Search - Nat King Cole :: To Whom It May Concern

To Whom It May Concern

Carl L. Freeland | North Carolina | 10/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a special CD. When I was a college freshman a long time ago in the mid-60's I found this album and checked it out of the library and renewed it every three weeks for two years. After I was married in the early 70's my wife and I found another unopened album in New York City and paid $25.00. Basically, we wore this album out after several years. When it was released and reappeared on CD in the 90's it was a dream come true. The unique melodies and the superb Nelson Riddle orchestra backing up Nat Cole are a combination unequalled and captured for a lifetime. If you are looking for what I would call "one of a kind songs" like A Thousand Thoughts of You and from a master of musical expression, you will be pleased with To Whom It May Concern."

A Truly Lovely Experience

alongthehall | listening bliss | 11/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nat King Cole's exquisite voice lovingly performs 12 seldom-heard ballads to the exquisite orchestrations of Nelson Riddle. Nat's mature voice is priceless, of course, and good examples of his singing are a treat you can enjoy your whole life long.Whether the atmosphere brings to mind a beautiful park (amazingly like the cover!), nice suburban digs, a cozy club on a golf course in the '50's, or just plain suspended bliss, it's a lovely painting in sound. Nelson Riddle's orchestrations utilize both brass and strings with his typical dexterity. The colors are appropriately light yet soft for this project.My favorite track is the title track, with its delicate mood of loving, wistful sorrow. Another choice would be 'Can't Help It', another airy if ardent piece of bliss that goes from Ultra-smooth to roof-blasting (brilliantly recorded!) Big Band, all in the same breath so to speak. Nat's singing holds an obvious sensitivity and affection, in fact this may be the single best showing of that particular quality to his work. Listen to the tag on 'The Heart Of Jane Doe' and of course the title track for prime examples of this special quality he had.The stereo sound was magnificently recorded (in that prime year for "natural" stereo sound, 1958), and sounds rather good here, if definitely over-processed in the digital transfer. No "improvement" was called for, but they couldn't leave great enough alone. The results of the tampering can sound anywhere from negligible to harmful depending on listening conditions. An audiophile issue of this CD would be a heavenly listen.Also of note to Nat's fans is the fact that the title track was written by Nat, and the song "Unfair" was recorded by Nat a couple of years prior to Nat rerecording it for this album. There were many other tracks recorded in the sessions producing these songs, and many may well make great bonus tracks for a future reissue (hint hint).I would have to say that some may have found it a bit "precious," but it has aged in a way that its appeal is still potent. If one gives it a fair try, they may find themselves fond of it. If you enjoy good vocals, ballads and/or orchestration and can get a copy of this CD, odds are you'll never part with it unless it's to get a better reissue of it in the future.- CJ"