Lullaby Of Birdland

Pianist George Shearing is that rare thing, a European jazz musician who became a household name in the US, as a result of the Shearing soundthe recordings of his historic late 1940s quintet. Together with his unique locked hands approach to playing the piano, Shearings quintet with guitar and vibraphone in close harmony to his own playing revolutionized small group jazz, and ensured that after seven years as Melody Makers 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. His candid reminiscences include a behind the scenes experience of New Yorks 52nd Street in its heyday, as well as memories of a vast roll-call of professional colleagues that includes all the great names in jazz.