– I’m in a Nat Cole frame of mind with these reviews. I find him my favorite balladeer during the cool months. Nat’s voice, pacing and instrumentation are just so warm, they compliment the cool seasons. This double album CD offers a selection of Cole standards that were recorded when the guy was at the top of his game. Recorded in 1960 & 1961, Nat Cole knew exactly what he was doing with every track. Both have the full backing of large studio orchestras, yet threading through the rich brassy backgrounds are Nat King Cole and his beautiful piano playing. There’s a wonderful blend of both known and forgotten ballads and standards that will draw the listener in with the familiar yet also entertain with a song or three you’re unfamiliar with. Anyone of our fall drink picks would be a perfect match with this 24 song double album. This collection will easily hold its own through a party. Songs include Funny, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, I Remember You, & Until The Real Thing Comes Along.

– A really perfect example of the West Coast jazz sound, this 1950’s recording by alto sax master Art Pepper musically explains the differences between what was coming out of San Francisco & Los Angeles around the same time Miles Davis, Mingus, Coltrane & the bohemian NY 50’s sound was making its way up and out of the caverns of the Big Apple. This record may remind you of Chet Baker in its cool, jazzy optimism, but it stands a few yards apart. Art Pepper blew sax as no one had ever done. Sure it’s intense, light and melodic, it will definitely hold up in a small gathering and compliment your gingery cocktails, yet, there’s an undercurrent of hard knocks on the record. Like many great musicians, Pepper did some time for drugs and the like. The hardships weep through a little on this gorgeous record. He’s a master, and recordings like this demonstrate that skill in an hour’s time. Songs include Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered, Begin The Beguine, Blues In & Summertime.

– All right, all right…I know what you’re thinking. This kid has not earned his stripes. How in the sam-heck can this young man have the experience to croon on some of the most recognized ballads ever written? He’s too young to have the chops. Well, my answer would be that you have to start sometime, and if this early album is any indication of things yet to come, I’ll bet on the kid. His voice is great and, unlike Buble’ or Connick, reminds me of no particular singer of standards who’s come before. You can hear the Italian upbringing in it, softly and subtly, which is a nice thing. You can also hear that the gravel and thickness of age has yet to hit the singer, which isn’t always a good thing but works here. There’s a musical optimism that shines through. Songs 50, 60 years old sound new again which I didn’t feel was possible. Masculine enough to own the song he’s singing, Belsante’s voice also sounds young, crisp and jazzy. Look, I guess what I’m saying is that you gotta buy “new” sometimes, and this record is a surprising example of something old/something new. Songs include Beyond The Sea, At Last, Blame It On My Youth & Witchcraft.

– This kinda did kick-off the new wave of standards, crooners, kid jazz-singers, and bag-band appreciation. I know. I was right there standin’ in line to catch this young upstart at the Kennedy Center on Thanksgiving eve in the 80’s right as this record hit. I loved this album a whole lot more than I liked the movie from which it sprang. Who was this kid who could wrap a huge brass, swing band around himself and sing the songs that you used to hear in the car in the mornings with your dad as he drove you to school? Harry Connick Jr. sings like Sinatra…only different, only he has his own voice. I know it sounds confusing because it is kind of confusing. Connick brought it all back with this album and made the world listen again. I will never stop thanking him for that nor will I ever stop listening to this album in the fall because it is an autumn record. Unlike the movie, the music doesn’t date itself. Brassy, bold, melodic & beautifully sung, this 20+-year-old collection of jazz ballads and big band powerhouses should still send you. Songs include I Could Write A Book, It Had To Be You, But Not For Me & Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off.

– A pretty interesting “grand experiment,” here’s a Nat Cole album that just doesn’t fit the bill. Even more intimate than usual, Mr. Cole takes a small group of accomplished jazz musicians and attempts a more inventive style of music. It took a song or two for me to get my ear around it, but, with the help of an Applejack cocktail and some quiet time in the living room, I opened right up to Nat’s chance. I wouldn’t play this at a bustling party, it would get lost and audibly pushed aside. You play this during a dinner party or back at the ranch with friends after a night out. It’s a slightly demanding collection of recognizable popular songs; it’s just the smaller instrumentation deserves a bit of attention. What I like so much about this record is that one can really hear Nat Cole steering the ship. His vision isn’t lost in a forest of brass and drums and up-tempos even though there are some toe-tappers on this album. Go figure, a smaller Nat King Cole album that sounds much more like a 1950’s night out at The Village Vanguard or other jazz club than it does a large production. Songs include Just You, Just Me, Sometimes I’m Happy, Blame It On My Youth, & I Know That You Know.

– A great voice is a great voice and, of course, I realize that not every singer is only perfect for cocktails. I’m just suggesting artists that might combine well with your single malt, martini, or gimlet. Brook Benton can just as easily and perfectly be listened to on a drive through the countryside or over headphones on a subway ride. Here however, I feel it my duty to point out how well this influential baritone, this smooth as silk, honey voiced singer of nocturnal melodies does indeed team with a Rusty Nail, Old Fashioned, or Guinness. What can I say about Benton’s A Rainy Night In Georgia that hasn’t been said before? I’m almost embarrassed to try, but here goes; this is one of the greatest sad songs ever recorded and, for the drinkers out there, simply must be heard with a little down time on your hands and a perfect Manhattan. It will give you the shivers, it’s so perfect. Regionally, you can hear the South Carolina in this man’s rich voice. He didn’t hide it. Landing more than 50 songs on the Billboard top 100 over his career, Benton knew what he was doing. Like a few I’ve reviewed today, this collection is best played in small company; it won’t work in a rousing party. Songs include It’s Just A Matter Of Time, Rainy Night In Georgia, Fools Rush In & Lie To Me.

– Wow! Just picked this reissue of two amazing O’Day 1957 albums up and was blown away! Combing the records “Anita Sings the Most” with “Pick Yourself Up,” this 24-song CD is a great example of vocal jazz singing, which positively holds its ground against any instrumental jazz album of the same era. Oscar Peterson only plays piano on the 1st eleven songs, and they’re amazing. His playing is such a sophisticated compliment to Ms. O’Day’s singing that you’ll feel it just couldn’t get any better. But then, you start to hear jazz guitarist great, Herb Ellis, on guitar, Stan Getz on tenor sax, Larry Bunker on drums & vibes, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled on to musical gold. Both records on this CD earned five stars in the 1957 editions of Downbeat Magazine, during one of the most exciting periods in the music’s history. Anita O’Day’s voice, like that of June Christy, will add so much to an evening spent in your living room. She borderline tackles a tune almost as an instrument herself, only the warmth is there; the humor, pathos, and sensuality that a woman on the absolute top of her game can deliver. This is sophisticated stuff that is in no way intimidating. What an edition to an iced-pitcher of martinis or manhattans will this recording make. Songs include They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Old Devil Moon, Them There Eyes, & I Won’t Dance. I am so glad I found this recording!