The World of Nat King Cole

Only diehard audiophiles will find fault with this release. Believe me, the sound is just fine. All but one track were 24-bit digitally remastered at Capitol between 2003 and 2005, while track 27 is a 1991 Elektra Entertainment Group production.

Tracks 2 to 6 are by The King Cole Trio consisting of Nat, guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Johnny Miller. Track 10 is by The King Cole Trio consisting of Nat, guitarist Irving Ashby and bassist Joe Comfort. Track 20 is by The King Cole Trio consisting of Nat, guitarist John Collins and bassist Charlie Harris.

All this is contained in the 28 page insert containing six pages of notes by daughter Natalie, numerous candid photos of Nat and his family, in performance, touring, etc., including one in studio with Natalie, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Lee Gillette and Carlos Gastel, another of the Trio (Nat, Ashby and Miller) from 1947, one with John F. Kennedy, one meeting Queen Elizabeth, and one hamming it up with Sammy Davis, Jr.

There are also reproductions of two telegrams to Nat, one from JFK dated March 1960 regarding Nat's offer to help in his election campaign, and another dated December 1964 from Martin Luther King, Jr., when Nat was in hospital seriously ill with lung cancer.

As for the selections, the insert also contains a listing of the tracks showing composers and, where applicable, the orchestras involved. There are no label or chart details, however.

Even so, as many of the other reviews have already pointed out, this is simply one of the best single-disc Nat "King" Cole volumes on the market today.

This is a excellent mix of well known Nat King Cole hits and very easy to listen to songs that show the true talent of this great singer. I give it five stars simply on it's merit and enjoyment. But one I wish was on this CD is "Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy days of Summer". Why it isn't I don't understand. But,I haven't found it yet on any other NKC mix either. Don't let that stop you though. You'll enjoy every song that is on this CD.

It's been around forty years since the passing of the legendary Mr. Nat King Cole.And even to this day his music lives on thorough his many fans some new and some old.Mr Cole was a extraordinary singer,piano player and a musical genius who had a natural feel for music.And to this day his influence and style is still having it's effect on the music world.And in this modern age I think only Luther Vandross came close to matching the magic and style of Nat King Cole.This ablum 'The World Of Nat King Cole' gives us some of his best vocal songs like 'When I Fall In Love,Too Young,Smile and A Blosson Fell'.That's just a taste of the Cole magic.And if you want more check out the unforgettable 'Unforgettable' one of Cole's best songs with it's wonderful lyrics.The way he sings 'Mona Lisa' really touchs the heart.The Velvet voice of Cole is at it's best on 'Nature Boy' with its philosophical overtures.And I just love the songs 'On The Street Where You Live' and 'I Love You(For Sentimental Reasons'.Beautiful songs for people in love.So just how popular is Mr. Cole's music today? Well a few years ago his daughter Natalie wanted to rejuvenate her career.She was smart enough to record a album of her fathers work titled 'Unforgettable'.Needles to say the album was a big hit for her.And it did wonders for her career.Yes,Mr.Nat King Cole the man with the velvet voice.Wonderful musical world just keeps turning and entertaining.

Nothing beats the smooth sound of Nat King Cole. Some songs I hadn't heard in years. Brought back a lot of good memories.

If you're an avid Cole Collector, there's really nothing new here. However, if you're new to Nat King Cole's music, this is an excellant starting point. Not only are the Original versions of his influencial singles here (except Smile which is from his 1961 album "The Nat King Cole Story", and "Send For Me", which is a re-engineered version of the 1957 hit from the 1965 album "Looking Back")but there are also some gems from his LP releases as well, like On the Street Where You Live, from his "My Fair Lady" album, and "Let's Face the Music", from the '64 album of the same name. This album is pretty much a retread of the "Greatest Hits" package from 1994, and the "Capitol Collectors Series" from 1990, but with a few extra goodies. You've got a beautifully created booklet, with lots of rare photos of Nat with President Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth, and even relaxing at home with his kids. Good Stuff. Now, Capitol, where is the long awaited television documentary "The World Of Nat King Cole", that was supposed to accompany this CD? It has already aired in Great Britain, and is on DVD there. Why not here?