Nat "King" Cole After Midnight: The Complete Session CD

Personnel: Nat "King" Cole (vocals, piano); Willie Smith (alto saxophone); Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet); Juan Tizol (valve trombone); Stuff Smith (violin); John Collins (guitar); Charlie Harris (bass); Lee Young (drums); Jack Costanzo (congas, bongos).
Producer: Lee Gillette.
Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
Recorded at Capitol Studios, Los Angeles, California between August 15 & September 24, 1956. Includes liner notes by Ralph J. Gleason and Michael Cuscuna.
Digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by Ron McMaster.
Personnel: Nat King Cole (vocals, piano); John Collins (guitar); Stuff Smith (violin); Willie Smith (alto saxophone); The Harry "Sweets" Edison Orchestra, Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet); Juan Tizol (valve trombone); Charlie Harris, Lee Young (drums); Jack Costanzo (congas, bongos).
Audio Remasterer: Larry Walsh.
Liner Note Authors: Michael Cuscuna; Pete Welding; Ralph J. Gleason.
Recording information: Capitol studios, Los Angeles, CA (08/15/1956-09/02/1956); Studio A, Capitol Tower, Hollywood, CA (08/15/1956-09/02/1956).
After several years of hearing criticism from the jazz press about his decision to break up his trio and become a pop singer, Nat "King" Cole was persuaded to record this jazz set. Joined by a strong rhythm section (including guitarist John Collins), Cole welcomed four guests for several selections apiece: altoist Willie Smith, trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, violinist Stuff Smith, and valve trombonist Juan Tizol. The performances on this CD (which include five selections released for the first time) are quite enjoyable, highlighted by "Just You, Just Me," "Sweet Lorraine," "It's Only a Paper Moon," and "Route 66." Cole did hedge his bet a bit by not recording any instrumentals or having any performances feature his trio without a guest. Despite that, this is a great set, and the last time that Nat King Cole would perform an album's worth of jazz material. ~ Scott Yanow
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 "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.

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JazzTimes (3/97, p.99) - "...this is classy music for mellow hours, before or after midnight."