Hugh Coltman - Shadows - Songs Of Nat King Cole (2015) [Hi-Res]

„Shadows - Songs of Nat King Cole“, has been an idea brewing in Hugh's mind for a few years. Cole was one of the Jazz artists that Hugh’s mother often played in the family home and his music became part of the soundtrack of Hugh’s formative years before his mother's untimely death when he was 7 years old. After having released and toured two self penned albums distinctly pop on Universal records, Hugh was invited to tour and record with French/Italian Jazz pianist and producer Eric Legnini. This experience of a working Jazz musician gave him the confidence to finally approach Nat King Cole's repertoire.

The idea behind the album was born of Hugh’s intention to shed light upon the darker part of Nat King Cole’s life. That of a black musician, active at a time when segregation was rife and most black artists entered music venues by the service entrance. Indeed Cole himself narrowly escaped a kidnapping in 1956 in Alabama and even though successful, he was clearly not welcome in Beverly Hills where he received threats from the Klu Klux Klan soon after the family’s arrival. Cole stated: 'I can't understand it ... I have not taken part in any protests. Nor have I joined an organisation fighting segregation. Why should they attack me ?”. Hugh’s idea was to reveal these “Shadows”, rarely if ever evident in the choice of material or production of Cole’s work. The choice of songs, production and Hugh’s vocal performances on Shadows, often rooted in his passion for the Blues, give an undertone of tension, even unease.

Notwithstanding Hugh’s original idea, when he came to record the closing title for the album, Morning Star, an ode to a mother’s love, it became clear to him that this project was in fact, much closer to home. Shadows… is Hugh paying homage to his mother, through the work of Nat King Cole.

Hugh Coltman, vocals

01. Eric Legnini - Are You Disenchanted (4:24)
02. Eric Legnini - What'll I Do (4:03)
03. Hugh Coltman - Pretend (4:06)
04. Eric Legnini - I Can't Be Bothered (3:00)
05. Hugh Coltman - Annabelle (3:34)
06. Eric Legnini - Nature Boy (4:02)
07. Eric Legnini - Walkin' (4:20)
08. Eric Legnini - Mona Lisa (3:55)
09. Eric Legnini - Meet Me At No Special Place (And I'll Be There At No Particular Time) (3:16)
10. Eric Legnini - The Shadows (2:52)
11. Eric Legnini - I Never Had A Chance (3:28)
12. Eric Legnini - Smile (3:00)
13. Hugh Coltman - Morning Star (3:06)