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.
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.
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JazzTimes (3/97, p.99) - "...this is classy music for mellow hours, before or after midnight."
Cole returns to his roots At a time (1956) when Cole was riding high as a pop singer, Capitol Records wisely chose to record him as a jazz trio, augmented by drums and several guest artists: Harry "Sweets" Edison, Juan Tizol, Stuff Smith, and Willie Smith. These recordings are of high quality, with superb musicianship from all the players, and are looser and more spontaneous than the earlier trio sides. Cole's voice has matured and is even more musical, and the trio, driven my Lee Young (Lester's brother) on drums and Charlie Harris on bass (both of whom came out of the Lionel Hampton organization) is top-notch in the swing department. The selections feature fresh versions of the trio recordings that became such huge hits, and include a number of new standards that are just as wonderful. Cole's piano chops, under-rated by some at the time but now seen as pivotal and influential, are in full display on this, my favorite Nat King Cole recording. Submitted by rick (Arvada CO) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Nat-urally the Best Ah, yes, this is Nat at his best, away from some of the tin pan alley stuff he did, which sold well, but was not, musically the equal of this mix of light swing. Highly recommended Submitted by encrusted (Port Macquarie Australia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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