Nat King Cole - After Midnight (2LP, Mono)
Tracks C3, C4, D1, D2, D3 & D4 are bonus material not found on original LP
John Collins (Guitar), Charlie Harris (Bass), Lee (Leonidas) Young (Drums), Willie Smith (Alto Saxophone), Harry "Sweets" Edison (Trumpet), Stuff Smith (Violin), Juan Tizol (Trombone), Jack Costanza (Congas,Bongos)
2 LPs, gatefold sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Mono
Studio
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Pure Pleasure Records
Original Label : Capitol
Tracks :
1. Just You, Just Me
2. Sweet Lorraine
3. Sometimes I’m Happy
4. Caravan
5. It’s Only A Paper Moon
1. You’re Looking At Me
2. The Lonely One
3. Don’t Let It Go To Your Head
4. I Know That You
5 .Know/ Blame It On My Youth
1. When I Grow To Old To Dream
2. Route 66
3. I Was A Little Too Lonely (And You Were A Little Too Late)
4. You Can Depend On Me
1. What Is There To Say
2. Two Loves Have I
3. Candy
4. You’re Looking At Me (alternate take)
Awards:
« Nat "King" Cole' s music is the perfect combination of romantic charm and musical invention. Cole is renowed for his big production numbers and pop hits such hits as "Stardust" , but he was also an accomplished and unique jazz pianist and excelled in a small-group setting. After Midnight's album cover states that this is a "trio" release. However, Cole is actually paired up with his trio plus five guest soloists (saxaphone.trombone,trumpet,procussion and violin). The dubious credits don't matter that much. This is precious music and without doubt, one of Cole's best records. Included here are wonderful and intimate renditions of Cole favourites "Sweet Lorraine", "(Get your kicks on) Route 66" and many others. Trombonist Juan Tizol performs a beautiful version of his Afro-Cuban tune "Caravan", and Cole and violinist Stuff Smith trade some hot licks on the up-tempo "I Know". For anybody looking into understand the depth and breadth of Cole's jazz roots, this disc is an excellent point of departure.
One of the unfortunate consequences of Nat "King" Cole's exquisite career as a vocalist is that many fans have forgotten what an exceptional pianist he was. Moreover, Cole influenced pianists as chronologically and geographically divergent as Oscar Peterson, Brazil's Tania Maria, and Diana Krall. After Midnight serves up equal doses of Cole's vocals and piano playing. From the lush beauty of "What Is There To Say" to the mid-tempo swing of "When I Grow Too Old To Dream" to the lightening quick "I Know That You Know", Cole confirms his place in both Popular Vocalist history and Jazz Piano history as well. In a recording featuring such luminaries as Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet, and the often forgotten violinist Stuff Smith, After Midnight is the perfect offering for any fan of the Nat "King" Cole Trio as well as those fans who are more familiar with Cole as a vocalist. A perfect blend is found here." L. J. Allen