Williams, Joe & George Shearing
Arkadia, 2023, CD
Instrument: MALE VOCAL
Issue: 29.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 83
O’s Notes: Vocalist Joe Williams and pianist George Shearing were both jazz legends. They came together for this recording, A Song is Born with Neil Swainson (b) and Paul Humphrey (d) anchoring the rhythms. They performed together on many occasions and this live recording commemorates some of their best songs. The set showcases Joe scatting and singing the blues with Shearing dancing across the keys as heard best on “Roll ‘Em Pete”. It’s easy to see why Joe excited audiences wherever he landed! These thirteen tracks are a fine example of masters at work.
Publicist: Arkadia
