Nat King Cole – After Midnight: The Complete Sessions (Tone Poet Vinyl Series)

Nat King Cole’s jazz vocal masterpiece gets a definitive presentation with After Midnight: The Complete Sessions, an expanded 2-LP set comprising the full recordings that the legendary singer and pianist made over four sessions at Capitol Studios in August-September 1956 with his trio of John Collins on guitar, Charlie Harris on bass, and Lee Young on drums plus featured guest soloists Willie Smith on alto saxophone, Harry “Sweets” Edison on trumpet, Stuff Smith on violin, and Juan Tizol on trombone, as well as Jack Costanza on percussion. The album managed to assimilate several elements of Cole’s unique genius into a single sublime statement showcasing his suave vocals and exquisite pianism while channeling the elegant swing of his beloved Trio into a loose, relaxed jam session with several leading lights of the jazz world. The accompanying booklet features an enlightening in-depth essay by esteemed journalist and Cole expert Will Friedwald along with rare archival photos.

Blue Note Tone Poet Series

The Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series was born out of Blue Note President Don Was’ admiration for the exceptional audiophile Blue Note LP reissues presented by Music Matters. Was brought Joe Harley, a.k.a. the “Tone Poet,” on board to curate and supervise a series of reissues from the Blue Note family of labels.

Extreme attention to detail has been paid to getting these right in every conceivable way, from the jacket graphics and printing quality to superior LP mastering (direct from the master tapes) by Kevin Gray to superb 180g audiophile LP pressings by Record Technology Inc. Every aspect of these Tone Poet releases is done to the highest possible standard. It means that you will never find a superior version. This is IT.

This mono Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at Record Technology Inc. (RTI), and packaged in a deluxe tip-on gatefold jacket with a booklet.

Tracklist:
A1. Just You, Just Me
A2. Sweet Lorraine
A3. Sometimes I’m Happy
A4. Caravan 
A5. It’s Only A Paper Moon

B1. You’re Looking At Me
B2. Lonely One
B3. Don’t Let It Go To Your Head
B4. I Know That You Know
B5. Blame It On My Youth

C1. When I Grow Too Old To Dream
C2. (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66
C3. I Was A Little Too Lonely 
C4. You Can Depend On Me

D1. What Is There To Say 
D2. Two Loves Have I
D3. Candy
D4. You’re Looking At Me (alt take)