Shearing had such an ear for what he did. I grew up listening to his records around my house. Both my folks were musicians...His playing was flawless, his craftsmanship through the years never wavered or slowed. He got an even fuller, richer sound as he grew older. Then when he was well along...Neil Swainson showed up, bringing to the table a new generation of Shearing lovers that fresh sound - to the table.
The George Shearing Quintet was the Beatles of Modern Jazz, the Seinfeld of Polite Jazz, the Steely Dan of Be Bop, The Mount Rushmore.....well you get the idea!!!
Really wonderful. I spent some time with Ross Tompkins during recording, and he could play in a Shearing way. To see and hear these caliber of players in person is something that never leaves you. I feel that way about having seen Jack Sheldon play many times too.