The George Shearing Quintet was the brainchild of British-born jazz pianist George Shearing, whose unique style and sophisticated arrangements brought a new level of artistry to jazz during the mid-20th century. Shearing, who was blind since birth, moved to the United States in 1947, where he eventually formed his quintet in 1949. The ensemble quickly rose to fame for its distinctive "Shearing sound," characterized by a locked-hands piano technique and masterful melding of vibes, guitar, bass, and drums alongside Shearing's piano—creating harmonically rich and layered textures.

The George Shearing Quintet enjoyed great success through the 1950s and 1960s, epitomized by hits like "September In the Rain" and "Lullaby of Birdland," which became jazz standards. The quintet specialized in a range of styles, from cool jazz to Latin rhythms, as evidenced by their vast discography including works like "Latin Affair" and "Latin Lace." Shearing was not only a skilled interpreter of the Great American Songbook, but he also adeptly infused mambo and Latin influences into his music, as showcased in albums like "Mambo, Memories & More." Over the years, the group's lineup saw changes, but Shearing remained the constant driving force until his passing in 2011. His quintet's body of work remains a celebrated chapter in the history of jazz for its innovative contributions and sublime musicality.

Genres

Jazz

Smooth Jazz

Easy Listening

Bebop

Swing

Vocal Jazz

Lounge

Bossa Nova

Cool Jazz

Latin Jazz

Mambo

Latest Release

A Jazz Date

George Shearing•

George Shearing Quintet

Album - 12 Tracks - Released June 28, 2024