aaamusic | On 02, Jul 2014

The iconic Afro American singer and musician Nat King Cole was extremely well known as a jazz pianist through the ’40s, ’50 and ’60s and beyond. He had a soft and silky baritone voice, played in big bands, hosted a TV variety show and helped establish Capitol Records.

This 36 track compilation album The Extraordinary, released last month, 2014 on the CMG label, was remastered by Robert Vosgien with liner notes from James Ritz. The accompanying 30-page booklet has numerous photographs, producer credits, arranger credits and recording dates. Collectively, its appeal may be more for fans with a long term commitment to Nat King Cole.

Many popular hits appear such as ‘L-O-V-E’ and ‘Almost Like Being In Love.’ There are also 14 rare or previously lost and unheard arrangements which were rediscovered by Alex Luke, former EVP of A&R at Capitol Records. These include ‘Mona Lisa,’ ‘Straighten Up And Fly Right,”Unforgettable,”The Christmas Song,’ and ‘(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons.’ Some alternative takes are quite different from the original recordings, whilst others are very similar, but there is a sense of quality and quantity throughout.

Nat King Cole was legendary. He had a natural sense of ease and confidence and was much loved as a singer of romantic ballads. His distinctive and  recognisable voice sparkled and he had a remarkable sense of swing and rhythm. Here is a celebration of those magical and refreshing moments that illustrate why he became so successful and influential in the world of music.

★★★★★

Anthony Weightman