Search - George Shearing :: Once Again That Shearing Sound

A Classic Sound Revisited.

05/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In this CD, legendary jazz pianist George Shearing returns, after two decades, to the famous quintet setting that made him famous. Shearing's hornless quintet has an instantly recognizable sound with the upper and lower notes of the pianist's chords doubled by vibes and guitar respectively. This recording provides plenty of that famouns sound heard so often on memorable Shearing MGM and Capitol recordings in the 50's and 60's.Shearing, as has been customary throughout his more than 50 years in jazz, is in excellent form, playing wellexecuted solos including flowing single note lines combined with his trademark "locked hands" technique. Thisrecording has an excellent selection of tunes including nostalgic reminders of earlier Shearing quintet work such as "East of the Sun" and "I'll Never Smile Again". Also included are salutes to some of Shearing's favorite piansts suchas Bill Evans' "Very Early" and Horace Silver's "Strollin'". The set is rounded out by a selection of Shearing original compositions including "Conception" and, of course, his signature song, "Lullaby of Birdland." All in all, this recording is a pure joyto listen to and the high level of musicianship displayed by all involved makes it well worth the price."

Once Again: That Shearing Sound

George R. Stilwell, Jr. | Raleigh, NC USA | 08/19/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"What a dissappointment! I thought, "Finally, the Shearing Quintet in a modern recording. Now I can hear it like it was in the live performances I attended." Not So! I have great respect for Telarc, but they really butchered this one. It sounds like it was recorded through a donut - dead, dull, muffled.It is stereo, but that's all I can give it. The Quintet plays great as usual, but they're ruined by the recording. I only give it 3 stars because there is no other modern recording of the Quintet."

The Great Shearing Sound Revisited

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 05/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why am I writing this when the subject seems to be covered quite adequately by the two preceding reviews? Decent question! I guess I'm trying to lend more weight to what I believe to be a great cd, the technicality of the recording technique notwithstanding (there is validity to Mr. Stilwell's observations by the way.........just not enough to trash the music that was recorded).We will never hear again the likes of the music of the Shearing quintet such as it was from the 40's through 1978. Obviously I have enjoyed this recording and if you are familiar with "the Sound", there's no doubt in my mind that you will also.My personal favorites, aside from the Shearing revisited cuts, were Fritz Kreisler's "Stars In My Eyes", Bill Evans' "Very Early" Horace Silver's "Strollin'".Again, you will enjoy this cd.............and if you like this type of sound, may I recommend Gary Burton's cd, "Departure"(1997), for your consideration."