Nat King Cole After Midnight ( blue180g vinyl LP )

Release date: 17-07-2018 (originally released in 1956)

2018 EU reissue on  180g coloured vinyl LP - The incredibly perfect blending of Nat King Cole's supreme talents as jazz pianist/vocalist with small combos featuring fellow jazz alumni and commercial pop and jazz material proved to be wildly successful with this 1956 release. After Midnight firmly displays the depth of Cole's jazz roots and it maintains the perfect balance between romantic charm and musical invention. The last full-length jazz record Cole would release, it includes contributions from guitarist John Collins, trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, violinist Stuff Smith, and valve trombonist Juan Tizol.

Tracks:
A1     Just You, Just Me
A2     Sweet Lorraine
A3     Sometimes I'm Happy
A4     Caravan
A5     It's Only A Paper Moon
A6     You're Looking At Me
A7     I Was A Little Too Lonely (And You Were A Litlle Too Late)

B1     Lonely One
B2     Don't Let It Go To Your Head
B3     I Know That You Know
B4     Blame It On My Youth
B5     When I Grow Too Old To Dream
B6     (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66
B7     Candy

Nat 'King' Cole's music is the perfect combination of romantic charm and musical invention. Cole is renowned for his big production numbers and pop hits such as 'Stardust,' but he was also an accomplished and unique jazz pianist and excelled in a small-group setting.

After Midnight's album cover states that this is a 'trio' release. However, Cole is actually paired up with his trio plus five guest soloists (saxophone, trombone, trumpet, percussion and violin). The dubious credits don't matter much though. This is precious music and, without a doubt, one of Cole's best records. Included here are wonderful and intimate renditions of Cole favorites like'Sweet Lorraine,' '(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66' and many others. Trombonist Juan Tizol performs a beautiful version of his Afro-Cuban tune 'Caravan,' and Cole and violinist Stuff Smith trade some hot licks on the up-tempo 'I Know That You Know.' For anybody looking to understand the depth and breadth of Cole's jazz roots, this disc is an excellent point of departure.