George Shearing [1919-2011]

Artist: George Shearing Quintet

LP: Latin Lace

Song: "Sand In My Shoes"

[ listen ]

Whether it's Latin lace, black or white satin, velvet carpet, or blue chiffon, I've learned that you can always count on the records of jazz pianist George Shearing for some luxurious listening material. This 1958 LP was Shearing's second foray into music with a Latin theme, following "Latin Escapade" in 1956. Born in the South London neighborhood of Battersea in 1919, George turned down several scholarships in order to play piano and accordion at Manson's Arms pub instead. He moved to the U.S.A. in 1946 (or maybe '47) where he soon became known for his piano technique that came to be called "the Shearing voicing." George Shearing released a slew of albums during his 60-year career—both with and without his quintet. He played for three U.S. presidents (Ford, Carter, Reagan) and he passed away just a few days ago in New York City at the age of 91. You can read more about George Shearing's life and career on Wikipedia here—where you'll find details about "the Shearing voicing" and see his extensive discography—and you can read Shearing's obituary in the L.A. Times here.

 

 

George Shearing

[August 13, 1919 — February 14, 2011]

We will miss you, George.