Pianist George Shearing is that rare thing, a European jazz musician who became a household name in the United States, as a result of the Shearing Sound - the recordings of his historic late-1940s quintet. Together with his unique 'locked hands' approach to playing the piano, Shearing's quintet - with guitar and vibraphone in close harmony to his own playing - revolutionised small group jazz, and ensured that after seven years as Melody Maker's top British pianist, he achieved even greater success in America. His compositions have been recorded by everyone from Sarah Vaughan to Miles Davis, and his best known pieces include Lullaby Of Birdland, She and Conception.

His story is all the more remarkable because Shearing was born blind. As a teenager he joined Claude Bampton's band, and he recounts hilarious anecdotes about the trials and tribulations of this all blind group. By the start of the war years, Shearing was established as one of Britain's most popular and impressive jazz pianists - broadcasting regularly and playing and recording with Stephane Grappelli. He also recorded with Ambrose and his own bands, including such British stars as trumpeter Kenny Baker.

In 1947, he took the momentous step of emigrating to the US, and within two years he had started his landmark series of records with his quintet. He also played classical pieces and performed with several leading symphony orchestras. His candid reminiscences include a behind-the-scenes experience of New York's 52nd Street in its heyday, as well as memories of a vast roll-call of professional colleagues that include all the great names in jazz. Among others, he recounts his partnerships with Mel Torme, Joe Williams and Nancy Wilson, as well as the all-star cast of musicians in his own bands, from Gary Burton and Toots Thielemans to Joe Pass and Neil Swainson.

CONTENTS:
The House in Arthur Street; Shillington Street School; Linden Lodge; Mighty Like The Blues; Delayed Action; Swing Street; September In The Rain; Early Travels; Lullaby Of Birdland; On The Road; Classical Concerts; Ellie; Two Bodies - One Musical Mind; Today.

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