracks · jazz
Smooth jazz melodies intertwine with lush vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere that invites deep emotional reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fly Me to the Moon — This rendition captures the romantic essence of the classic while highlighting Cole's velvety voice against Shearing's exquisite piano work. Its combination of tender lyrics and elegant instrumentation makes it a standout love song.
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I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good — Cole's interpretation of this Duke Ellington standard reveals layers of emotion through subtle vocal inflections, perfectly complemented by Shearing's smooth piano lines. It's a masterclass in conveying melancholy through music.
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September Song Start here — This track encapsulates themes of nostalgia and reflection, with Cole’s rich timbre delivering poignant lyrics about aging. The arrangement beautifully underscores the song's contemplative nature.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong writing and cohesive arrangements, blending vocals and piano effectively.
What we noticed
- The arrangement often includes lush harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enrich the overall sound without overwhelming the listener.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 mid-tempo flow
- intimate listening experience
- smooth background ambiance
- reflective, contemplative moments
- consistent melodic sophistication
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its intimate jazz collaborations and emotional depth.
- Themes
- intimate jazz clubs· romantic nostalgia
- Career context
- By 1962, Nat King Cole was a celebrated artist in the jazz and pop scenes, transitioning from his earlier work into more personal collaborations. This album represents a significant partnership with pianist George Shearing, coming shortly after Cole's commercial success in the late 1950s with hits like 'Unforgettable'. It showcases Cole's enduring ability to blend vocal artistry with sophisticated arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Frank Sinatra· Ella Fitzgerald· Tony Bennett
Tracklist
- 1 September Song Start here 3:02
- 2 Pick Yourself Up 3:12
- 3 I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good 3:44
- 4 Let There Be Love 2:45
- 5 Azure-Te 3:55
- 6 Lost April 3:21
- 7 A Beautiful Friendship 2:41
- 8 Fly Me to the Moon 3:32
- 9 Serenata 3:04
- 10 I'm Lost 3:30
- 11 There's a Lull in My Life 2:27
- 12 Don't Go 2:34
- 13 Everything Happens to Me 3:20
- 14 The Game of Love 2:57
- 15 Guess I'll Go Back Home 2:50
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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