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Displaying 1-29 of 29 items.
Anita Kerr Singers : From Nashville... The Hits of Anita KerrReview: Sometimes a quartet, sometimes an octet, the former Anita Jean Grilli's groups had possibly even more to do with reshaping country music from the mid-1950s to mid-1960s than Elvis and the Jordanaires. The direction in which she took country music is very clear on "From Nashville:" pop and light classics, not country. Still, these 12 bright, smooth, upbeat hits, accompanied by saxophones and massed violins are powerful and fine. Songs like "Hey, Joe," "My Last Date (With You)," "Singing the Blues," "You Don't Know Me," "The Old Master Painter," "Night Train to Memphis," "Bye, Bye Love" "Four Walls" and "Oh Lonesome Me" opened up the possibility of scoring major pop hits for country singers, and Anita was in on the ground floor of a fast-growing recording industry in Nashville. More than a period piece, "From Nashville" is country and pop music history in the making. Songlist: Hey Joe, My Last Date (With You), Singing The Blues, The Old Master Painter, You Don't Know Me, Near You, Night Train to Memphis, I'll Hold You In My Heart, Bye Bye Love, Four Walls, Oh Lonesome Me, Half As Much 
Review: This accompanied pop classic of "Sounds" (dig the new sounds, baby) from Anita and her often-changing group of singers from the late 60s features a more saccharine, innocent take on that turbulent era. For the first time in her career, Anita selects songs that had not been hits, the only two immediately hummable songs being "Swinging on a Star" and "The Beat Goes On," a hit for Sonny & Cher in 1966. 12 songs that are generally new to our ears, polished with sweet vocals and strings: "Happiness," "Wine in the Wind," "Say You Do," "Long Live Our Love," "I Would Love You," "The Two of Us," "I've Got Love Going for Me" and "They Always Ask Me"...these are romantic songs to slow dance and fall in love to, that would fit right in on Lawrence Welk's or Andy Williams' show, the kind of songs sung by Anita and her Singers to appreciative audiences from 4 generations. Songlist: Happiness, Wine in the Wind, Today is, Say You Do, I'm Falling in Love Again, Long Live Our Love, I Would Love You, The Beat Goes On, The Two of Us, I've Got Love Going for Me, They Always Ask Me, Swinging on a Star
Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians : Sentimental JourneyReview: Called "the man who taught America how to sing" Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians were a fixture on radio in the '40's and '50's and these 23 songs were recorded in 1949 and 1950 when at the height of their popularity. The group, including the instrumentalists, was over 50 members strong and sing beautifully some of the classic songs from the era. The arrangements were from some of the top choral arrangers in the country such as Roy Ringwold and Harry Simeone. A great trip down memory lane. Songlist: I Hear Music, I Feel A Song Comin' On, Sentimental Journey, Here I'll Stay, Country Style, Someone to Watch Over Me, I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Japanese Sandman, Moonlight and Roses, Runnin' Wild, April Showers, The Continental, Somebody Loves Me, Ballynure Ballad, Temptation, Ain't Misbehavin, It's Only A Paper Moon, I Only Have Eyes for You, Riders in the Sky, Hit the Road to Dreamland, Roumanian Rhapsody, What Makes the Sunset, Sleep
Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians : Songs Of FreedomReview: Songs of patriotism and inspiration were always part of Fred Waring's broadcasts and stage shows. By popular request, Songs of Freedom was compiled from recordings in their collection. Selections include John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever," "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor" from Miss Liberty by Irving Berlin and "Battle Hymn Republic," which was made popular by Roy Ringwald's arrangement and won a gold record. Also included is Fred Waring's "love song for America," "My America." Waring wrote the song for his bicentennial shows in 1975. Songlist: Pledge of Allegiance, Stars and Stripes Forever, America, The Beautiful, God Bless America, This Is My Country, No Man Is An Island, America, Where Are You?, America Our Heritage, You're A Grand Old Flag, Stars of Glory, Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, My America, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Star Spangled Banner
Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians : To You Forever / In ConcertReview: From the cherished Christmas carol, the sincere warmth of the spiritual, the cheer of the drinking song, to the tenderness of the love song, Fred Waring was the delineator, the innovator, the voice and interpreter of the language of 1960s youth in song. This all-accompanied, 2 CD, 2-lp compilation, originally released on Reprise in 1964, tours the world's greatest popular love songs. Composers and authors of course include Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, the Gershwins, Hammerstein and Jerome Kern, and we have the contrast of the studio-recorded lp, "To You Forever," and the live "In Concert" lp. The 11 songs on "Forever," smooth and sweet as you please: "You Do Something to Me," "Embraceable You," "All of You" and "All the Things You Are"-are listed in the dictionary under "Romantic." "In Concert" features an intro to the audience by Fred, and is a lively collection, from folk tunes like "Mr. Frog A Courtin'" and "On Top Of Old Smokey," spirituals like "Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and show tunes like "Hello, Dolly" to movie tunes like "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious" from "Mary Poppins." This is entertainment! Songlist: The Very Thought of You (Noble), (You'd Be So) Easy to Love, You Do Something To Me, The Nearness of You, You and the Night and the Music (Schwartz, Dietz), Embraceable You (G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin), You'd Be So Nice to Come Home to (Cole Porter), You're Driving Me Crazy (Donaldson), There Will Never Be Another You (Warren, Gordon), All Of You, All The Things You Are (Kern, Hammerstein II), I Hear Music and Sleep, Sleep, Sleep (Waring, Doph/Waring, Geibel), Mr. Frog A Courtin' He Did Ride (Traditional), Hello Mudduh, Hello Faddah (Bush, Sherman), The Swingin' Shepherd Blues (Koffman, Roberts, Jacobson), Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho, On Top of Old Smokey (Traditional), 12th Street Rag (Bauman), Sweet Sue - Just You (Harris, Young), Vilia (Lehor), Cecilia (Dreyer, Ruby), Nola (Amdt, Skylar), Hello, Dolly!, Dance of the Hours (Ponchielli), Nutcracker Suite Overture and Anitra's Dance and Fugue in C Minor and Our, Love (Tchaikovsky), Jada a la Dixieland (Carleton), Jada (Carleton), Ritual Fire Dance (Defalla), Chim Chim Cher-ee (Sherman, Sherman), and more
Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians : We All Scream For Ice CreamReview: It's hard to imagine having a career in music more sheer fun than Fred Waring's. Starting a banjo orchestra with his brother and friends while a student at Penn State University, the band did so well he had to choose between that and architecture, and chose music. By 1922 the 9-member band toured locally, growing to 11 members on their tour through Canada, playing snappy, fast-paced numbers. Success in the Detroit-Chicago area led to a Victor recording contract and "Sleep," their first smash hit. Movies (Harold Lloyd's "The Freshman," RKO's "Syncopation," the Broadway musical "Hello, Yourself," and Fred and the Pennsylvanians were a top box office draw on a level with Paul Whiteman's orchestra. Fred's own 1930 musical comedy "Rah Rah Daze" became a smash on Broadway called "The New Yorkers." Millions tuned into his regular radio programs with the band and Waring's "Glee Club," from 1933 through the war years, finally ending in 1957. During this time he had a regular TV slot from 1947 to 1954 and a daytime show in 1957. Concert tours continued through the 1970s, finally playing at Reagan's inaugural in 1981. Finding time to invent the famous Waring blender, Waring died at Penn State, where it had all begun, in 1984. Included here are 24 upbeat, funny, fun tunes, all orchestrally accompanied, songs like "Collegiate," "Does My Sweetie Do-And How!," the title tune, "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy," H'lo Baby," "Red Hot Chicago," "Dancing in The Dark," Irving Berlin's "Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee" and "I Say It's Spinach," "Fit as a Fiddle" and ending with their first hit, "Sleep." This is great stuff from a more innocent time, and plenty of it. Highly recommended. Songlist: Collegiate, Does My Sweetie Do - And How!, I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream, Who's Blue Now?, Collegiana, Navy Blues, Let Me Sing and I'm Happy, H'lo Baby, Good for You, Bad for Me, Red Hot Chicago, So Beats My Heart for You, Little White Lies, Love for Sale, Sing A Little Jingle, Dancing in the Dark, Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee, I Say It's Spinach, How'm I Doin'?, Rhymes, A Picnic for Two, You'll Get By, Fit As A Fiddle, Young and Healthy, Sleep
Hi-Lo's with Rosemary Clooney : Ring Around Rosie  Review: Rosemary's "friends" on "Ring Around Rosie" are none other than the Hi-Lo's! (She is accompanied by Harry James on "Hollywood's Best.") The dozen songs on "Ring Around Rosie," though not a cappella, are some of the loveliest in the canon of American popular song. Clooney's straightforward and unmannered style is immediate and engaging, in contrast to the Hi-lo's more modern jazz phrasing; together, they offer the best of both. For example, the Hi-lo's trade verses with Rosie on "How About You," and outline chords behind her with brilliantly hued swipes; when they harmonize, as they do, fittingly, on "Together," one can feel the appreciation flowing. Her "Everything Happens To Me" conveys the song's gloomy irony by virtue of the plainness of its delivery. The Hi-Lo's are sans Rosie on "I Could Write A Book," "Coquette" and "Solitude"; the latter two are presently unavailable on any other recording. "Hollywood's Best" features big band arrangements of movie themes, and Clooney's first million-selling record, "Come On-A My House." Songlist: Doncha Go Way Mad, Moonlight Becomes You, Love Letters, I Could Write A Book, I'm In the Mood For Love, Coquette, Together, Everything Happens To Me, Solitude, What Is There To say, I'm Glad There is You, How About You?, Plus "Hollywood's Best" with Harry James (12 tracks)
Review: Legendary, Grammy-winning arranger/conductor Johnny Mann and his prolific Singers apply their bright, smooth, spirited Sixties sound to this excellent Christmas collection. Traditional carols like "As Lately We Watched," "Lo How a Rose," "Deck the Halls," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "O Christmas Tree," "The First Noel," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" of course are here, wonderful and sincere; but we especially liked lesser known tunes like "Johnny Bring The Pine Tree In," "Sleep, Sleep Jesus, Sleep" and the lovely "Susan Belle." The kind of Christmas album they just don't make any more, and the kind that will be enjoyed again, year after year! Some light accompaniment, but mostly a cappella. Songlist: Johnny Bring The Pine Tree In, Sleep, Sweet Jesus, Sleep, As Lately Watched, Susan Belle, Lo How A Rose, Jingle Bells, Deck The Halls, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Go Tell It On A Mountain, O Christmas Tree, The First Noel, We Wish You A Merry Christmas
King Family : Christmas With The King Family Review: The King Family's Christmas specials were an annual family television event, and their Christmas album was repackaged a staggering 8 times-nevertheless, Christmas with the King Family has been out of print since 1977! It's simply a classic of the genre, and we've added 11 mostly unreleased tracks pulled from various specials and TV appearances to the original album's 12 tracks to form a holiday album that we suspect will be a Christmas evergreen. Songlist: Caroling Caroling/Come Dear Children, White Christmas, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Joy to the World, The Holiday of Love, Silent Night, Hear the Sledges with the Bells, The Little Drummer Boy, The Star Carol/O Little Town of Bethlehem, What Child is This?, Some Children See Him, Jolly Old LoveSt. Nicholas/Jingle Bells, The First Noel, Auld Lang Syne, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Sleigh Ride, The Holiday of Love, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas/Santa Clause is Comin' to Town, The Christmas Song/The Christmas Waltz, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Carol of the Bells, We'll Dress the House, Some Children See Him, A Soalin'/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Sleigh Ride, Children Go Where I Send Thee, Do You Hear What I Hear, and more
King Sisters : The King Family Show /The King Family AlbumReview: The first two of a staggering six albums that the King Family recorded for Warner Brothers in the space of two years, these came out in early 1965, the same year their weekly ABC TV series The King Family Show was becoming a fan favorite. Their debut The King Family Show! contains many of the favorites performed by the Family on TV and plays like an episode of their series-there's even a commercial break at the mid-point by King Kids Cam & Laurette, a popular, and humorous, feature of their weekly show. And we round out this release with two more CD debuts - the Warner Brothers singles by The King Cousins originally released in 1965, the Phil Spectorish Just One Smile and girl group homage Today I'm in Love! Deluxe liner notes with a treasure trove of rarely seen photos make this a true King Family fan's delight. Songlist: Pass Me By, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, Line the Track, My Favourite Things, Stardust, Irving Berlin Medley, Make Someone Happy, Sunrise, Sunset, I Used to Love You, I Don't Know Why, When Are You Going To Learn, The Square, Amen, (When There's) Love At Home, Today I'm In Love, Just One Smile, He's Got the Whole World In His Hands, Shenandoah, You'll Never Walk Alone, Every Man Has A Castle, Open Up Your Heart, Battle Hymn of the Republic, America, The Beautiful, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Bluebird of Happiness, Very Last Day, God Bless the Child, When the Saints Go Marching In
Mel Torme & The Mel-Tones : Live With The Mel-Tones Vol 1Review: Mel Torme is not only a reknowned pop singer (dubbed the "Velvet Fog") but an equally respected writer and arranger, who began his career as a toddler, singing on radio. Mel had a TV show on NBC in 1948, and the songs on this CD were collected largely from that production, featuring co-stars from the program, such as Barbara Eiler, who duets with Mel on "The French Lesson." Imagine a MGM musical of the sort that was produced after World War II, and that's the mood: romantic and innocent, with a big band sound, as typified by "You're The Cream In My Coffee" and "Red Red Robin." Mel's style is relaxed, while absolutely musical; the Mel Tones jump in with close harmony support and schtick as their roles as musical variety sidekicks require. One of the albums' highlights is surely "Everything Happens To Me," the pathos of which is offset by Mel's deadpan delivery. Songlist: Fairmont College, You're Driving Me Crazy, You're the Top, That Old Black Magic, When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin' Along, Everything Happens To Me, It's A Most Unusual Day, Maybe You'll Be There, Geometric Blues, The French Lesson, It's Dark On Observatory Hill, I've Got The Sun In The Morning And The Moon At Night, On A Slow Boat To China, Brahms' Lullaby, You're The Cream In My Coffee, I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues, Mountain Greenery, Here I'll Stay, Wish I May, Wish I Might
Mel Torme & The Mel-Tones : Live with The Mel-Tones Vol 2Review: Songlist: Fine and Dandy, Isn't It Romantic, Blues in the Night, What Is This Thing Called Love?, Let's Fall In Love, The Money Song, Ah, But It Happens, Hooray for Love, Get Out and Get Under, Lover's Delight, It's the Sentimental Thing to Do, A Fine Romance, Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams, Back in Your Own Backyard, I Get Along Without You Very Well, Friendship, This Is the Moment, How High the Moon, It's Magic, Fairmont College (Reprise)
Merry Macs : Mairzy Doats Review: The Merry Macs first formed as a trio in themid-1920s by the 3 McMichael brothers, baritone Ted and tenors Judd and Joe. After touring with bandleader Joe Haymes, in 1930 they added vocalist Cheri McKay (replaced by Helen Carroll in 1938), and began a 40+ year career recording, touring with swing bands like Glenn Miller's, and appearing on radio, television and in several movies. The first 14 hits are all representative of their trademark serio-comic, uptempo repertoire (all swing band accompanied): Smooth, funny, classic stuff! Songlist: Pop Goes the Weasel, I Got Rings On My Fingers, Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai (Hawaiian War Chant), A-Ruble A-Rhumba, La Paloma, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, Vol Vistu Gaily Star, Clap Yo' Hands, Breezin' Along with the Breeze, Ma, He's Makin' Eyes At Me, Johnson Rag, I Get the Blues When It Rains, The Way You Look Tonight, Isn't That Just Like Love?, with Bing Crosby:, Do You Ever Think of Me?, You Made Me Love You, Dolores, Pale Moon, The Hut-Sut Song, Deep In the Heart of Texas, Breathless, Jingle, Jangle, Jingle, Mairzy Doats and Dozy Doats, Pretty Kitty Blue Eyes, Sentimental Journey, Laughing on the Outside
Modernaires : String of Pearls - 1946 & 1947Review: This is a fascinating recording of several sessions from the post-war years of the group featuring some tracks that later became standards in their repertoire. Many of the vocal arrangements of these songs are different than the ones you might be familiar with from their later recordings and makes for a very interesting listen. Songlist: String Of Pearls, Listen To The Mocking Bird, Rain, Goofus, Billy Boy, Little Brown Jug, Loch Lomond, School Days, Stompin' At TheSavoy, The Man On The Flying Trapeze, Sweet Sue, A Bicycle Built For Two (Daisy Bell), Oh, Dem Golden Slippers, JA Da, Grandfather's Clock, In The Mood, Old McDonald Had A FArm, In A Little Spanish Town, De Campton Races, Coquette, Red Wing, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Bye Bye Blue Eyes
Modernaires : The Complete Modernaires Vol 1Review: The Modernaires are considered by music historians to be one of the most influential and innovative vocal groups in popular music. Their music is a microcosm of the romantic melancholy and elegance in the face of adversity that was present in the WWII years. Backup singers for the Glenn Miller orchestra during the first half of the decade, a few of their hit recordings with Miller would be reprised by the Modernaires after Miller was lost over the English Channel in 1944. Paula Kelly, the girl singer for Artie Shaw and Dick Stabile, joined Miller in 1940 and became Mrs. Hal Dickenson (The Modernaires' unofficial group leader) soon after. Still associated with Miller in the public's mind, their July, 1946 single "Salute to Glenn Miller," a medley of 4 Miller standards, was a top 20 hit for the group. There are 20 hits here, from heartstring-tugging romantic love songs like "There, I've Said It Again" (the first top 20 release for the group, in 1945) and "The Night is Young and You're So Beautiful," to jive and swing numbers like "Juke Box Saturday Night" and "La Cucaracha;" and novelty numbers like "The Dummy Song." "To Each His Own," a landmark number 3 single for the group in 1946, became a hit for the Platters in 1960. Excellent and recommended. Songlist: There! I've Said It Again (Redd Evans, Dave Mann), The Night Is Young and You're So Beautiful (Billy Rose, Irving Kahal, Dana Suesse), Jog Along (Harold Dickinson), You Belong To My Heart (ray Gilbert, Augustin Lara), Coffee Five, Doughnuts Five (Coffee and Doughnuts Ten) (Harold Dickinson, Howard Giebling), Autumn Serenade (Sammy Gallop, Peter DeRose), I Can't Believe My Eyes (Eddie DeLange, Saul Chaplin), Holiday for Strings (Sammy Gallop, David Rose), I'm on the Level With You (Dick Charles, Eddie Waldman), Livin' Western Style (with Curt Massey) (June Hershey, Don Swander), Juke Box Saturday Night (with Curt Massey) (Al Stillman, Paul McGrance), Salute to Glenn Miller:, -Moonlight Serenade (Mitchell Parish, Glenn Miller), -Elmer's Tune (Elmer Albrecht, Sammy Gallop, Dick Jurgens), -Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (with Anyone Else But Me) (Lew Brown,, Charles Tobias, Sam H. Stept), -Chattanooga Choo Choo (Mack Gordon, Harry Warren), Sweet I've Gotten On You (The Pennsylvania Dutch Song) (Brad Reynolds, Willard Robison), La Cucaracha (Traditional), To Each His Own (Jay Livingston, Ray Evans), Dummy Song (Lew Brown, Billy Rose, Ray Henderson), Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Too Many Irons in the Fire (Johnny S. Black), How Do You Do? (Robert MacGimsey), The Mission of the Rose (Ervin Drake, Jimmy Shirl, Henry Manners)
Modernaires : The Complete Modernaires Vol 2Review: In 1946 The Modernaires (male quartet with Paula Kelly) were one of the most popular groups in the USA, having been part of the most successful Big Band in the country, the Glenn Miller Orchestra. It was a long way from when they were called "The Wizards of Ozzie" in New York, singing with bandleader Ozzie Nelson. In 1939, unofficial group leader Hal Dickinson saw a billboard advertising a new cleaning process, "modernizing," and the group christened themselves the Modernaires. Ubiquitous on the radios and jukeboxes of the era, the group was as adept at lush, romantic ballads like "Santa Catalina (Island of Romance)" and "Pennies from Heaven" as they were at jive, swing and novelty numbers, like "The Jingle Bell Polka," "The Stanley Steamer" (with Dinah Shore), and "I Can't Get Offa My Horse," that were the meat and potatoes of any dance band's repertoire. 20 songs, from favorites like "Connecticut" and "It's a Lonesome Old Town (When You're Not Around)," to silly, fun ones like "One Hour (The Puppy Love Song)" and "Say It With a Slap", this collection takes us right back to the 40's. Songlist: My Heart Goes Crazy (Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen), Pennies from Heaven (Johnny Burke, Arthur Johnston), Connecticut (Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane), It's Loving' Time (Harry Harris, Chummy MacGregor), I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night (Al Hoffman, Jack Segal, Jay Livingston), Hoodle Addle (Ray McKinley), Santa Catalina (Island of Romance) (Harold Spina), I want To Be Loved (But Only By You) (Savannah Churchill), I Can't Get Offa My Horse (Morey Amsterdam), The Turntable Song ('Round, an' Round, an' Round) (Leo Robin, Johnny Green), Something in the Wind (Leo Robin, Johny Green), Our Hour (The Puppy Love Song) (Mack David, Al Hoffman, Jerry Livingston), Say It With A Slap (Eliot Daniel), The Jingle Bell Polka (Hal Dickinson), The Whistler (Hal Dickinson), The Stanley Steamer (with Dinah Shore) (Ralph Blane, Harry Warren), It's A Lonesome Old Town (When You're Not Around) (Charles Kisco, Harry Tobias), The Jingle Belle Polka (Hal Dickinson), The Whistler (Hal Dickinson, Wilbur Hatch), Margie (Benny Davis, Con Conrad, J. Russell Robinson)
Modernaires : The Complete Modernaires Vol 3Review: Songlist: Stardust, You Call It Madness (But I Call it Love) (Con Conrad, Gladys DuBois, Paul, Gregory, Russ Columbo), Ain't Misbehavin' (Andy Razaf, Thomas Waller, Harry Brooks), Rock It For Me (Sue Werner, Kay Werner), Lamplight (James Shelton), Bidin' My Time (Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin), Thoughtless (with Doris Day) (Buddy Kaye, Carl Lampl), It's A Quiet Town (in Crossbone Country) (with Doris Day) (Bob Russell, Harold Spina), Busy Doing Nothing (Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen), Mm-Mm-Good (Allie Wrubel, Paul Baron), Just for Laughs (Al Rinker, Floyd Huddleston), The Money Song (with Buddly Clark) (Harold Rome), Gloria (with Buddy Clark) (Leon Rene), Brush Those Tears from Your Eyes (wih Buddy Clark) (Oakley Haldeman, Al Trace, Jimmy Lee), One Sunday Afternoon (with Buddy Clark) (Ralph Blane), O'Leary Is Leery of Falling in Love (with Bob Crosby) (Dick Cunliffe, Jack Fulon, Bob Crosby), Molly O'Reilly (with Bob Crosby) (Charles Gaynor), Johnny Get Your Girl (Marin Curtis, Vic Mizzy), Olly Olly Oxen Free (Thomas Hamm, Allan Copeland, Hal Dickinson)
Modernaires : The Complete Modernaires Vol 4Review: Songlist: Stardust, You Call It Madness (But I Call it Love) (Con Conrad, Gladys DuBois, Paul, Gregory, Russ Columbo), Ain't Misbehavin' (Andy Razaf, Thomas Waller, Harry Brooks), Rock It For Me (Sue Werner, Kay Werner), Lamplight (James Shelton), Bidin' My Time (Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin), Thoughtless (with Doris Day) (Buddy Kaye, Carl Lampl), It's A Quiet Town (in Crossbone Country) (with Doris Day) (Bob Russell, Harold Spina), Busy Doing Nothing (Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen), Mm-Mm-Good (Allie Wrubel, Paul Baron), Just for Laughs (Al Rinker, Floyd Huddleston), The Money Song (with Buddly Clark) (Harold Rome), Gloria (with Buddy Clark) (Leon Rene), Brush Those Tears from Your Eyes (wih Buddy Clark) (Oakley Haldeman, Al Trace, Jimmy Lee), One Sunday Afternoon (with Buddy Clark) (Ralph Blane), O'Leary Is Leery of Falling in Love (with Bob Crosby) (Dick Cunliffe, Jack Fulon, Bob Crosby) , O'Leary Is Leery of Falling in Love (with Bob Crosby) (Dick Cunliffe, Jack Fulon, Bob Crosby), Molly O'Reilly (with Bob Crosby) (Charles Gaynor), Johnny Get Your Girl (Marin Curtis, Vic Mizzy), Olly Olly Oxen Free (Thomas Hamm, Allan Copeland, Hal Dickinson)
Modernaires : The Very Best OfReview: The four man, one woman swing/jazz group The Modernaires, who rode their distinctive bright, jazzy vocal style from the big band era of the 40s, up into the vocal jazz nightclub sound of the 60s, are featured on another wonderful EMI compilation of two lps. The lps are a tribute to two of their Swing Era contemporaries, bandleaders Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller, giving us 24 wonderful jazz band-accompanied winners: "Tuxedo Junction," "A String of Pearls," "Sunrise Serenade," "Pennsylvania 6-5000," "In The Mood," "Little Brown Jug," "Stardust," "Boogie Woogie," "Song of India," "Yes, Indeed," "I'll Never Smile Again"...we could go on and on, but let us just say that each song is a classic and a hit. The Modernaires had timeless class, style, humor and the kind of tight, sweet harmonies that put their own stamp on songs we thought we'd heard before. A great gift for two kinds of people: anyone who was lucky enough to have been there to listen and dance to this great music when it came out, and anyone who wasn't! Songlist: There! I've Said it Again, Coffee Five, Doughnuts Five (Coffee and Doughnuts Ten), Jukebox Saturday Night, Salute to Glenn Miller, a. Moonlight Serenade, b. Elmer's Tune, c. Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me), d. Chattanooga Choo Choo, To Each His Own, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Pennies from Heaven, Margie, You Call it Madness (But I Call it Love), Ain't Misbehavin', Stardust, Bidin' My Time, My Friend Irma, On Accounta Because I Love You, Java Jive
Platters : Christmas CollectionReview: This holiday collection, which clocks in at just less than 30 minutes in length, was originally released in this same sequence in 1963 as Christmas With the Platters, and has been reissued several times since in slightly different configurations and under varying titles. If you bear in mind that the Platters only did one Christmas session, then it probably doesn't matter which of these you pick up, although the sound on this 2004 edition is superb. The upbeat numbers fare best, with an energized version of "Jingle Bells Jingle," an organ-led "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," and a spunky rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock" being the obvious highlights. The group's manager, Buck Ram (who also produced the original album), has a couple of his own songs included here, "Come Home for Christmas" and "Christmas Time," and both are competent but hardly memorable compositions. The arrangements on the album are interesting and frequently inventive, and the Platters, as always, sing wonderfully. Songlist: Jingle Bells Jingle, White Christmas, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, Christmas Time, Blue Christmas, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer, Come Home For Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth, Winter Wonderland, Silent Night, For Auld Lang Syne
Review: Doo-Wop legends The Platters treat us to 10 sweet, soulful, all-accompanied Christmas hit covers on "Silver Bells." There's a nice mix here of carols, "Away in a Manger," "Deck The Halls," a jazzy "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night;" and popular Christmas songs, Elvis's "Blue Christmas," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Silver Bells," "The Christmas Song" and Bing Crosby's trademark "White Christmas." There's some very cool new arrangements here of our old favorites, and The Platters still have some of the best leads and harmonies in the business! Great, romantic, danceable stuff that's sure to help you have happy holidays for years to come! Songlist: Away In A Manger, Blue Christmas, Deck the Halls, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Joy to the World, Silent Night, Silver Bells, The Christmas Song, White Christmas
Review: Another fine selection of traditional Christmas carols sung in the Inimitable Ray Conniff style. Songlist: White Christmas, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells, Frosty The Snowman, Silent Night, Holy Night, Silver Bells, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, O Tennenbaum, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Joy To The World, Here Comes Santa Claus, Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You), The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Medley: The First Noel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Come, All Ye Faithful, We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Ray Conniff Singers : Christmas with ConniffReview: "Ray Conniff," we were thinking as we opened "Christmas With," "elevator music." Then we played the CD, and found ourselves flooded with memories of what Christmas was like for us, growing up in the 50's and 60's. The smell of hot roasted nuts and fresh chocolates at the bustling five and dime as we stepped into the warmth out of a snowstorm, and what was playing in the background was Conniff's "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer." There are 12 delightful songs here, each lightly (and jazzily) accompanied, and each arranged by Mr. Conniff in his inimitable manner, using the voices as the main focus of the orchestral fabric, and gaining special inspiration from the cheery character that most of the songs have. Of course there are ballads like the classic "Silver Bells," the romantic "Christmas Song," "Greensleeves" and "White Christmas," but most of the songs, "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Winter Wonderland," "Frosty The Snowman," "Sleigh Ride" and "Christmas Bride," are as bright, innocent and jolly as befits a Christmas dancing party. We loved every cut and bet you will too! Songlist: Jingle Bells, Silver Bells, Frosty the Snowman, White Christmas, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, The Christmas Song, Here Comes Santa Claus, Winter Wonderland, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Christmas Bride, Sleigh Ride, Greensleeves (What Child Is This?)
Ray Conniff Singers : Here We Come A-CarolingReview: Previously released as a Columbia LP that was probably pulled out and played to distraction every Christmas thereafter, this reissue captures the joyous innocence and cheer of Christmas in the 50's and 60's like the tiny flakes in a snow globe. Each of these 12, all lightly accompanied songs has "Arr: R. Conniff" under them, and it's physically impossible to feel sad while listening to a Conniff arrangement. The title tune, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Joy To The World," "Go Tell It On The Mountain," "O Tannenbaum" and "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" are given upbeat, jazzy-pop tempos, while "Silent Night," "Away In A Manger," "Adoremus Te," "The Real Meaning of Christmas," "What Child Is This" and "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" are slower ballads. The Singers' sound is bright, sweet and sincere-exactly how we like it! Songlist: Here We Come A-Caroling, Silent Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, Adoramus Te, The Real Meaning of Christmas, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, What Child Is This?, O Tannenbaum, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, O Little Town of Bethlehem
Review: "So Much In Love" offers a refreshing and different Conniff singers step out from the orchestra to sing twelve great love songs which are paired off so that eachmedley tells a musical story about people who are "so much in love." For example, in the first medley, the girls sing the nostalgic "Autumn Leaves," recalling a lost or distant love. The men answer with "Just Walking In The Rain," as they find themselves in the same situation. Songlist: Autumn Leaves / Just Walking In The Rain, I Fall In Love Too Easily / My Heart Stood Still, Dancing On The Ceiling / Dancing In The Dark, I Wish I Didn't Love You So / Bewitched, Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) / True Love, Chances Are / It's Not For Me To Say
Various Artists : Sweetest HarmonyReview: Mandatory for fans of vintage vocal jazz, this delightful collection also documents the musical evolution of the genre with great groups such as the Mills Bros., Andrews Sisters and Dandridge Sisters, as well as many less famous but still important ensembles. "Caravan," "Tuxedo Junction," " Java Jive" and "Stormy Weather" are included, but it's equally a treat to hear "That's My Weakness Now," (The Rhythm Boys, who had Bing Crosby as a member) or the silly humor of "The Girl In the Little Green Hat." All tracks are accompanied. Songlist: Breezin' Along With The Breeze, The Whisper Song, Too Busy!, Dear, On A Night Like This, That's My Weakness Now, The Girl In The Green Hat, At The Baby Parade, Sweet Jennie Lee!, Dinah, Oh! By Jingo, Stormy Weather, Cuban Tango, America Calling- Medley, Why Don't You Practice What You Preach, In The Shade Of The Old Apple-Tree, Caravan, Everybody Step!, Mandy, Bidin' My Time, Undecided, Tuxedo Junction, Shakespeare In Rhythm, Java Jive, Breathless, Auf Wiederseh'n, My Dear
Review: Rivals only to the, perhaps more famous, but not necessarily more talented Cliff Adams Singers they were the group most likely to get the call when Pop aristocracy went into the studio. Adored by millions of listeners all over the world The Mike Sammes Singers kept their other more "hip" credentials fairly well hidden. Yes, incredibly it is them you can hear on "I Am The Walrus" and yes it certainly is them you can hear behind Ringo as they back him on one of The Beatles most beautiful songs, the John Lennon penned "Goodnight", the last track on the stunning White Album. Songlist: I've Heard That Song Before, Last of the Summer Wine, You are My Heart's Delight, I'm Comin' Home, Remember, The Mayfair Ladies' Quartet, I've Told Ev'ry Little Star, Humming Bird, As Time Goes By, We'll Meet Again, It Had to Be You, All the Things You Are, You and I, All Alone, If You Were the Only Girl in the World, Laughter in the Rain, What'll I Do?, So in Love with You, Once in a While, Strollin', Ta-Ra
Pied Pipers : Dreams From The Sunny Side of the StreetReview: In the 1940s, in comparison to the rest of the world, Americans had it all-nylons, chewing gum and harmony groups like the Merry Macs, Modernaires and the Pied Pipers. Originally an octet when first hired by Tommy Dorsey, they were fired when his sponsors disapproved of "Hold Tight-Want Some Sea Food Mama" as unsuitable broadcast material (this is the first we've ever heard of this-possibly it had a hidden sexual connotation?). In any case, they reduced to a quartet and were on the verge of disbanding when they were hired back by Dorsey to join his new solo vocalist Frank Sinatra. With Sinatra the Pipers recorded quite a few hits including "I'll Never Smile Again," which was the very first #1 record on Billboard's Best Selling record chart, which began in 1940. The group's Jo Stafford also had solo hits, including "Yes Indeed." After an argument with Dorsey the group left for Hollywood and signed to newly-formed Capital Records. "Deacon Jones/Pistol Packin' Mama" was the first of a string of hits on their own and with Johnny Mercer and other solo artists, including "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive," "Personality," "Winter Wonderland," "The Trolley Song," "In The Moon Mist," "My Happiness" and "Dream." All songs are Swing-band accompanied. This is one of those 2-CD, 50-song collections we love so well because they are such a bargain and have so much great music. The Pipers were one of the most popular harmony groups of the Swing Era, and this is their "greatest hits" collection. What a treat from one of our favorite eras in American music! Songlist: Pistol Packin' Mama, Doin' What Comes Natur'lly, Dream, In The Middle Of May, Girl of My Dreams, Cecilia, Watcha Know Joe?, You've Got Me This Way, What A Deal, There's Good Blues Tonight, Mairzy Doats, My Happiness, My! My!, The Freedom Train, Sweet Potatoe Piper, Old Man River, On the Sunny Side of the Street, Nine Old Men, You And Your Love, You Won't Be Satisfied, I Love It So, I've Got the Sun In the Morning, It's Only A Paper Moon, Linger In My Arms, I'll Buy That Dream, Easy Street, Gotta Be This Or That, Jamboree Jones, Isn't That Just Like Love, Embraceable You, and more
Various Artists : Groups Sing From the Big Band EraReview: This two CD collection is a great value, containing over 50 tracks from the top vocal groups of the 1940's. Some rare tracks here as well including The Stardusters, Snowflakes and The Song Spinners along with many of the big hits of the era. This is a well-put together compilation and listeners well really get the feel for this great period for vocal harmony groups. Songlist: Disc One:, Cheek to Cheek (Boswell Sisters), Rock and Roll (Boswell Sisters), You Always Hurt The One You Love (Mills Brothers), Across The Alley From The Alamo (Mills Brothers), Paper Doll (Mills Brothers), Dream (Pied Piper), My Happiness (Pied Piper), There Are Such Things (Pied Piper), Brazil (Dinning Sisters), Buttons and Bows (Dinning Sisters), Once In A While (Dinning Sisters), You'll Never Know (Song Spinners), Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer (Song Spinners), On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Clark Sisters), On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe (Clark Sisters), Tuxedo Junction (Four Freshman), There's A Small Hotel (The Snowflakes), Little White Lies (Four Hits & A Miss), The Honeydripper (Delta Rhythm Boys), You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (Six Hits & A Miss), Lullaby of Broadway (The Skylines), Guilty (The Mel-Tones), What Is This Thing Called Love?, If This Isn't Love (The Sportsmen), Great Day (The Sportsmen), Love For Sale (The Smoothies), Disc Two:, Java Jive (The Ink Spots), If I Didn't Care (The Ink Spots), and more |
