George Shearing (Koch Jazz: The Heart and Soul of Joe Williams and George Shearing / Out of this World

Title:The Heart and Soul of Joe Williams and George Shearing / Out of this World

Year:2001

Artist Name:George Shearing

Record Label:Koch Jazz (51001 / 51002)

Genre:Mainstream

Koch Jazz's George Shearing Collector's Series.

Hailing from London, George Shearing has been making music for the past six decades. He has been on hand for the development of Jazz since Be Bop. He penned the standard "Lullaby of Birdland" as well as the oft-cited "Conception. Presently are two Koch Jazz re-releases of two dates Shearing had with self-founded Sheba Records in the early 1970s. The Heart and Soul of Joe Williams was actually released later than Out Of This World. Hitting the streets in 1971, The Heart and Soul... has been a bit hard to find as of late but has now been restored to its previous glory. It is a splendid concept recording with songs containing the words "Heart" and "Soul." Most striking is getting to hear Joe Williams outside of a blues context. He was a fine ballad and torch singer. "Heart and Soul" absolutely swings while "My Foolish Heart" has a bit of Latin whimsy. "Blues in My Heart" captures Williams in his most familiar territory. Shearing's accompaniment is tasteful (could it be anyway else?). The Three Sound's Andy Simpkins on bass and the Crusaders's Stix Hooper on drums complete the rhythm section.

Out of this World is a splendid solo offering by Shearing that, as a collection, sounds more like Chopin's Nocturnes than jazz. Shearing's touch is extra light and his grace notes well chosen. The title song is light and airy as is the Beatles's "Hey Jude." "Let it Snow" is blissfully seasonal and "How do You Say 'Auf Wiedersehn'" is simply beautiful. George Shearing, like Oscar Peterson, has had a long and uncontroversial career. On one hand this might make a biography a bit boring, but on the other hand they are still here to continue making music well into advanced age. Like Cal Ripkin, Jr., George Shearing showed up to play and played and played and played and played. He has recorded prolifically and always at a very high level. I say "Bravo" to such a successful work ethic and career and wish Mr. Shearing many more recordings.