A demonstration record on pianism
Ian Muldoon | Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia | 12/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a fan of Mr Shearing since his MGM days and his bebop
masterpieces of the forties when such musicians as the great Ms Margery Hyams and Mr Denzil Best were in his quintet remain some of my favourite memories of that period. His Lullaby of Birdland after all is a classic, and his interpretations of East of the Sun and September in the Rain which highlights his use of locked hands are iconic pieces from that period. Nevertheless,I confess he lost me for much of the intervening years when the music he issued on CD tended towards, at least to my ear, cruise ship music or cocktail jazz. The CD before you, rescued by Mr Cuscuna, is an absolute gem and a stunning example of Mr Shearing's pianism. May I draw your attention to just one track - Stella by Starlight - and dig it as an exemplary interpretation of a standard made magic by a formidable technique and a musical intelligence and imagination of the highest order. This may be the single finest Shearing album I own and include in that estimation all his quintet work on the Mosaic reissue."
Pure Magic
rvmama | Lantana, FL | 05/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Shearing Piano CD is pure magic. Loved every track; some were absolutely haunting."
LOVE THAT SHEARING
Sam | Maine USA | 06/13/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mr Shearing is one of my very favorite musicians. I have been lucky enough to hear him in person several times and it is a marvelous experience. The music is mellow and rich. You never go wrong with George Shearing."