Which Nat King Cole?


I'd like to explore his sound some more. I've already got the S & P Records reissue of "Just One of Those Things" which features string arrangements. Which of his titles are more intimate sets without the strings? Which of these are the best recordings?

Thanks!
128x128dodgealum
"After Midnight" is a great Capitol session that has plenty of his outstanding piano work,both smooth and swinging vocals and a great list of "guest" stars.Trumpeter Harry Edison,Violinist Stuff Smith,alto saxophonist Willie Smith and trombonist Juan Tizol take turns with the Cole trio.The Original session has been issued on cd with extra tracks not on the original lp.The vinyl version is out as well.I have the cd,the original lp and the British issue lp with the bonus tracks,so you can guess i like this session.
There are many other good Capitol mid 50's sessions as well,look for the Billy May arranged albums.All these Capitol records have that famous quality sound associated with the Sinatra sessions of the same period.
You want to hear some great singing? Get the several albums Dick Haymes did for Capitol in the 1950's.After you hear those Sinatra will sound like a whiner.
'After Midnight' is the one I own because I listen to mostly Jazz-oriented (and classical) music. Sinatra has his 'Jazzier' recordings too and I like them as well.
For best music I prefer "Live at the Circle Room", recorded 1946, though sound quality is not good. But the music is so good I can't help myself.

I mean, with lyrics like, "Honey let bygones, be bygones; or I'll punch a hole in your nylons", what's not to like?
Thanks everyone. Which of the high quality reissues are small jazz combo sessions without strings? I don't want the new box set because I already have one of the LP's contained within. Thanks.