In addition to work with Bob Marley in the 1960s, and the Melodians later, his earliest experience was in jazz. This wonderful combo of jazz and Afro Pop is a melding of a variety of influences. Ranglin was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in 1973 for his contributions to music. Judging from this beautiful collection, they ain't heard nothing yet. Mr. Shearing hit his popular prime years before he reached Telarc, but his output for the label has been strong and substantial, nonetheless.
Shearing is able to cover the diverse playlist with equal fire and passion end to end.
He is joined throughout the set by a cast of extraordinary accompanist, with bassist Neil Swainson being the most consistent. The star of the show clearly is the pianist, though. He remains nimble fingered, spry and adventurous. The program is as tasteful a collection as anything he's recorded in the past 50 years. Lest we forget, Mr. Tyner is considered by many jazz fans to be among the jazz piano masters of the century his own self, so this is every bit amazing as it sounds unlikely.