TV REVIEW : Cole Serves Up ‘Unforgettable’ PBS Treat

It turns out that PBS’ “Great Performances” series scored quite a coup with its scheduling of pop singer Natalie Cole in “Unforgettable, With Love: Natalie Cole Sings the Songs of Nat King Cole” (at 9 tonight on KCET Channel 28).

Though she figured to win a Grammy or two in the ceremonies last week, no one expected her album, “Unforgettable,” and the title single, to walk off with seven trophies.

Due to these awards and all that national TV exposure, the PBS program will undoubtedly attract a much larger audience.

There’s a treat in store for those who tune in.

Cole sings material from the Grammy-winning album, which is made up of songs performed by her late father in the pre-rock era, including “Tenderly,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Smile,” “Avalon” and “Paper Moon.”

The album was easily the surprise hit of last year, selling more than 3 million copies since its June release.

Taped over two nights at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium last January, the program is primarily Cole in her touring show.

Most of the time, the setting resembles an elegant, old-fashioned supper club, with her attired in chic evening gowns, backed by a full orchestra. Right now, no one sings this middle-of-the-road pop music better.

Cole is equally adept with ballads and bouncy material. In the middle segment, she switches to a small-combo, nightclublike setting, cruising through for the swinging, jazz-oriented material, some that her father performed with his trio.

Part of the segment was filmed in black and white, with shots mixed in of her father playing piano--creating the effect of him serving as her accompanist.

The highlight is not her “Unforgettable” duet with her father--another special-effects creation--but her rendition of his best song, the spine-tingling “Mona Lisa,” one of the prettiest pop ballads ever written.

The Natalie Cole program will be followed at 10:40 p.m. by “The Incomparable Nat King Cole.” The two programs also will be seen Saturday on KPBS Channel 15, beginning at 9 p.m., and on Wednesday on KOCE Channel 50, beginning at 8 p.m.