Old Gold and Ivory
George Shearing · 1963
33 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A lush blend of classical melodies and jazz harmonies intertwines with Shearing's signature piano style, creating a serene listening experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ritual Fire Dance Start here — This opening track showcases Shearing's intricate piano work, setting the tone for the album with its vibrant rhythms and rich harmonies. The lively arrangement captivates listeners while incorporating elements of classical music into a jazz framework.
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None but the Lonely Heart — In this piece, Shearing's interpretation transforms Tchaikovsky's poignant melody into a reflective jazz ballad. The emotional depth he brings resonates deeply, illustrating his skill at blending genres and evoking mood.
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Fantaisie Impromptu — This track highlights Shearing’s technical mastery and creative improvisation as he navigates Chopin’s complex composition. His playful yet respectful approach reflects both his jazz roots and classical influences.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short pieces for quick enjoyment
- elegant melodies for reflective moments
- varied emotional landscapes throughout
- light themes for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer immersive experiences
- seek high-energy engagement
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in Shearing's discography, but not widely recognized as essential.
- Career context
- Released in 1963, Old Gold and Ivory marked George Shearing's transition into more experimental territory, following his successful album Latin Escapade. At this point in his career, Shearing had already established himself as a major figure in the cool jazz movement, yet this album showcased his ability to reinterpret classical pieces through a jazz lens, indicating his artistic evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Dave Brubeck· Chet Baker
Tracklist
- 1 Ritual Fire Dance Start here 2:50
- 2 Chopin Prelude, No. 20 2:11
- 3 Theme From Scheherazade 2:19
- 4 None but the Lonely Heart 3:42
- 5 Variations on a Theme of Paganini 2:30
- 6 Malaguena 1:57
- 7 Country Gardens 3:02
- 8 Lotus Land 3:40
- 9 Solveig's Sound 3:29
- 10 Fantaisie Impromptu 2:14
- 11 Pavane 5:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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