I reviewed the first album by Shear Brass back in August 2023 (HERE) and, as a great admirer of the late Sir George Shearing's identifiable sound, I couldn't wait for this second volume.
I only heard Sir George live once and that was back in the 1980s at the Royal Festival Hall where he accompanied Mel Tormé in concert - the support act was Carmen McRae - what a concert that was!
On that occasion it was only piano, bass and vocals although Tormé did occasionally put in a shift on the kit. Here we have the whole nine yards plus two and the arrangements by McDermid bring an updated touch to the material without losing the feel of the originals.
Bop, Look and Listen, composed by Sir George in 1949, Pearson is featured on piano with the brass punctuations giving it some punch. The final flattened fifth chord by the ensemble gives it an aura of authenticity.
I'll See You in my Dreams has an impressive vocal from Gorham's daughter Romy Sipek who is also Shearing's great-great niece. Talent certainly runs in that family. In between vocals there are pithy solos from White, McDermid and Long on clarinet.
Caravan, a swingier, less exotic arrangement than the Tizol/Ellington tune is usually subjected to. A knockout solo by Long on clarinet saves it from almost becoming a spoof version.
I'll be Around. Impossible to go wrong with Alec Wilder's great standard and Shear Brass don't buck the odds. Fine piano in the true Shearing tradition with trombone from White and vibes from Kerr- great track.
By George. By Pearson. There's only a little over a minute but it's just long enough to appreciate the tribute from one pianist to another.
Black Satin. Music by Shearing, words by Gorham, vocal by Sarah Moule, trumpet by McDermid, vibes by Kerr all cha-cha-cha-ed along by Singh.
Do I Love You? Peggy Lee and Mr Shearing (it was many years in the future before HRH tapped him on the shoulder with a ceremonial sword) recorded this on the iconic album Beauty and the Beast - one of the all-time great albums in any genre. Romy has her work cut out but she doesn't let the family down. Piano keeps the ambience flowing.
September in the Rain. The quintet's first big hit and one that set the pattern for the pianist's award-winning career. Pearson and Kerr cover it without needing an umbrella.
The Way You Look Tonight. The greatest song ever written (well I think so!). Sarah returns, Long's blast on alto does nothing to change my opinion and nor does Sarah's brief scat chorus. Ah, keep that breathless charm ...
Shear Delight is what the whole album is and never more so than on this solo track by Pearson on his own composition.
Just a Mood. Another Shearing composition with words from Gorham emotionally sung by Moule. More Pearson piano and richly harmonised brass.
Mambo No. 2. Shearing had a passion for Latin sounds and rhythms which is captured to perfection by Pearson and McDermid's writing for the horns.
As the album title, Extraordinary Journey describes it, Sir George Shearing certainly had an extraordinary journey and, courtesy of this and the earlier album, we too can enjoy that extraordinary journey. As Simon Spillett observes as he concludes his sleeve notes: ...a tribute not only timely but also fully deserving of the Shearing seal. Amen. Lance
Release date is Sept. 26 with a launch at Ronnie's on Sept. 21. There's also a gig at Peggy's Skylight on Saturday Sept. 6.
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