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George Shearing: My Favorite Things

Shearing, who shot to fame some 5O years-ago with his quintet, a format he’s revived intermittently, generally works with his trio. Here he’s solo in…well…a program of his favorite things and his choices make for some very rewarding listening. Some unfamiliar (to me, anyway) selections include the gossamer-like Sondheim show tune, “Anyone Can Whistle” and Cy Coleman’s “It Amazes Me.” The latter, which ends the CD, will amaze many as Shearing sings-and not badly, either. This is mostly quiet music with some classical overlays; his fugal treatment of Artie Shaw’s “Moonray” being just one of several examples.

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