AAA 100% Analogue This LP was Remastered using Pure Analogue Components Only from the Master Tapes through to the Cutting Head
Pure Pleasure / Capitol PPAN W782 - 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl
AAA 100% Analogue - Capitol W782
Mastered by Steve Hoffman , Kevin Grey & Ron McMaster at Capitol
6 Bonus Tracks - Limited Edition - Pressed at Pallas Germany
Stereophile Magazine Record to Die For!
'Records to Die For' in the February 2011 issue of Stereophile!
"…The sound, like many Capitols from the era, is sweet and warm. And the 180-gram remastered pressing, from the British company Pure Pleasure Records, is superb. It's mono, but there's no sense of horizontal squeeze; there's plenty of depth, every instrument sounds like itself, you hear all of them plainly. Nat and each of the soloists are in the room." – Fred Kaplan, The Absolute Sound
"…Of his jazz recordings, which generally have disappointing sound, this one presents the best marriage of great performance and sonic merit. Cole's singing is just that much better with these great jazz arrangements and this new package by Pure Pleasure spreads the original album's 12 tunes across two 180 gram LPs whilst adding an additional 6 numbers from the 1956 sessions…an unqualified success." Recording = 9/10; Music = 9/10 – Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi+, Issue 45
Man I've got to give it to Steve & Kevin. They really outdid themselves on this one. This is one of those LPs where you think "now I know what reviewers mean by black backgrounds" when you listen to it. Given the age of the tapes the noise level is lower than you could hope for...The black background and low noise floor really let you hear the music...and the music is incredible. This isn't Nat King Cole doing pop standards...these are jazz standards and each song has a guest soloist such as Willie Smith, Sweets Edison, Juan Tizol or Stuff Smith. Great stuff! If you're into vinyl and have any interest in jazz whatsover this is well worthit. You may just have a new reference LP. LP Review
Although Cole is renowned for pop hits such as "Stardust", he was also an accomplished jazz pianist. Nat "King" Cole is joined by a noteworthy group of artists including Willie Smith, Harry Edison, Juan Tizol, and Stuff Smith. Also featured are John Collins, Charlie Harris, Lee Young, and Jack Costanzo.
Nat "King" Cole' s music is the perfect combination of romantic charm and musical invention. Cole is renowed for his big production numbers and pop hits such hits 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 (saxaphone.trombone,trumpet,procussion and violin). The dubious credits don't matter that much.
This is precious music and without doubt, one of Cole's best records. Included here are wonderful and intimate renditions of Cole favourites "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". For anybody looking into understand the depth and breadth of Cole's jazz roots, this disc is an excellent point of departure.
One of the unfortunate consequences of Nat "King" Cole's exquisite career as a vocalist is that many fans have forgotten what an exceptional pianist he was. Moreover, Cole influenced pianists as chronologically and geographically divergent as Oscar Peterson, Brazil's Tania Maria, and Diana Krall. After Midnight serves up equal doses of Cole's vocals and piano playing. From the lush beauty of "What Is There To Say" to the mid-tempo swing of "When I Grow Too Old To Dream" to the lightening quick "I Know That You Know",
Cole confirms his place in both Popular Vocalist history and Jazz Piano history as well. In a recording featuring such luminaries as Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet, and the often forgotten violinist Stuff Smith, After Midnight is the perfect offering for any fan of the Nat "King" Cole Trio as well as those fans who are more familiar with Cole as a vocalist. A perfect blend is found here.
Gatefold sleeve including 6 bonus tracks not included on the orginal vinyl Lp.
Produced by: Lee Gillette
Remastered by: Ron McMaster, Steve Hoffman & Kevin Grey
Recorded at: Recorded at Capitol Studios, Los Angeles, Calafornia U.S.A
15th August and 24th September 1956
Musicians:
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
Selections:
LP 1
1. Just You, Just Me
2. Sweet Lorraine
3. Sometimes I'm Happy
4. Caravan
5. It's Only a Paper Moon
6. You're Looking At Me
7. Lonely One
8. Don't Let It Go To Your Head
9. I Know That You Know
10. Blame It On My Youth
LP 2
1. When I Grow Too Old To Dream
2. Route 66
3. I Was a Little Too Lonely (And You Were a Little Too Late)
4. You Can Depend On Me
5. What Is There to Say
6. Two Loves Have I
7. Candy
8. You're Looking At Me
Recorded at Capitol Studios, Los Angeles, California between August 15 & September 24, 1956.
Pure Pleasure Records
The Restoration of the Art of Sound
180g Vinyl Mastered From The Best Available Sources
There really is nothing quite like it. It’s the touch, the feel, you have to stop and stare, the cover, the real thing, even the smell.
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