The Swingin's Mutual

London-born pianist George Shearing and his quintet recorded a number of albums in collaboration with guest vocalists on which accompaniments were mixed with instrumentals. Among these was The Swingin's Mutual (1961) where the featured singer was Nancy Wilson, at that point a rising star with two albums under her belt. Shearing and his band (piano, vibes, guitar, bass & drums) had a restrained and elegant sound, with Wilson's voice exuding a cool sophistication that complemented it very well.

Often heard as an instumental, 'On Green Dolphin Street' is sung here, with its lacklustre lyrics (which hardly matter, given the quality of its melody) delivered beautifully. Shearing's own 'Lullaby of Birdland', meanwhile, is among the instrumental numbers.

Wilson's next album was a similar collaboration, this time with Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley and his quintet, which, to my taste, has the edge on this one, if only by the narrowest of margins - both records have considerable charm. Shearing's guest singers on other outings included Dakota Staton, Peggy Lee and Nat 'King' Cole.

I bought my (vinyl) copy a few years ago from the Oxfam Books & Music shop in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, for something like £12, more than I'd prefer spend on a record like that, but this one was in particularly good condition.I gave it a spin yesterday morning, and it hit the spot for me better than it ever has.

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