George Shearing – Like Fine Wine
Like Fine Wine
George Shearing
(Mack Avenue Records – 2004)
by Paula Edelstein
The legendary George Shearing is in top form on this excellent collection of jazz and Broadway standards. Shearing re-interprets John Coltrane’s classic “Giant Steps” with finesse and offers a romantic candlelight ambience on “All Too Soon.” His ability to state melodies and improvisations through chords are reminiscent of Errol Garner’s classic treatment of some of your favorite songs but it is the overall song selection and use of the guitar and bass which makes this recording different.
There are no drums on this set, just the rhythmic nuance and percussive treatments from Neil Swainson’s superior acoustic bass playing and Shearing choice of chords. “So Rare,” is a welcome addition to this program since this song is rarely revisited by jazz musicians. Reg Schwager’s extended guitar solo emerges from a clearly stated melody and allows Shearing to beautifully interact with a lovely solo of his own. The trio is LIKE FINE WINE, they just get better with age.
Reprinted with permission of…
