Nat 'King' Cole - After Midnight

"Based upon the diversity of music, quality of product and their extraordinary rate of progress, Pure Pleasure Records is our re-issue record company of the year." - hi-fi+

Nat "King" Cole's music is the perfect combination of romantic charm and musical invention. Cole is renowned for his big production numbers and pop hits such 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 (saxophone, trombone, trumpet, percussion and violin). The dubious credits don't matter much though. This is precious music and, without a doubt, one of Cole's best records. Included here are wonderful and intimate renditions of Cole favorites like"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 That You Know." For anybody looking to understand the depth and breadth of Cole's jazz roots, this disc is an excellent point of departure.

Mastered by Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray.

"…The sound, like many Capitols from the era, is sweet and warm. And the 180-gram remastered pressing, from the British company Pure Pleasure Records, is superb. It's mono, but there's no sense of horizontal squeeze; there's plenty of depth, every instrument sounds like itself, you hear all of them plainly. Nat and each of the soloists are in the room." – Fred Kaplan, The Absolute Sound, September 2006, www.theabsolutesound.com

"…Of his jazz recordings, which generally have disappointing sound, this one presents the best marriage of great performance and sonic merit. Cole's singing is just that much better with these great jazz arrangements and this new package by Pure Pleasure spreads the original album's 12 tunes across two 180 gram LPs whilst adding an additional 6 numbers from the 1956 sessions…an unqualified success." Recording = 9/10; Music = 9/10 – Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi+, Issue 45

1. Just You, Just Me

2. Sweet Lorraine

3. Sometimes I'm Happy

4. Caravan

5. It's Only a Paper Moon

6. You're Looking at Me

7. The Lonely One

8. Don't Let it Go to Your Head

9. I Know That You Know

10. Blame it on my Youth

11. When I Grow too Old to Dream

12. Route 66

13. I Was a Little too Lonely (and You Were a Little too Late)

14. Your Can Depend on Me

15. What is There to Say

16. Two Loves Have I

17. andy

18. You're Looking at Me (alternate take)

Customer Reviews (4.92 Stars) 12 person(s) rated this product.

Great Recording posted on 01/26/2021 5 Stars Reviewer: Mission Man This is no doubt a great recording. If you can get it, jump to it! For me, this is Nat King Cole’s finest and it’s a double bundle of joy! His trio is also fantastic!

Very Nice posted on 08/24/2009 5 Stars This was a surprisingly fine record -- good, quiet pressing with outstanding performances.

Nat at his best posted on 06/06/2008 5 Stars Nat goes back to his trio plus drums and adds soloists like "Sweets" Edison, Willie Smith, Stuff Smith and the incredibly talented Juan Tizol and you get a winner. Nat's voice is warm and engaging and his piano is perfect. John Collins on guitar adds just the righ color, like in all Nat's prior trios. If I could only own one NKC album, this would be it.

Incredible Recording posted on 06/19/2007 5 Stars If you love Nat this is THE one to own. Not a single tick, snap or pop across all four sides. A brilliant pressing.

Sexy and Mellow posted on 04/15/2007 5 Stars Reviewer: Winfrey L. Goldman Excellent vocals from the master of vocals! Take your lover and have the lights low. The songs are relaxing and engaging. She will thank you many times over for the romantic mood set with these priceless recordings.

Sets the perfect mood any time of day posted on 02/26/2007 5 Stars This has got to be one of the best jazz albums ever. The musicianship is tremendous, with great singing and great solos by Nat, the trio and guests, and all the while the songs remain accessible - no extended jams like a lot of other jazz albums. Superb mastering, slightly hotter than the original gray label Capitol LP. Plus 6 great bonus tracks.

Great piano, great sound posted on 01/27/2007 4 Stars Reviewer: John Shearer Although Nat's voice can be a little over-ripe sometimes, his piano always sparkles. The same can be said for his guests, especially Willie Smith and Harry Edison. Beautifully recorded, this is a middle of the road jazz classic worthy of a place in any LP collection.

smooth and sexy posted on 01/03/2007 5 Stars if you want to relax and swing this is the one

Crystal clear fidelity posted on 11/14/2006 5 Stars Reviewer: Sean Not that familiar with Nat Cole but I am now with this superb sounding lp of true classics. Nice night music.

feel the tape, feel the vinyl, feel the timeless beauty posted on 05/31/2006 5 Stars Reviewer: jack mckeever from the second the needle hits, you know you are not crazy, no, there is a reason why people purchase high quality vinyl, why people still record to tape in 2006, why high quality vinyl is still the finest reproduction medium available, and most exciting of all, why new vinyl can sometimes be more incredible than all others - this nat king cole recording "after midnight" is so great that it might capture you coming off an eight track catridge that had been soaked in rain water - it's a great record. period. that someone with ears put much love into this pressing, and wisely spread it over two discs makes it a great listening experience....i'm not through side 1 of the 4 sides and i know it's one of the finest sounding discs i own....sounds very analog...very beautiful......enjoy be well love real music jack mckeever the maid's room nyc

Write a review and let people know what you think of this product OR just rate it.