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Inspired by the photo in theAudience's post on the Louis Armstrong 'Waterfront' thread,

I remembered this tune from the great "After Midnight" sessions that Nat King Cole (piano, vocals) did with Charlie Harris (bass) Lee Young (Lester's brother -drums) John Collins (guitar), and Stuff Smith here on Violin!

Smith's jazz violin is especially nice, providing melody and underscoring the rhythm!

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[Edited 9/18/11 15:05pm]

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Nat wih June and Mel.....I like this clip because in addition to Nat on piano, it features Mel Torme on drums --Cool to have to musicians more popular for their singing getting a chance to play with each other....

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[Edited 9/18/11 15:20pm]

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Nat King Cole- Piano Blues

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Going back, way back. Love the picks!



...Rose Room & Laura

Most don't know how well Nat could deal on the keys.


Might remotely be due to this deal he made with the great Oscar Peterson...

In 1965, Peterson recorded Oscar Peterson Sings Nat King Cole. “That album was made under duress,” Peterson recalls. “Norman Granz talked me into doing it. And I’ll tell you a story about that. Nat Cole came in to hear me in New York one night. And he came up and said to me, ‘Look, I’ll make you a bargain. I won’t play the piano if you won’t sing.’ ” Peterson cracks himself up. “I love Nat so much. I learned so much from him.”

http://www.smithsonianmag...amp;page=3

...More than likely, it's just the incredible voice.



With Oscar playing...



...Sweet Lorraine & Tenderly

Another example of his keyboard skills...

...I Want To Be Happy



Music for adventurous listeners

tA

Tribal Records

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Thanks for the adds and the Oscar Peterson stuff, tA!

More Nat on Piano...

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