Nat King Cole: After Midnight: The Complete Sessions (Tone Poet Vinyl) (180 g) (mono) (2LP)

With “After Midnight: The Complete Sessions,” one of Nat King Cole’s greatest jazz albums is released in its definitive form as a 2-LP edition as part of the Blue Note Tone Poete series—expanded by six additional recordings from the legendary 1956 sessions compared to the original. Here, Cole is at the height of his artistry as an unmistakable vocalist and outstanding jazz pianist. Together with his trio and guests such as Harry “Sweets” Edison, Willie Smith, Stuff Smith, and Juan Tizol, he blends elegant swing, intimate vocals, and a relaxed jam-session atmosphere. The Penguin Guide to Jazz includes the album in its recommended “Core Collection.” In addition to the series’ familiar features, this edition includes a booklet with rare archival photos and an essay by Cole expert Will Friedwald. Blue Note Tone Poet Series: Mono, produced by Joe Harley, mastered entirely analog by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, RTI pressing (2 x 180g), sturdy tip-on gatefold sleeve, padded inner sleeves