George Shearing – My Ship (1974)

01. My Ship (5:05)			play
02. Yesterdays (2:58)
03. Happy Days Are Here Again (2:45)
04. When I Fall In Love (4:09)
05. Londonderry Air (2:22)
06. April In Paris (5:19)
07. The Entertainer (2:53)
08. Tenderly (3:24)			play
09. How Deep Is The Ocean (3:22)
10. Autumn In New York (3:14)
11. Greensleeves (5:26)
12. Send In The Clowns (4:32)

George Shearing – piano solo 

This solo piano set by George Shearing (which has been reissued on CD through Polygram) is quite eccentric and unpredictable. Freed from the constraints of his popular Quintet, Shearing lets his imagination loose on songs that include "My Ship," "Happy Days Are Here Again," "The Entertainer" (which is turned into jazz after a rag beginning), "Londonberry Air," and -- unfortunately -- "Send in the Clowns," on which he makes the mistake of singing. Some of the classical allusions are a bit too cute, but Shearing's wit and charm eventually win one over. ---Scott Yanow

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.

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