Nat King Cole Trio - After Midnight: The Complete Session

Nat "King" Cole endured more than his share of scorn and rebuke from all manner of fans and critics. He wasn't jazzy enough to satisfy many, not white enough to please the pop cultural obsession with Anglo- and Euro-American stardom. In answer to all of this, Cole simply proceeded, crooning beautifully even after he'd walked away from the piano and become primarily a vocal sensation. This 1956 collection is famous as Cole's riposte to the critique that he wasn't jazzy. The session brings several Swing Era stars on board: violinist Stuff Smith, trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, trombonist Juan Tizol, and alto saxophonist Willie Smith. The horns and violin fronted a semistandard jazz setup of guitar, drums, and percussion, along with Cole's own considerable chops on piano. As an improviser, Cole heavily influenced a generation of ivory ticklers, including Oscar Peterson and others, and here he shows himself a stellar pianist. His runs bespeak Cole's utter perfection on the keyboard. This is a crucial document. --Andrew Bartlett Amazon.com

Sounds great in 2009

This entire CD sounds great to my ears in 2009. No sappy strings. Great musicians and jazz -- not pop -- arrangements. For me this CD (After Midnight) endures much better than his Love Songs with strings. I especially like You Can Depend on Me and Just You, Just Me (a song I first heard in the movie New York, New York, and I also recommend Liza Minnelli's version on the soundtrack, even though I am not a big Liza fan). I like this better than the King Cole Trio, although I like that a lot. January 1, 2009

The BEST of Cole

This disc lacks the identification with pop music and showcases BOTH Cole's jazz vocal and jazz piano playing talents unlike most of his later work. The sound production is quite good unlike most of his early recordings. The Trio musicians are top notch. For these four reasons, this is the best Cole disc to own. December 22, 2008

The best piano player you've never heard of

Oh sure, you've heard of Nat "King" Cole. You can probably even name one or two of the songs he made famous (like Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" or Evans' and Livingston's "Mona Lisa"). But did you know that Nat Cole is also a consummate piano player? You did? I don't believe you. Actually, my piano instructor told me that Nat was a really great pianist, and The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings: Eighth Edition (Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings) also mentions Cole's virtuosity. So, while I can't say I was surprised by just how good this CD is, I can say I was amazed and delighted. This is another gem of great vocal jazz with a solid backing band threatening to steal the limelight at every turn. Every song just leaves an incredibly indelible impression. I listened to it once through and was so taken by it, I just sat right down and listened to most of it again. As I write this, I have several other new CD's that I just purchased that I haven't listened to yet because I'm so reluctant to take this one out of my player. Believe me: If you've heard Nat sing and you liked it, you'll like him even more when he's playing along with himself on piano with his trio behind him. The sound is clean and the production first rate. The songs are occasionally quaint but always riveting and interesting. Each one has its own timeless essence that comes from superior execution and solid songwriting. There really isn't another CD quite like this. You'll feel like Nat is in the room with you, showing you how much fun it is to sing and play jazz music. This CD receives as high a recommendation as any jazz recording I own.

After you buy this one, you can get a similar but more modern take on some different tunes by checking out Nat's brother, Freddy Cole, on Music Maestro Please. It's a Grammy nominated recording that doesn't disappoint.
November 8, 2008

Jazz Classic

Without doubt the best Nat Cole album you can buy. Some of his classic Jazz Trio albums may be more important, and his easy listening vocal albums were better sellers but this is the best compromise.

Both a fabulously laid back Jazz album and a vehicle for Nat's wonderful vocals. Add in guests Harry Edison on Trumpet, Willie Smith on alto Sax, Juan Tizol Trombone and Stuff Smith on violin and you have a perfect album.

Nat Cole was one of the great Jazz Pianists before his vocal skills stole the limelight. He was a big influence on Oscar Peterson. When you listen to this album everything he plays (and sings for that matter) seems effortless, and thats because as a pianst he was blessed with great technique. In the 1940's he won numerous awards as best Jazz Pianist.

However this album also shows off that pure and eloquent voice. Every word and syllable is clear. The only other singer I know with a comparable voice is Johnny Hartman. So buy this album and you get the best of both worlds. Nat King Cole, great Piano playing and great voice, plus wonderful guests = 5 star CD.
September 7, 2007

fine collection of jammin' tunes from the Nat King Cole Trio

The Nat King Cole Trio made some REALLY great music; and this CD proves it all the way. The fine sound quality enhances the value of this CD; and we get a good look at the artistry of this group.

The CD track set begins with "Just You, Just Me." The trio give this ballad a jazzier rendition to make it all their own; and Nat's voice is in perfect form! Nat's piano works wonders with the bass and the alto saxophone. Great! "Sweet Lorraine" slows down the pace a bit with this slower tempo ballad. Nat sings this to perfection and in their competent hands "Sweet Lorraine" is a new, fresh masterpiece. Wonderful.

"It's Only A Paper Moon" gets another jazzy treatment from the trio; the tempo speeds up a bit more than usual to enhance the beauty of this number. "It's Only A Paper Moon" shines like gold! There are also very subtle tempo changes to make this ballad all their own, too. "Blame It On My Youth" gives us a wistful ballad with Juan Tizol on valve trombone. Nat massages the lyrics to "Blame It On My Youth" as he infuses this ballad with great sensitivity and charm. What a treat! "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66" gets a splendid jazzy treatment as the trio jams as only they could. Nat sings well and the horn works wonders for this number.

"I Was A Little Too Lonely (And You Were A Little Too Late)" sports a happy melody that belies the sadness of the lyrics about a love that went wrong. Nat boasts, however, that he's going to get even with his former girlfriend in "I Was A Little Too Lonely (And You Were A Little Too Late)." Very good! "Candy" gives us yet another sublime ballad about a man's love for his woman; this is one tune I predict that you will like very, very much.

The liner notes give you the song credits. You get both the original record album liner notes by Ralph J. Gleason and the CD liner notes by Michael Cuscuna. The CD artwork reflects good judgment.

The Nat King Cole Trio produced some of the greatest work by any trio during the entire twentieth century. We are fortunate to have their fine work recorded here on CD; and hopefully people will be able to enjoy their artistry for ages to come.
August 9, 2007

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