At The Sands – NAT KING COLE****

Ballerina/Funny (Not Much)/The Continental/I Wish You Love/You Leave Me Breathless/Thou Swell/My Kinda Love/The Surrey With The Fringe On Top/Where Or When/Miss Otis Regrets/Joe Turner Blues

A rare live album from Nat King Cole released posthumously. Live At The Sands was recorded in January 1960 and features classics songs with others that are less well known. (US:74)

“Nat had a tenderness in his voice, completely flawless. He could never deliver a bad tune, his style and signature of making a song his own has never been duplicated. Within this compilation are twelve heartfelt ballads and swingin' tunes. Some are timeless that remain classics, while others are songs that have never seen the light of day before.”

“Listening to At The Sands reminded me of just how warm and wonderful a performer Nat King Cole was. He is one of a handful of artists I could listen to for hours at a time. Here was a live performance that showcased the many talents of this American icon.”

“Doubters sneered at Nat's going back to doing live shows around this period, considering his Trio days were far behind him now and situations didn't particularly call for it. But once again, the doubters were wrong, and Nat's warm personality, easy vocal style, and superb piano playing came across just as smooth as always.”

“He performs a number of songs that he had never recorded, and just a few that he had. My point is that this isn't a performance of his 'greatest hits'. Fresh material, absolutely dynamite arrangements and well, he was loving it up there on stage. They truly don't make them like Mr. Cole anymore.”

“This recording at The Sands features Nat singing with lots of energy and his rapport with his audience is remarkable. He sings very well despite a slightly raspier voice closer to the end of the live performance; but this is really a minor quibble because even then Nat King Cole stood head and shoulders above the rest of them.”

“I consider Nat Cole to be the top male jazz singer of the 20th Century, and this album is a good demonstration of his unparalleled ability to capture the essence of a song, to swing, and to do this in a seemingly effortless way. Nat has the uncanny ability to find the natural rhythm which I have never found in any other jazz singer.”