Nat "King" Cole

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The backbone of the King Cole Trio's terrific Jazz improvisations is the piano work of Nat "King" Cole himself. This folio includes some of the finest illustrations of the "King's" piano magic.

The "King" has had a colorful career. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, he began his musical activity under the direction of his mother. At the age of 12, he played organ in a Chicago church and was also a member of the choir. But it was the hot music of the Windy City's night life that quickly attracted the "King". Chicago of the '20's was the home of such great musicians as Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson, Earl Hines and other Jazz immortals whose bands dazzled young Cole.

The original King Cole Trio was formed in 1937, and almost immediately clinched a contract with Los Angeles' "Swanee Inn". A month's booking turned into a year's stay. Then in succession came sensational stands at the famed "Radio Room" (where they remained for three years), the "331 Club", and, finally, the swank "Trocadero", where the management honored the Trio's master by naming a new room The King Cole Room. Movie contracts and a long term arrangement with Capitol Records followed.

Although Nat's pianistics have long been the talk of musicians everywhere, students have had only King Cole records to study.

I am sure that that all pianists will find these songs exciting and rewarding. The analysis of King Cole's unique style, supple meeting the solos, provides the technical foundation on which teachers may help students build a richer understanding and mastery of Jazz piano.

Available as midi files or printed charts + parts

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Piano Solo Transcriptions From His Trio Recordings

Available as Midi, Printed Sheet Music, pdf or on CD

All of the midi files on this server are modified and somewhat abbreviated. There is enough of each song (about 20 measures) to give you a feel for what they are like.

To order anything please send email.to Al Levy

midi Beige Blues

midi Early Morning Blues

midi Hit That Jive Jack

midi I Like To Riff

midi If You Can't Smile And Say Yes

midi Ole King Cole

midi Piano Prayer

midi Smooth Sailing

midi Too Pretty For Words

midi Where the Ivory And The Ebony Meet

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