Nat King Cole's 1947 version of "Nature Boy" transformed the onetime jazz trio leader into one of the most famous and beloved pop singing stars of the postwar years. Teen-dream smashes like "Mona Lisa" would insure his place at the top throughout the '50s and early '60s. And while he did occasionally return to his jazz piano roots, Cole mostly focused on the kind of strings and big band program heard on this fine Capitol album. The emphasis is on ballads here, with perennials like "Star Dust" and "Autumn Leaves" sharing space with intriguing rarities such as "The Ruby and the Pear" and "Dinner for One Please, James." Besides his update of "Nature Boy," other highlights include "Funny," "Tenderly," and "A Blossom Fell." A must for dedicated Nat Cole fans. ~ Stephen Cook, AMG

Estimated despatch 14-20 days after ordering.