Search - George Shearing :: My Ship

Solo piano at its unparalleled best!

scerra@dsp.net | San Francisco, CA | 07/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are few pianists who shine with such originality in a solo piano setting as George Shearing and he has been doing it for over half a century! This recording is a much for the fan of solo Jazz piano as it is for the audiophile; not only is it beautiful music it is beautiful music to listen to as the nuances of the acoustic piano are wonderfully captured on this recording. Shearing not only plays the instrument utilizing both hands, three pedals and all 88 keys, he also introduces startling arrangements of many art songs that have become Jazz standards. Wait until you hear his grogeous interpretation of Kurt Weill's "My Ship," from which the CD gets its title; his stride piano version of Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays" and his dirge-like interpretation of "Happy Days Are Hear Again." Also, included are very unique renderings of "How Deep Is The Ocean," Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" and a startling version of "Greensleeves." His performance of "April in Paris" is poignant, charming and unforgettable. It is not often that one gets to attend such a masterful solo piano recital given by one of the true geniuses of Jazz piano. This is just such an opportunity; don't miss it."

The finest recording of a solo piano I can imagine

D. W. Horne | 5263 BS Vught, The Netherlands | 11/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own the LP version of this recording and was given a copy for doing someone a favor; I now have the CD version as well.This is the finest recording I have ever heard, period. The piano, a ten foot Bosendorfer sounds incredible (compliments to the audio engineer), the piano playing of George Shearing is on such a high level you forget you're listening to the performer and just listen to the music - the highest possible compliment. His arrangements of these fine songs are on an incredible level as well. Buy this for yourself, buy this as a present for a friend. I would give this recording six stars if possible. Greensleeves is worth the price alone."

Well, what did you expect, except something fine?

William E. Adams | Midland, Texas USA | 05/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You would not be reading this unless you are at least a fan of jazz piano if not of George himself. So, if you do not already own an oversupply of jazz-styled pop song standards by really good pianists, then just buy this before it goes out of print totally. I have liked Shearing since the early '60's, and saw him in concert around 1963 with a quartet or quintet. He was of course, delightful. I prefer the trio and larger settings to the solo work, or at least having George accompanied by a good singer. His album with Joe Williams for instance, is wonderfully simple and simply wonderful. I must say this is the second solo CD I own by GS, and I like this better than the other one, called "Out of This World." That is also good, but "My Ship" seems richer and more varied. Shearing has been playing now for probably 60 years, so he ought to know how. On this CD, he even sings "Send in the Clowns" and for an old guy, he sounds pretty darn good. As with most Shearing releases, one should listen attentively a time or two, even with earphones to appreciate the subleties and intelligence behind the mix of improvisation and straight playing. After that pleasurable hour or two of study, you can throw this on as background to your housework or reading or computer-using. It is mostly mellow, but you'll be glad to hear the occasional swinging number. Shearing made this one in 1974, so he wasn't really all that old at the time, but he'd been selling records since the end of World War II. He also made good albums in the 80's and 90's. Like Dave Brubeck, the player of the 50's and the player of the 90's are both worth hearing."