The World Of Nat King Cole - Nat 'King' Cole Album Review

Album Review

Let's face the music and listen to one of the most popular Jazz cross-over artists of all time. Unforgettable is what he is,and this superb collection reminds us of a gentler age in pop music.As a child I would often hear his dulcet tones via the Sunday morning Forces Favourites broadcasts.Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery Alabama(March 17,1917-died February 15,1965)he was one of the 20 century's most distinctive stylists,who's 42 year singles chart span confirms his timeless songs,starting in the UK in November 1952 through to March 1994.His 13 albums registered from 1957 to 2003.Jazz-swing master,Harry Connick Jnr once said," God just put his hand on his head and said:You're going to be the one with this voice."Just about every musician in the world had endorsed his undeniable singing style and piano work.

Sandwiched between his first UK chart entry in November 1952 - Somewhere Along The Way and his last in March 1994-Let's Face The Music And Dance you get a playlist of six other entries from the 50's,two from the 60's(Let There Be Love and Ramblin' Rose),one from the 90's,(Unforgettable)and various album tracks like Route 66,and the wonderful Nature Boy-later covered in the 70's by George Benson.On checking the CD song titles,I discovered that some of his most popular tracks never made the 'Hit Parade',as it was once known.Examples are, Mona Lisa,On The Street Where You Live,and Love Letters.

Incredibly Nat'King' Cole never had a number one in the UK,but he faired slightly better with albums getting two toppers with Love Is The Thing in 1957 and 20 Golden Greats in 1978.His singles lasted 249 weeks on chart, and the albums 150 weeks.

Elly Roberts