George Colligan Again With Attitude

The music on The Swingin's Mutual!, a dozen selections featuring the George Shearing Quintet, includes six that have vocals by a young Nancy Wilson. This was one of Wilson's most jazz-oriented dates (even if she was never a jazz singer) and is highlighted by her vocals on "The Nearness of You" and "The Things We Did Last Summer," along with instrumental versions of "Oh! Look at Me Now," "Blue Lou," and "Lullaby of Birdland."

George Hills may not be a household name, but the Canadian melodic rocker delivered a great debut album back in 1991. Unlucky not to make bigger moves in the scene, the album was never released outside his native country and remains an obscure gem to this day. MelodicRock Classics will make George Hills album ‘Dancing With A Stranger’ available as part of its new 500 Series of titles – meaning one pressing, 500 units, then done. When it’s sold out its gone forever once again. As per usual, JK Northrup has overseen the remastering of the album’s audio, with the addition of two previously unreleased bonus tracks.

George Colligan - Realization (2005) {Sirocco Music Limited SJL1030}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 358 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 132 Mb
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© 2005 Sirocco Music Limited | SJL1030
Jazz / Jazz Funk / Groove / Hammond B-3 Organ

Since emerging on the scene a scant ten years ago, pianist George Colligan has built the kind of body of work that some artists don't manage in twice or thrice the time. Appearing on over seventy recordings, including over a dozen as a leader, Colligan has proven that one doesn't have to be stylistically myopic to remain focused. Instead, he seems to have an all-encompassing musical appetite. And yet, unlike some who attempt a variety of musical styles and ultimately end up sounding like dabblers rather than serious contenders, Colligan seems to "get everything he tackles.

The satin Shearing sound is in perfect form here - backed by added strings and woodwinds conducted by Billy May - and key proof that Billy could come up with some richly subtle arrangements when he wanted! Most prominent instrumentation comes from George's piano, and the group's trademark vibes, guitar, and wonderful percussion - but the backings also nicely compress some strings and reeds in ways that flesh out the sound, yet never take it over! It's almost as if Billy's just flavoring the Shearing combo sound just a bit - adding just a dose of magic to cuts.
In Black Satin, the George Shearing Quintet - with added orchestrations - all in a blend that's got that pillow-soft sound that Shearing did so well back in the 50s! Arrangements are by George and Billy May - the latter of whom is especially subtle here, bringing things in with the best ballad mode he'd use behind Sinatra…

The satin Shearing sound is in perfect form here - backed by added strings and woodwinds conducted by Billy May - and key proof that Billy could come up with some richly subtle arrangements when he wanted! Most prominent instrumentation comes from George's piano, and the group's trademark vibes, guitar, and wonderful percussion - but the backings also nicely compress some strings and reeds in ways that flesh out the sound, yet never take it over! It's almost as if Billy's just flavoring the Shearing combo sound just a bit - adding just a dose of magic to cuts.
In Black Satin, the George Shearing Quintet - with added orchestrations - all in a blend that's got that pillow-soft sound that Shearing did so well back in the 50s! Arrangements are by George and Billy May - the latter of whom is especially subtle here, bringing things in with the best ballad mode he'd use behind Sinatra…

With four recordings in six months, this seems to be open season for the Poulenc motets. The newcomers are up against stiff competition, and don't emerge unscathed from comparison either with the college next door (under Marlow on Conifer) or with the choir under the musical director of the one further along the road (Rutter on Collegium/Gamut).