Nat "King" Cole After Midnight CD

Digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by Ron McMaster.

The AFTER MIDNIGHT sessions were Nat "King" Cole's attempt in 1956 to get a little more in touch with his jazz roots, once again accompanying himself on piano--at one time Cole was considered the heir to Teddy Wilson--and playing with a small combo that included Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet, Juan Tizol on trombone, and Ray Nance on violin. As such it was a highly succesful date for Cole and Co. and it stands up more than 50 years later. This was no mere jam session but a chance to hear Cole vocalizing in a non-orchestral setting, just like his early trio but this time singing full-fledged standards like "What Is There To Say?" and the beautifully rendered "You're Looking At Me," not just the familiar Cole trio novelties. THE COMPLETE AFTER MIDNIGHT SESSIONS gathers the 21 master takes that were recorded at the time, three more than the previous "complete" edition on Capitol.

Once Nat King Cole gave up playing piano on a regular basis and instead focused on a series of easy listening vocal albums, jazz fans longed for him to return to his first love. These 1956 studio sessions made up Cole's last jazz-oriented disc, where he played piano and sang on every number, joined by several guest soloists. Cole's vocals are impeccable and swinging, while his piano alternates between providing subdued backgrounds and light solos that don't reveal his true potential on the instrument. Willie Smith's smooth alto sax buoys the singer in the brisk take of "Just You, Just Me." Harry "Sweets" Edison's muted trumpet complements the leader in his interpretation of "Sweet Lorraine." Composer Juan Tizol's valve trombone and former Cole sideman Jack Costanzo's bongos add just the right touch to the brisk take of "Caravan." Stuff Smith's humorous, unusually understated violin is a nice touch in "When I Grow Too Old to Dream." The original version of this release featured a dozen tracks, later expanded to 17 in the '80s with the discovery of some unreleased material, included in both a British LP reissue and the massive 16-CD box set issued by Mosaic. But even those editions lack the alternate take of "You're Looking at Me" included only on this expanded CD reissue that appeared for the first time in 1999. It's hard for any Nat King Cole fan to ignore these important sessions. ~ Ken Dryden

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

Recorded at Capitol Studios, Los Angeles, California between August 15 & September 24, 1956. Includes liner notes by Ralph J. Gleason and Michael Cuscuna.

Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.

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).

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