BEST OF

Recorded in 2003, jazz icon George Shearing's latest album "Like Fine Wine" features Shearing in a trio setting with Reggie Schwager on guitar and Neil Swainson on bass. The album is a collection of 14 standards including "You And The Night And The Music" and "Giant Steps." A legend among his peers, Shearing rose to stardom in the 1950s, leading his own groups and recording with such well-known artists as Nat Cole, Nancy Wilson, and Peggy Lee. All Music Guide has noted his career as "one of the longest, most prolific recording careers in jazz."

Silky and urbane, George Shearing's distinctive sound made this blind British-born pianist one of the most popular stars in the world. Here's the best from his '50s and '60s recordings for Capitol.

Classical Music

George Shearing, who died in 2011, was one of the most illustrious jazz pianists of his era, overcoming blindness to become one of the truly distinctive keyboard stylists, equally at home as soloist, small group leader, with big bands or as an empathetic accompanist for some of the fine singers who were his contemporaries. This collection traces his recording career over a crucial 20-year period from it's very beginnings just before the outbreak of WWII through to classic albums towards the end of the 1950s, including some rare early recordings. It demonstrates the extraordinary breadth of his talent, including his adeptness on the piano accordion, and the way his unique style developed, and we hope that as well as providing thoroughly entertaining listening it is a fitting tribute to a true giant of the genre.