This month and the year began with my remembrance and appreciation of Natalie Cole’s music, and now that we are near the end of the month, podcaster EJ Flavors has made a tribute mix of his own.
His “We Remember Natalie, Volume 1” is a solid mix of songs reflecting Ms. Cole’s talent. There are some hits, some deep album cuts, covers (Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody”), some of her music in the from the Unforgettable With Love days, and duets with Peabo Bryson, Diana Krall, Johnny Mathis and her father, the great Nat “King” Cole.
In my opinion this mix (the first of three) summarizes in seventy-five minutes all that made Natalie great. She could sing different types of songs in different styles, and all of them well. Plus the closing stretch (“Inseperable,” “Our Love,” “I’ve Got Love On My Mind” and “Unforgettable” (with her dad)) is absolute perfection.
The mix is available here, if you are interested, and it’s absolutely free.