Search - Nat King Cole :: Unforgettable

Great value and a good selection of classics and rarities

C. V. Kauffman | 06/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This two-disc set from Proper Records (the same label that issued the fabulous "Cool Cole" box set) is priced very reasonably and it boasts 46 early, mono recordings, many of which are almost impossible to find elsewhere on CD. Sound quality is very natural and warm; the engineers didn't use much (if any) noise reduction on the 55-year-old tapes. The collection begins with recordings from early 1950 (where "Cool Cole" left off) and it continues through the summer of 1953. A nicely annotated booklet with authoritative session information is included.

Unlike so many Cole compilations, this set is very well thought-out. Highlights include "Red Sails In The Sunset," "Summer Is A-Coming In," and the original recording of "Funny." There's also a beautiful set of eight piano instrumentals -- all from the "Penthouse Serenade" sessions -- that kicks off Disc Two.

One very minor quibble: This must be the 15,449th Cole compilation to go by the title "Unforgettable." You'd think the folks at Proper Records would have chosen SOMETHING different for a title given the obvious care and attention they gave to the track listing, artwork, liner notes, etc.

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