Cole Español/More Cole Español CD review
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 11/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This excellent CD has the songs from two of Nat "King" Cole's record albums, Cole Español and More Cole Español. These songs get the royal treatment from Nat; he makes them shine and that's grand. The quality of the sound is very good and the artwork incorporates the original artwork from the record album cardboard jackets.
"Cachito" starts the CD with a pretty number; and that music fits in perfectly with Nat's singing. Nat's excellent diction enhances his performance even more. "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps)" charms me with its beauty; Nat delivers this with genuine emotion and the percussion enhances the music. "Acercate Mas (Come Closer to Me)" is a fine love song that Nat "King" Cole aces as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing--but of course we know that it really wasn't all that easy. Nat's talents always carried him through. "Grocer's Cha-Cha" is excellent for dancing even in our times; and listen for a Latin twist on the ageless Italian ballad "Arrivederci Roma."
"Te Quiero, Dijiste (Magic Is the Moonlight)" showcases Nat squarely front and center--right where he belongs for yet another Latin sounding love song! The music is very good and it complements Nat's vocals faultlessly. "Feria de Las Flores" is a very good number that has Nat "King" Cole singing at his very best. That style of music is something I could never tire of; and the backup singers harmonize to perfection--and beyond!
"Tres Palabras (Without You)" is both romantic and easy on the ear; and I really like "Adiós, Mariquita Linda (Adiós and Farewell)." What a beautiful ballad this is; and the strings really help to make it special as Nat delivers this straight from the heart! "Vaya con Dios (May God Be with You)" is a great standard that shines bright when Nat and these fine musicians perform it; it's one of my very favorite numbers on this CD. "Media Luz (When Lights Are Soft and Low)" is also very beautiful and the lush arrangement works wonders for this song. In addition, two more numbers I really enjoy are the two closing tracks, "Solamente una Vez (You Belong to My Heart)" and "Piel Canela (Cinnamon Skin)."
Nat "King" Cole never disappointed his adoring fans and audiences; and albums like this show that he could croon with the best of them even when he sang in Spanish! I highly recommend this album for Nat "King" Cole fans; even if you don't know a single word of Spanish the sheer beauty of the melodies will enchant you."
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1