It would be difficult to think of a more perfectly matched pair than this. Shearing and Cole had so much in common--both were brilliant pianists, both had combined good jazz with popular success. They were even born in the same year. Nat Cole's velvet voice sounds even better with the rhythmic spice of Shearing's quintet, plus strings and percussion. The numbers on this 1961 album are all superb examples of classic American song, by such composers as Ellington, Kern and Matt Dennis, and each one is given a fresh and original treatment by arranger Ralph Carmichael. One of the tracks, "Let There Be Love", went on to become a hit single. The overall impression is of emotional warmth beneath a cool and elegant surface. Not surprisingly, Shearing still cherishes this album as one of his favourites in a long career. All that plus three bonus tracks. Unmissable. --Dave Gelly