Search - Nat King Cole :: Nat King Cole Trio: Instrumental Classics

Oscar's Primary Progenitor?

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 08/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If like me you came to jazz after 1955, chances are you're quite familiar with Nat the pop singing star but know far less about his piano prowess. This is the album that finally set the record straight for me--he was above all a talented, creative jazz pianist whose sensual voice seduced not only the public but Nat as well into listening exclusively to its promises of fame and fortune. Had he not sung a note, he would no doubt have taken his place right alongside Teddy Wilson and Art Tatum. In fact, listening to him on this album is so much like hearing Oscar Peterson (who ironically inherited Nat's singing voice as well) that I've had to revise my life-long assumption that Oscar was above all a descendant of Tatum. The Cole lineage seems ever more traceable, especially when you consider that one of Oscar's favorite jazz performances was "Easy Listening Blues," one of 18 tracks on this CD.Twenty-five years ago I had a chance to have a brew or two with Monty Alexander. When I asked him if Oscar was a major influence, he responded: "Yes, but not as much as Nat." Now I finally understand what he was talking about.(Note: No doubt Capitol will replace this 1992 reissue with a remastered version minus the surface noise. Bear in mind, however, that there's always a trade-off: Eliminating "scratchy" sounds also erases high-frequency musical information.)"

King Cole Trio, Greatest Small Band Ever

G. E. Williams | White Plains, Westchester County, New York | 03/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nat Cole was a great band leader and arranger besides being a great vocalist and pianist. The first eleven selections are outstanding "Jumpin' At Capitol" through "Rhumba Azul." The next four are basically piano solos with accompanment by the guitar and the bass. The last three are average with annoying bongos/congas. But the first eleven with what Will Friedwald termed the greatest edition of the King Cole Trio (Cole, guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Johnny Miller) overwhelmingly makes this a five-star CD album that the inferior quality of the last seven does not detract from it. In my opinion, Capitol should have included "I Know That You Know," "To A Wild Rose," "Rex Rhumba," "In The Cool Of The Evening," and "Laguna Mood" in lieu of the last seven.



The way Cole, Moore and Miller treated "The Man I Love" by the Gershwin Brothers rates as classical jazz. It is the best rendition of that great work of art that I ever heard. In fact "The Man I Love" with "Body And Soul," by Johnny Green and et al, Rachmaninov's "Prelude In C Sharp Minor" and Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love" constitute the greatest date (January 17, 1944) in recorded history for small group jazz.



Enjoy the music by the King Cole Trio as I have since 1963 when I was a fourteen-year old kid.



G. E. Williams, White Plains, Westchester County, New York"

Early Nat King Cole, the making of a legend.

Brian Schiff | 08/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before Nat King Cole became famous for his vocal style, he was the leader of this phenomenal jazz trio. This 1992 release showcases Mr. Cole's roots as a jazz instrumentalist. If you're looking to build a great jazz collection, I highly recommend this compilation!"