Another Collectors’ Choice twofer of Nat King Cole’s classic Capitol releases finds 1957’s Just One of Those Things paired up with 1964’s Let’s Face the Music. As is always the case, Collectors’ Choice pairs things up for a reason and this set is no different. The reason here is, of course, the unsurpassed Billy May. He serves as arranger extraordinaire on both records and lends Cole a different feel than usual.
Just One of Those Things finds Cole working under unique circumstances. May’s arrangements decisively left the strings behind on this one, leaving Cole’s vocals in front of a loud and often brassy backing orchestra. A true natural, our favourite baritone rolls with the punches and uses his mastery of timing to enter the new feeling with grace.
May’s arrangements really work with Cole’s phrasing on this record, allowing for some truly great moments. Things never get out of hand, but May is always willing to push things with his loud interludes of sax or his sudden bursts of tuba. He represents an individual truly in command of his orchestra and he knows his arrangements inside and out. Cole is the same and conducts himself seamlessly over the music.
Take the title track as an example of how great things can get with Billy May and Nat King Cole. Set to a rapid-fire swing rhythm, Cole’s vocals glide over the brass and the reeds smoothly without breaking the tempo.
The other album on the twofer, Let’s Face the Music, finds the May and Cole pairing up again four years after Just One of Those Things. This time, the setup is slightly different but the magic of their cooperation is still there. May decided to add some strings and — wait for it — an organ to his big band setup, creating a sound that stands apart from the rest of his catalog.
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