0139 Sir George Shearing O.B.E. [Tribute Selection] FLAC MP3 9(27.41)

13 August 1919 - 14 February 2011

British born pianist Sir George Shearing died at his home in New York on 14 February from heart failure.
There will be many obituaries written by others so BritJazz has decided to be brief and, instead, offer a selection of George's  pre USA music for you to enjoy.
Born blind, George never seemed to have a problem finding work in the UK and at one time, aged just 17,  was a member of Claude Bampton's Band of blind musicians. Their signature tune was aptly 'I'll See You In My Dreams' which was actually suggested by one of the band members.
Imagine the organisation required to transport a group of 20 blind musicians around the country to their various engagements. The band parts were first copied out in Braille and each musician had to 'read' and memorize his own part and then play it.
George emigrated to the USA in 1947 where he enjoyed a long and illustrious career firstly in jazz and then branching out into the wider entertainment world.
He retained his affection for his country of birth, visiting and playing here often, receiving the OBE in 1996 and being knighted by the Queen in 2007 for services to music.
George will be remembered for the vast library of music of all styles he left behind for others to enjoy in the future. The 'Shearing Sound' started a whole new trend in small group jazz music and his composition 'Lullaby of Birdland' has become a jazz classic.
In keeping with BritJazz policy the music, with one special exception, was all recorded before 1947 in the UK and full recording details are provided.
The special exception is, of course, 'Lullaby of Birdland' recorded by the classic Shearing Quintet in 1952 in New York.
How could we omit that?

Collective personnel:
Kenny Baker - trumpet
Harry Hayes - alto
Aubrey Franks - tenor
Harry Parry - clarinet
Roy Marsh - vibes
Joe Roland - vibes
George Shearing - piano, accordion
Leonard Feather - piano
Frank Deniz - guitar
Alan Mindel - guitar
Dennis Wright - guitar
Chuck Wayne - guitar
Sam Molyneaux - bass
Tommy Bromley - bass
Arthur O'Neill - bass
Al McKibbon - bass
Carlo Krahmer - drums
Ben Edwards - drums
Dave Fullerton - drums
Denzil Best - drums
Stephane Grappelli - violin
Beryl Davis - vocal

01 How Come You Do Me Like You Do
02 Stomp in F
03 Squeezin' the Blues
04 Dim Blues
05 Champagne
06 Riff Up Them Stairs
07 Five Flat Flurry
08 Don't You Know That I Care
09 Lullaby of Birdland