George Shearing - Lullaby Of Birdland
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- čas přidán 6. 01. 2016
- Live recording of 1992 from the Munich Philharmonie
George Shearing - piano
Neil Swainson - bass
George Shearing - Lullaby Of Birdland
Watch the full concert: • George Shearing - Komm...
Sir George Shearing, (13 August 1919 - 14 February 2011) was a British jazz pianist who for many years led a popular jazz group that recorded for Discovery Records, MGM Records and Capitol Records. The composer of over 300 titles, including the jazz standard "Lullaby of Birdland", had multiple albums on the Billboard charts during the 1950s, 1960s, 1980s and 1990s. He died of heart failure in New York City, at the age of 91.
Born in Battersea, London, Shearing was the youngest of nine children. He was born blind to working class parents: his father delivered coal and his mother cleaned trains in the evening. He started to learn piano at the age of three and began formal training at Linden Lodge School for the Blind, where he spent four years.
Though he was offered several scholarships, Shearing opted to perform at a local pub, the Mason's Arms in Lambeth, for "25 bob a week" playing piano and accordion. He joined an all-blind band during that time and was influenced by the records of Teddy Wilson and Fats Waller. Shearing made his first BBC radio broadcast during this time after befriending Leonard Feather, with whom he started recording in 1937. In 1940, Shearing joined Harry Parry's popular band and contributed to the comeback of Stéphane Grappelli. [...]
In 1947, Shearing emigrated to the United States, where his harmonically complex style mixing swing, bop and modern classical influences gained popularity. One of his first performances in the US was at the Hickory House. He performed with the Oscar Pettiford Trio and led a jazz quartet with Buddy DeFranco, which led to contractual problems, since Shearing was under contract to MGM and DeFranco to Capitol Records. In 1949, he formed the first George Shearing Quintet, a band with Margie Hyams (vibraphone), Chuck Wayne (guitar), later replaced by Toots Thielemans (listed as John Tillman), John Levy (bass) and Denzil Best (drums) and recorded for Discovery, Savoy and MGM, including the immensely popular single "September in the Rain" (MGM), which sold over 900,000 copies; "my other hit" to accompany "Lullaby of Birdland". [...]
Shearing's interest in classical music resulted in some performances with concert orchestras in the 1950s and 1960s, and his solos frequently drew upon the music of Satie, Delius and Debussy for inspiration. He became known for a piano technique known as "Shearing's voicing", a type of double melody block chord, with an additional fifth part that doubles the melody an octave lower. (This style is also known as "locked hands" and the jazz organist Milt Buckner is generally credited with inventing it.) In 1956, Shearing became a naturalized citizen of the United States. He continued to play with his quintet, with augmented players through the years, and recorded with Capitol until 1969. [...]
In 1970, he began to "phase out his by-now-predictable quintet" and disbanded the group in 1978. One of his more notable albums during this period was The Reunion, with George Shearing (Verve 1976), made in collaboration with bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Rusty Jones, and featuring Stéphane Grappelli, the musician with whom he had debuted as a sideman decades before. Later, Shearing played with a trio, as a soloist and increasingly in a duo. Among his collaborations were sets with the Montgomery Brothers, Marian McPartland, Brian Q. Torff, Jim Hall, Hank Jones and Kenny Davern. In 1979, Shearing signed with Concord Records, and recorded for the label with Mel Tormé. This collaboration garnered Shearing and Tormé two Grammys, one in 1983 and another in 1984. Shearing remained fit and active well into his later years and continued to perform, even after being honoured with an Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. He never forgot his native country and, in his last years, would split his year between living in New York and Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, UK, where he had bought a house with his second wife, singer Ellie Geffert. This gave him the opportunity to tour the UK, giving concerts, often with Tormé, backed by the BBC Big Band. He was appointed OBE in 1996. In 2007, he was knighted. "So", he noted later, "the poor, blind kid from Battersea became Sir George Shearing. Now that's a fairy tale come true."
In 2004, he released his memoirs, Lullaby of Birdland, which was accompanied by a double-album "musical autobiography", Lullabies of Birdland. Shortly afterwards, however, he suffered a fall at his home and retired from regular performing.
This text is based on the Wikipedia-article "George Shearing" (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_S.... A list of the authors is available here: en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?... - Hudba
My 89 year old dad and I heard this song as background music at the restaurant we went to last night. He then told me the story of how he saw George Shearing play at a Manhattan club called Birdland. It was the mid Fifties and my dad was attending Fordham University for his masters degree. What a great time to be young, in NYC (from Ohio) and hearing such a wonderful talent! He went on to mention how he saw Dave Brubeck play with Paul Desmond at Red Hill Inn in Camden, New Jersey in January of 1955. Has a Polaroid with DB’s autograph on it, too! He had me look up some other musicians on my smart phone and he enjoyed sampling and reminiscing. I just love my dad. What he now lacks in short term memory, he more than makes up for in cherished long term memories. Sharp as a tack in that department!
I had the pleasure of seeing a jazz double bill of GS & DB at London's Royal Festival Hall (about 91, I think) and they did about 20 minutes together at the end. Brilliant night.
❤️🙏
All the big shots played at the birdland. Lovely place that is.
Bless you and your Dad
George Shearing was a genius pianist & was way ahead of his time. He developed his own sound with the xylophone back in the 50’s & 60’s, transforming Latin & jazz sounds. He could transpose classical music to jazz. An amazing musical talent for all time!♥️♥️♥️
Vibraphone, not xylophone.
Back in the fifties & sixties Shearing was constantly on the radio. We all knew of his music and admired his playing and choice of tunes.
George Shearing was one of my MAJOR influences when I started playing in college...the other two were Monty Alexander and Oscar Peterson. It's good to go back and listen because I'm hearing so much I didn't hear...many moons ago. Thank you for the post.
This for me is what elegant jazz is all about. Such a great pleasure to listen to and enjoy.
Huge influence for me too. Oscar was of course the ultimate but because I can’t walk in 10ths or even stretch one in the bass I chose Dudley Moore and Ramsey Lewis as easy to follow together with Shearing who wrote in clusters for my smaller hands!!!
@@AllIn1Studio Wow! Dudley Moore, now there's a name I haven't heard in decades. Yes, he had skills and thanks to his role in the movie 10, we got to hear him. Thank you for share.
Amazing bass.
George Shearing (1919-2011) was Britain's greatest ever jazz musician, but he had to go the home of jazz, the USA, to realise his full potential. So few British people know about him sadly. I love playing "Lullaby of Birdland" on the piano, just great fun to improvise on. George was blind from birth but never let it hold him back, what a star !
In fact his lack of eyesight gave him more ears …heart, soul and wicked sense of humor. My father was born 1919 too and played jazz brushes on an old army suitcase. They lived next door to each other on Wimbledon. I love played Lullaby of Birdland too! George would be tickled to know it’s abbreviation is LOL!!!!
Both my dad and I were great fans of George Shearing's. In fact, he passed away just a day after Dad. I kinda like to imagine that they might have gone upstairs in the same elevator.
:)
Beautiful. May your father rest in peace
Things happen just happen or more
That’s very poetic, and very sad. Condolences
💚
Heard George Shearing in Pizza on the Park in London many years ago. Great performance. Introduced by Sheridan Morley. So sad this venue no longer exists. Best wishes from Amsterdam.
I used to love Pizza on the Park too! Much missed....
In 2:06 the comping is the Bach’s two violins concerto in D minor.
This bassplayer is a GENIUS!
No kidding just a joy to watch and listen to.
Neil is great and so was Brian Torff later on.
Brian Torff played with Shearing in the late '70s, into the early '80s so he predates Swainson. And in fact, after Torff, Don Thompson was Shearing's bassist (and occasional piano duettist. Can you imagine how good you must be to play 2 pianos with Shearing? And later, Thompson was the vibist when George did some quintet albums.) Don introduced Swainson to George as his replacement. Two great Canadian musicians....and add in Shearing's last guitarist, another Canadian: Reg Schwager. @@normanhall8435
I just started listening to George Shearing - Wow ! Awesome Bass player too
Совершенно потрясающая мелодия! С юности и до сих пор восторг! ❤❤❤
Боже люди скажите !умели же чувствовать любить творить!Была же доброта в сердце!подскажите в 2023году неужели доброта и простота сердца исчезли?
I like the musical quotation from Bach's double violin concerto in D minor.
I first heard of Mr Shearing from reading On The Road by Jack Kerouac. The main character Dean Moriarty was rhapsodic in his praise of this great jazz pianist. I can't quote it here from memory but it caused me to go right out and buy my first George Shearing album. I have been a huge fan ever since. His is my go- to music whenever I'm feeling down.
I searched this while reading the book.
In the 1980's I worked as a lounge bar pianist. One evening, whilst playing in a hotel in Windsor, a couple who had been dining there came up to the piano . The man, who i noticed was blind, said they had been enjoying my playing and that i'd played all their favourites etc. His wife then said:- ''George is a pianist'' to which he continued:- ''When I play for the BBC I always demand a Bechstein piano''. (I think that was the make!) Being rather 'slow' as i am, I still did not twig WHO he was!! They then left the restaurant to go back to their room - and that's when the penny dropped - and I played 'Lullaby of Birdland'! As i left that night, the receptionist confirmed that it was indeed George Shearing - with his wife, Ellie Geffert.
I wrote a note for her to give to them next day, apologising for not realising who they were and that I felt honoured to have played in their presence. (Not sure what they actually thought of my playing...). The following week, the receptionist told me she had given them the note and that George had said how he thinks it's fun to make conversation with pianists in hotels and them not realising who he is until later. I felt rather stupid, as if i had 'fallen into the trap'!
Thank you.
'Beautiful story Debbie!..... I caught George Shearing with Dave Brubeck & Bill Evans at the Hollywood Bowl one summer evening 1979ish The concert was titled 'Piano Masters' 'Was an indelible evening of Jazz piano trios & All 3 George, Dave & Bill jammed together for the Grand Finale
Shearing corresponded with my mother his musical ideas...she was a pianist also. (I am a drummer)- Bob Boney
Great story and thanks for sharing. Always loved his playing, so tasteful. I cut my teeth playing solo piano early on in my career. Playing 4 hours a night 6 days a week for a couple of years. I learnt a lot of styles and tunes. Happy memories,I think😉
@@JJamJ Thank you, Duke, for your reply!
Just going back in time and listening to the greats. It's worth the journey. Top-notch playing from George and Neil.
The bass player is good, but the true genius here is George Shearing. He wrote Lullaby of Birdland in 1952 for the New York jazz club Birdland in minor and major keys equally. The tune went on to become THE jazz classic recorded by every great jazz musician and singer in the 50s 60s 70s and even today. He was a remarkable gentleman, born in Battersea, he was blind, and through his music joined the jazz elite on both sides of the Atlantic. He was an OBE and was knighted in 2007.
I will always want to hear you and Neil play Lullaby of Birdland, Georgie. Don't you worry one bit.
In the states since 1947 and he never lost his accent. Good on yer, George!
Only one Shearing...and one sound like his. The best.
❤😊 SENSATIONAL BEAUTIFUL HEAVENLY AWESOME AMAZING WONDERFUL PHENOMENAL EXTRAORDINARY!!!!!!!❤.
Amazing how NO ONE realizes how GOOD is the bass player. Amazing really.
Well, not quite. Swainson has great chops, and some impressive creds...
Bernard Dionne first thing I did was find out who Neil Swainson was!
No, it was Swainson. Goode played with Shearing back in '48. Swanson is good, but not Goode.
yes...and the piano player is quite good too
the camera man probably does ^^
I was so blest to grow up with two parents involved in music...and George Shearing was played often in our house.
You look like Tony Winston in your picture.
@@luxolontamo4440 I'm jealous. George Shearing played at your house!!!!!!!! He's one of my first jam idols.
@@imbees2 “was played often” which I took to mean on a record player.
Bravo George - he was the first jazz pianist I listened to when I was starting to study jazz in the mid-50s.
This was my favorite song when it came out. I want to make it clear that I was a toddler at the time. 👶
Beautiful playing - kudos to Neil Swainson - bass too.
yasssss, play it now George Shearing. Loving George Shearing since the 50s when I was a child. And love his to this day.
It don't get any better than this, a true artist and a gent
Shearing plays with such apparent ease! Complete economy of motion and total control of the instrument. A joy to watch and hear.
Great tune from a great performer and composer
Both in perfect harmony SUPERB. Thank you.
Most magnificent jazz piano artist❣️❣️❣️was a part of my growing upbringing. So much talent, such genius!!!♥️♥️♥️
One of the best ever. He show you the melody even during solos.
Just fantastikkkkkk!
Beautiful - and Shearing's sound is instantly recognisable and unique.
How many notes can this gentleman put in between? Astounding.
I saw GS at the London House in Chicago in the 1970s. WOW!!!
Reading 'On the Road' again George Shearing at Birdland, great clip.
Such a light touch. So cool.
ありがとう。こんな素晴らしいひと時を。
両奏者の指が凄くカッコイイ🤚👐
演奏もビューティフォ〜💃🎵
どうもありがとうございます🙇🎵
I am picking my jaw from upon the floor. Thank you for sharing this blessing.🌸🕊❤️
😂😂😂 Understood!
Bella música que nunca pasará de moda!!!... 👍👍
Dios ha bendecido a estos músicos
El contrabajo esta en los cielos de ka belleza
Que maravilla!!
George is an extension of the piano. ❤
私がgeorge shearingを知ったのは、当時米軍の進駐軍向けの極東放送で流れていたLullby of birdlandでした。その時はなんて心地よい曲なんだろうと聴いていましたが、その時は誰だろう、何て曲なんだろうと聴いていましたが、当時は美空ひばり、春日八郎のおとみさん程度しか知らなかったので、後でgeorge shearing のLullby of birdland と分かり、それ以来jazzにはまり今まで沢山のミュウジシャンを聴いてきましたが、最後にはgeorge shearingに、たどりつき、jazz倶楽部に入り、ライブハウスに足をはこびjazz menにリクエストしている次第です。
A pleasure to listen to..Anytime...!!!!
Brilliant
George owns that tune. Much more than anyone. Kent Vogel A.S.C.A.P
FANTASTIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO NICE !!!!!!!!! SO BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!ENJOY!!!!BRAVO MAESTRO !!!!! THANKS!!!
Wait For It - at 3:44 the melding is extraordinary
I dig this alot, it's smooth and groovy. I can't make up my mind which is better Errol Garner's or this version. They are both awesome in their own way. The bass player is fantastic too.
have you listened to the andrea motis, joan chamorro quintet?
George Shearing wrote it, in case you were wondering.
@@MNBluestater oh didn't know that. George Shearing is awesome!
@@MNBluestater was going to tell him, glad you did.
at 2.04 a line is pulled almost note for note from the opening line of Bach's double violin concerto, very cool implementation
and he closes with that clip from Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue!
Love this song!
Good music 🎵
I true great of the piano 🎹 and one of my inspirations , bless you Mr shearing .👍
Чудесная музыкв❤
I was fortunate enough to see George Shearing, a number of years ago, at the Orpheum in Vancouver, with Diz Disley accompanying him. A treasured memory. The opening act was a young gal called Diana Krall - I wonder what happened to her !
I am sure that You know now, just what happened to Diana Krall !!!
Around about 2.20 he goes off on one and it's just as if he was playing like he did when I first heard this genius in 1950.
The best forever big compouser on the wold.👋👋👋👋👋👍
GRACIAS POR MANDARME LINDA MUSICA
I find his styles are a fusion and merged with a wider look at the borders and boundaries playing the edge
2:06 BACH Shearing.
Out of this World
I love it, beautiful!
that Bach quote blew my mind
Block chords like I love !
musica immortale da me ascoltata nell'agosto 1958 a c
suonata da George
2:08 Bach - Concerto for two violins in D minor
K\Love George Shearing.
It appears to me that these two really enjoy playing together. Back in the fifties/sixties there were some guys/gals that were very enjoyable to have on the same gigs.
Oups sorry my bad i forgot to mention Mista double blass
Cool, first time I've seen Sir George play. I sing and play this on guitar. It's taken me a few years to get it down : )
동시에 한 8개음 치는데 어떻게 주선율 저래 잘들리지......터치진짜 갑👍
Superlativo!!
Phenomenal respect they had for one another the. Meshed sharing one brain
making the bass player suffer.. but then he redeems himself
Great playing
I'm not sure if it gets any better than this.
Wow!
the amazing Bach quote 2.07 - 2.13 sounds like "we are dwarfs astride the shoulders of giants. We master their wisdom and move beyond it. Due to their wisdom we grow wise and are able to say all that we say, but not because we are greater than they" and later lots of references to Bach hearable to any educated musicican... What a fantastic Musician and such a great man....
What did he quote ?
@@e.d.1642 Bwv 10431 part initial theme notes
Woooow! no lo conocía Ésto es nuevo para mí Gracias por compartir y por la biografía ese piano tiene mucho Furor 🎹🔥💣🔥😍🙏🏿
Pretty hard to beat George and Mel in Wellington, New Zealand in 1990ish?
❤️
Did anybody notice Bach at 2:06 ?
Yup. Double Violin Concerto. Right?
Right ! And also Gershwin ("Rhapsody in Blue") at the end, in the last seconds of the performance (minute 6:48).
Yes
Right.
I love it when musicians quote
Sal and Dean guided me here...
god at the piano.
You need to credit the bassist also and mention his name when you upload such videos.
Buenisimo
The music
Shearing and Sarah Vaughan are neck and neck... on this one. Who was superb-er? Of course, that's a meaningless question. Since Shearing was a flawless interpreter of "Lullaby".. (and just about anything else) on piano. Though Sass did it as a vocal. But oh such magic..
Ah, but George wrote it also!
@@t.p.mckenna Aha. Then that's the enchilada...best from a COV shutdown French Quarter in NOLA, Apr 2020.
jeez
👍👍👍
Modified Basie ending!
I just checked out Bud doing it in 5 flats - ?
…piano sounds like a million dollars…….awwwwww but no drummer with soft brushes,?
That ending was far out, man.
William Estep a quote to Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin
I don’t have the memory to play that🍺
Somebody listened how's Bach is playing behind them??? Is like if shearing was the fatha
Альтерация в гармонии Ширинга гармонична его музыкальному мышлению.
Здесь нет особых альтераций,все в традиции свинга.Мне оч.нр.ход золотой секвенции по квартам вверх аж на две октавы.Эта математика породила шедевр.Или наоборот☺♪
0:47
Can I have the silent please on this computer I want the sound of the music don’t understand English
I would help you but I don't understand you.
@@gabrielzygel1539 Yeah what nonsense
I will dedicate the rest of my life to deciphering what this comment means
you can see why they called him g.o.d.
Don Imus (on bass) histrionics remind me of the histrionics of Keith Jarrett. Hey Dude: It's not about you, its about the music!
I guess from Concert attendance one can assume people are pretty much happy with the music.
The bass player’s name is Neil Swainston. He is a gracious gentleman and a gifted and accomplished artist. His “histrionics” are the unconscious result of the physical and mental effort required to create the great solo you hear!
@@glennhenrich992 You are so right!
@@glennhenrich992 couldn't have said it better! A wonderful musician playing with true emotion!
Please post some of YOUR bass playing. I'll wait....