5 comments about Trilogy.

1. I purchased this as a gift so as far as the content of the CD I cannot attest. However, the shipment was prompt and well packaged and there were no complications with this order.



2. This is a great CD with a lot of different Frank Sinatra songs that you haven't heard him sing before. Also has the Song You and Me on it, we were looking for this song for a while... good CD!



3. If ever Frank Sinatra demonstrated his amazing artistry, it is on the ambitious 106 minutes of music which spans the iconic chapters of his career, with a solid stride into the future.
   
   Originally released in 1980, it produced yet another Sinatra vocal masterpiece, Theme from New York, New York, but each section has collaborations - The Past, Billy May; The Present, Don Costa; The Future, Gordon Jenkins - that are welcome additions to his vast performance library.
   
   The standards are from legendary songwriters like George & Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, with the pop material selected from the works of such contemporary stars like Billy Joel, George Harrison, Neil Diamond and Kris Kristofferson. But it's the 39-minute, free-form suite - The Future - written by Jenkins that is the cornerstone to this 2-CD set, which was initially issued on three albums.
   
   This was Sinatra's first studio release since the 1974 Some Nice Things I've Missed. That he elected to tackle this project shows Sinatra again forging a new path and delivering a twilight masterpiece.



4. Took three tries to get the Sinatra Trilogy set. 1st time got disc 1. Returned and then rcvd disc 2. Returned that and finally 3rd delivery, got 2 discs. Still no boxed set as ad promised. Now Amazon email threatens to charge me a second time for unreturned earlier disc which went out with their label and return authorization? Totally screwed up!



5. Frank Sinatra hadn't released an album in almost five years when he began working in "Trilogy" in August of 1978. It was his most ambitious project to date: three dsics, with three different arrangers, each covering a different theme. The three themes were Past, Present, and Future, with songs correlating to each time period.
   
   Upon its release, it greatly overwhelmed and polarized fans, especially the third section, a concept album of sorts that had Frank speculating about his nearing winter years and fantasizing about what the future holds for him. This section got the brunt of most journalists' criticisms, including several who referred to it as pompous and self-indulgent.
   
   Nearly 30 years later, however, "Trilogy" has aged excellently, and as far as I'm concerned is his best effort from 1973 onward (along with 1981's "She Shot Me Down"). Each section of the album has its share of excellent material, even The Future, which is far as I'm concerned is an artistic triumph for Frank as well as arranger Gordon Jenkins.
   
   Before reviewing each of the three discs, one thing I would like to point out is that Frank's voice is EXCELLENT. Anyone who believes Frank never got his voice back after 1973 is sorely mistaken. Frank sounds ever bit as good here as he did in 1942, 1956 or 1963: clear, tough, dramatic, powerful, able to hit a wide range of strong notes at both upper and lower register, combined with intricate phrasing and forceful breath control. The rasp that plagued him at 1974's "The Main Event" is almost completely nonexistent on this album.
   
   The first section, The Past, is often recorded as the best of the three, and it's definitely excellent. On this section, Frank tackles songs he either never recorded or hadn't done in years, all arranged by the wonderful Billy May, who does some of his best work with Frank on this set.
   
   From the opening track, a brand new rendition of "The Song Is You," it is clear Frank, at 63, is still at the top of hs game. May's arrangement explodes with energy, as Frank's voice dances around a torrent of furious horn lines and swirling strings, punching out notes and lyrics as forcefully as he did in 1958 (the last time Frank had done the song, with May as well, on "Come Dance With Me"). Frank recorded this song five times, but this version is definitive.
   
   The rest of the album upholds the quality of the first track superbly, as Frank gives off definitive readings of classics he hadn't visited or visited in awhile, including a passionate "But Not For Me," a magical "I Had The Craziest Dream," a wonderfully dramatic updating of "Let's Face The Music And Dance," a roaring "Street Of Dreams," a soaring "My Shining Hour," a sincere "More Than You Know," and a fantastic "They All Laughed."
   
   One other track worth singling out is "It Had To Be You." Many had sung this song before Frank, and many after, but no one has ever done a lovelier, more passionate and sincere rendition than Frank did on this album. It is one of his finest love songs and best latter day recordings.
   
   The Present is a set of contemporary material, some newly written for Frank, some covers of other artists' hits. The contemporary numbers are excellent. "You And Me (We Wanted It All)" is a singularly beautiful and heartbreaking ballad that only Frank can sing. Frank pierces the very heart and soul of this song, as he details the rsie and fall of a romance that once was "the best" as he only he can. "Summer Me, Winter Me," in contrast, is one of his best love songs ever. Tender and warm, with an evergreen reading by Frank and a soaring, atmospheric Don Costa arrangement, it is one of the most underrated Frank recordings and is one of his shining hours on record. His voice is excellent on this one, especially as he punches out the refrain after the instrumental break. Finally, there's "That's What God Looks Like To Me," about discussing the identity of our Creator to his small child. It could've come across as silly and lightweight, but Frank turns it into a sincere and beautiful performance, very gentle and moving. If you have small child who has any questions about God, play them this song.
   
   The covers of other artists' songs go over quite well. Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are" is turned from a plain ballad into a fiery swinger, while Elvis's "Love Me Tender" is an excellent tribute to The King. And "MacArthur Park" is simply grand and recalls the 1961 recording of "Stardust" that Frank did on his first record with Costa, "Sinatra & Strings." Some recordings don't go over quite as well: Neil Diamond's "Song Sung Blue" is ruined by unnecessary backing vocalists, and Kris Kristoferson's "For The Good Times" would've been better without the annoying Opera singer.
   
   There are two recordings on this set, that most be singled out. One is Frank's rendition of The Beatles' "Something." Often called by Frank "The Greatest Love Song Ever Written," Frank gives one of his most soulful and haunting performances ever on this track, backed by a breathtaking string arrangement by Nelson Riddle. As much as I love The Beatles' version, Frank takes this song to a whole other level, and creates the definitive version.
   
   The other recording worth noting is "New York, New York." Okay, so everyone knows the song, it's Frank's most popular recording, blah, blah, blah. But regardless of the fact that for many it's overplayed, it's still a landmark recording for Frank. Here's Frank The Legend sounding as good as ever, 40 years after he made it, still punching through long, furious notes like a pro, right up to the grand finale, a crashing, operatic finish that only he could accomplish. The fact that at 64, Frank could still score a song that would become among his most well known gives ample creedence to his appeal, influence and legacy.
   
   "The Future" is a bit of a hard section to review, but I love it. Gordon Jenkins' arrangements are some of his beautiful - lush, soaring string lines, subtle, pensive horns, beautiful backing vocalist adding further atmosphere - and Frank does his best singing on this section. His voice is dramatic, grand and ascends to almost operatic peaks. His singing is not dissimilar to the style he used on his 1963 classic "The Concert Sinatra," and he sounds just as good as he did at 47 at 64. Some songs, like "World War None" are a bit too pretentious, but Frank's passion and dedication more than make up for the lack of meter. "What Time Does The Next Miracle Leave" is an epic masterwork that has Frank's storytelling abilities at their zenith, as he takes through Outer Space and back, leading us on an atmospheric journey through our Solar System. The closing "Before The Music Ends" is a magnum opus, a summation of Frank's life that will leave you breathless by the song's end, and gives a grand powerful closing to the album.
   
   Ignore the naysayers and purchase this album. "Trilogy" is a fantastic effort, and while not as good as his Capitol material, is in the Top 20 Best Frank Albums and is an essential purchase.

No comments about The Complete Jerome Kern Songbooks.

1 comments about The Sue Records Story: New York City: The Sound of Soul.

1. Not many people, certainly not those born after 1960, know the label Sue Records, and that is a shame. Based in New York City, Harlem to be exact, and African-American owned, Sue produced some stunning records during its relatively brief time on the scene.
   
   Some of us have heard the amazing "Mockingbird", originally recorded at Sue by the brother-sister team of Charlie and Inez Foxx, covered by Aretha, Martha and the Vandellas, Dusty Springfield, and even by Carly Simon and James Taylor, when they were still an item. But here is the real thing and I defy anyone to prefer the Simon/Taylor version, as good as it is, to the original.
   
   Barbara George was another Sue artist and one who never achieved the fame she deserved. If she never recorded anything but "I Know" (You Don't Love Me No More), her place in the R & B pantheon would be assured. There are 3 other Barbara George cuts on this set, all of them wonderful.
   
   Too many other great bits to mention; among them the Hollywood Flames doing the original "Rockin Robin" and, who woulda thunk it, 10 cuts from the most successful of the Sue stable, Ike and Tina Turner. Listen to "A Fool in Love" and remember how great Ike and Tina were at the beginning of their careers.
   
   This is a boxed set that undeservedly languished on shelves at record stores. There is an awful lot of terrific R & B to be found on these 4 CDs

5 comments about Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.

1. The version I have is the small box and was listening to it the whole day today.The sound is not bad at all. Actually, It is quite good.
   The music is great capturing Armstrong in a period that was so instrumental in defining Jazz and the roots of New Orleans Music.
   The selections are a good sampler for further in depth listening of releases that are available.It all adds up to a totally enjoyable experience.
   There are various surprises and probably hard to find cuts.
   For those interested in further cd's I heartily recommend The Complete Hot 5's(both JSP and Columbia are fine to my ears.The JSP may sound better with some post live selections not on Columbia's box, while the Columbia book is great and has a few alternate sides if I am not mistaken and is a lavish affair),King Oliver's Complete sessions(The Dutch 2 cd set on Challenge),Louis Big Band recordings(JSP)that completes the 30's, and the 7 selections from the Red Onion Babies found on Milestone/Jazz Heritage King Oliver and Lois Armstrong cd that duplicates most of King Oliver's complete set mentioned above except the Red Onion Baby selections. Also Breaking Out Of New Orleans(JSP) is top ranking as far as sound and selection and overall quality of this genre offering quality from many bands from 1922-1929(It also has 4 selections from the Red Onion Babies found on Louis Armstrong/King Oliver cd).
   The book inside this CD is wonderful as well.



2. I have to disagree completely with the previous reviewer. The JSP set sounds way better than these sets (I own both). Also, you cant compare this set with the JSP set in terms of content. The JSP set only includes recordings with the hot five and sevens. On this set, only 2 of the 4 CD's include that material. The rest is stuff recorded earlier as a sideman or later with RCA. Everything in this set is gold of the highest order. But the remastering is no longer the best it could be.



3. Louis Armstrong is the greatest artist of the 20th century. Don't die without hearing "West End Blues". In fact, don't live one more day without this CD. I know what you're thinking. I looked at the years this box set covers and I thought, "Oh no. 4 CD's of 78s." The truth is the sound is tinny. And the truth is it doesn't matter.



4. "Louis Armstrong: Portrait of the Artitst as a Young Man"

   This is the set of recordings that announced that jazz had matured to the level of an art form. The Hot Fives and Sevens, featuring the always brutally underrated Earl Hines (not to mention Johnny Dodds), is the fiery core of Planet Jazz. Louis' trumpet was never better, and with this small group in Chicago, Prince Armstrong took King Oliver's crown.

   From the first to the last of this four disc set, there is a level of invention and innovation that can only be compared to the bebop revolution of the early 1940s. These superlative remarks aside, the music is a lot of fun to listen to, from the classics like "Potato Head Blues", "Struttin' with Some Barbeque", "Chimes Blues", "Weather Bird", "Sugar Foot Stomp", both takes of "Stardust", "Cornet Chop Suey", "Tight Like This" and the greatest of them all, "West End Blues."

   King Armstrong he would have been called had he stayed in New Orleans. And who knows if he'd have been any more famous than Freddie Keppard today.

   Instead, he's a beloved legend by both jazz hardcores and most if not all Americans (plus millions worldwide). He stands only alongside Bach and Beethoven in the pantheon.




5. The most complete collection of the most important work by the most dominant American musician of the first half of the 20th century.

   Too much hype?

   Trust me, this is a great collection, worthy of that hype. These are the recordings that cemented Armstrong's reputation as the most important instrumentalist of the age.

1 comments about The Complete Decca Studio Master Takes 1935-1939.

1. It appears that with all these bargain boxes of Jazz cd's coming out the typical consumer sees price value and takes a chance..there are better sounding labels out there and my experience with Definitive Records,LoneHill Jazz,JSP and Proper Records have been positive and never felt beat by any of them.
   In the case of Definitive Records and this 4 cd set, exhausting the master takes of Satchmo's Decca sides for the time period of 1935-1939 (as well as the the additional 2 cd set covering the 1940-1949 Decca period issued as a separate release but same style of packaging), the sound and overall presentation is crystal.
   Informative liner and band notes are included.This label is really made for the Jazz aficionado and primarily the collector seeking hard to find quality releases...The label makes no bones and quite simply states that in it's honest approach .
   There are 6 cd's if you also include the 1940-1949 collection available as a 2 cd set...Wonderfully, also high resolution 24 bit.
   The music captures Armstrong at the tender age of 35-45 when he returned to the American studio after foreign travels and his great big band recordings of the early 1930's.History was still to be made.

5 comments about The Complete Cole Porter Songbooks.

1. The set is exactly as it is billed: a compendium of Cole Porter covers by VERVE jazz artists. Want Frank's cover of Under My Skin? Don't like Ella's live performance in the VERVE set? Then burn your own CD. In doing so, the VERVE set will be an invaluable resource.



2. First off, this is a 'Verve' jazz box set of Cole Porter tunes. Verve. The jazz label. Which means the box probably has jazz tunes on it. Right? Jazz renditions of Porter tunes. Now use that brain folks, God didn't put it there to keep the wind from making a whistling sound through your head... if you want original Porter tunes done pre-1940 in that scratchy 78 revolutions sound stay far away from this compilation (try the excellent 'You're The Top: Cole Porter In The 1930s' box instead). Classic Verve jazz fanatics know what they will find on this set, beautiful renditions of Cole Porter standards by 'jazz' (there's that jazz word again) greats. Renditions. Not tinny Artie Shaw recordings (don't get me wrong, I love Artie Shaw too) off of wax cylinders. Look at the listings, Louie Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Clifford Brown, Roland Kirk... no Frank or Dean or Tony BECAUSE they didn't record for Verve. It's a 'Verve' box set. And what you get is an extraordinary collection of jazz performances of Porter tunes.



3. If you are looking for the quintessential Cole Porter collection, keep looking. If you're looking for some classical renditions of Cole Porter favorites keep looking. What this is, in my opinion, is a collection of songs that were obviously easy to get royalty wise. A bunch of scat singing on the vocals by Ella Louie and Mel, and a bunch of challenges to the musical scales by improvisation-happy saxophonists. No Frank, Dean, Perry, Tony. In this collection you get Cole Porter lyrics but not enough Cole Porter music. Cole must be spinning in his grave so fast he could reach the center of the earth in a New York minute if he was interred vertically.



4. No lover of American song should be without these terrific Verve box sets. I agree that the Verve catalog is more jazz-oriented than some others. Listeners who prefer more straight-up renditions of the American song standards might prefer the "Capitol Sings" series. But don't throw out the baby with the bathwater!

   The Verve sets aren't just for the jazz afficionado. Goodness gracious, there are performances by Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald on these disks -- I love all of them, but I would hardly call them avant garde.

   True, the instrumental disks (one in each 3CD set) bop a little harder. That's why Verve wisely also sells these songbooks as separate CDs, too. Buyers who prefer the vocal versions can save a little money by buying a la carte. The vocal CDs do mix in some Shirley Horn and Betty Carter, and other "progressive" artists, to good effect. Those less-familiar versions only serve to refresh the timeless wonder of of the talents of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and our other great songwriters.




5. While I can appreciate the opinions of the other reviewers I just had to write and disagree. Maybe I'm just not as much of a purist as the others, but it seems to me that music should be reinvented from time to time. It's what keeps it alive and vital.

   The performances and performers on this CD are top-rate. It was in fact this collection of such talent that introduced me to Porter in the first place and I'm grateful to it's makers. Since first listening to it a few years ago I've developed more of a taste for thirties style musical numbers, but some of these tracks are still my favorite takes on his music.

   I will agree that this collection will appeal to you more if you like jazz. If you do though, you can't go wrong with the material that these fine artists have worked with.

5 comments about Magic Voices.

1. The Singers Unlimited Magic Voices 7 CD box set is an absolutely fabulous collection of their unique vocal artistry. Over the years I was able to purchase some but not all of their albums and CD's. So this marvelous set that includes all of their albums is a privilege to have. Especially enjoyable is their A Capella work, but the albums with Oscar Peterson, Art Van Damme, Patrick Williams and Rob McConnell are great as well. There is a good variety of nice tunes all with vocal arrangements by Gene Puerling that have amazing harmonic and rhythmic structures. The set includes all of the 14 albums that they produced in the ten years that they were actively working together. I never tire of listening to their magical voices. The Singers Unlimited have lost one of their members (Len Dresslar) so there will be no more or their fantastic music. This set is a great compilation of their work and is most highly recommended.



2. Magic VoicesIncredible performances of absolutely awesome arrangements of some of the greatest pop/jazz music. The recordings, complete with overdubbing, is some of the finest I've ever heard. I really enjoy this collection!



3. It seems incredible that more than twenty five years have passed since the Singers Unlimited released their last album but us music lovers are so lucky that, during the short few years they recorded, fifteen records were released - and more lucky for us fourteen are included in this fabulous box set. Only the Christmas album is missing.
   
   Everything that can be said has been said by the previous reviewers so I will just comment that, if you love vocal harmony, this is for you. I would also add my sadness at the death last year of Len Dresslar - what a pity his obituarys referred largely to his voice as that of the Jolly Green Giant.
   
   Lastly, if you also like the Four Freshmen they are still going strong and the present group is better than ever. They also have issued a box set of the Capital years which one shouldn't be without. If you are interseted, visit their website: [...]
   
   Peter Smith
   Torquay
   UK



4. Admittedly, Singers Unlimited is Gene Puerlings's nadir, and the performances and sound on this box are excellent - just what you would expect from the state-of-the-art in jazz-oriented ensemble singing.
   
   The reason I'm docking this set a star, is not to fault the set, just to alert the customer that there are other options. When this box came out, the three a cappella albums had not been available as a set by themselves. Also, the essential Christmas recording is not here. And finally, frankly, some of the chintz and cheese on some of the jazzier arrangements have aged just like a polyester pantsuit.
   
   If you're just getting into Singers Unlimited, hold off here, unless you think it will go out of print and prices will go skyhigh. Some (SOME!) of you will never come to the conclusion that you NEED 14 albums in one box, and have other things to do with a hundred-dollar bill. Instead, I'd direct you towards the Christmas album, and, say, "A Cappella III". Or, the A Cappella Collection. Score a few of the better-sounding German or Dutch vinyl LP's. Then, if you're still drooling for more, you will not consider re-buying some of it in a box such a hard bullet to bite.



5. ....and that's all I have to say!
   Apart from Thanks to the late, great Alan Dell on BBC Radio Two for introducing us to this magical music, that gave us so much pleasure at home.
   
   I note that Len Dressler commented on an earlier review. If he sees this one, then I hope he will accept my humble and sincere thanks for making such beautiful music and for so enriching our lives; you gave us so much joy.
   
   Five stars just isn't enough!!

5 comments about Frank Sinatra ~ The V-Discs ~ Years: 1943-1947 ~ Columbia ~ Two Volume Set.

1. Frank Sinatra - The V-Discs - Years: 1943-1947 is a wonderful two CD set of songs recorded by Frank Sinatra to be shipped overseas to the fighting men and the women primarily during the Second World War and a couple of years thereafter. The quality of the sound is rather good but there is some degree of surface noise on these older recordings; but I say they're still very much "worth it." The artwork is also very nicely done.
   
   The first CD starts with Frank singing "I Only Have Eyes For You." I'm sure this brought many a happy memory of the men overseas as they heard this tune and thought of their sweethearts back home in the states! Frank aces this easily and it's even a major highlight of this two CD set. "(There'll Be A) Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin" held out hopes for the soldiers that they were going to win the war--it was only a mater of time. The big band arrangement works wonders for this ballad. Listen also for "You've Got A Hold On Me;" Frank massages the lyrics to this song and it sounds fresh and new even today! Great! In addition, Frank Sinatra does an excellent job on "Long Ago And Far Away;" the surface noise doesn't bother me because this number is so beautiful and it probably doesn't have many alternate takes for us to choose from because this was recorded so many years ago.
   
   "All Of Me" gets the royal treatment from Frank; he swings brightly to make this number shine like silver and gold combined! The horns work well in the big band arrangement and Frank never sounded better! "Falling In Love With Love" also gets a fine interpretation from The Chairman Of The Board; and if you haven't heard this early rendition of this song by Frank I think you're going to like it!
   
   "If You Are But A Dream" on the second CD starts with a wonderful musical flourish; and when Frank comes in this number takes off like a jet! "Ol' Man River" also impresses me as Frank sings this to perfection--and beyond! "I'll Never Smile Again" is a tune that Frank sings with panache and the backup vocalists enhance the natural beauty of this fine ballad. Similarly, "Was The Last Time I Saw You" charms me with its beauty and Frank makes this into a masterpiece that only he could sing this well. Frank also sings Judy Garland's signature song, "Over The Rainbow;" Frank delivers this with ease and he handles the complicated tempo and key changes like the pro he always was and still remains! "My Romance" features Frank front and center--and that's OK by me! There's also Frank doing a fine interpretation of "They Say It's Wonderful;" "They Say It's Wonderful" is another stunningly beautiful ballad that I'm sure the soldiers loved to hear. "Come Rain Or Come Shine" gets a somewhat slower tempo than I'm used to but it all works very well; and the second CD ends well with Frank Sinatra singing "Stormy Weather." "Stormy Weather" was a famous song when Lena Horne sang it; and Frank's version would have made Lena very proud!
   
   Overall, this two CD set is an excellent one for Sinatra fans and people who enjoy music from the era of World War Two will love this two CD set as well.



2. What should have been a momentous occasion, that of Frank Sinatra's signing to Columbia and striking out on a solo career after fronting for Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, was nearly silent due to a commercial recording ban enforced by the Musicians Union from mid-1942 to 1944. Because the ban affected instrumental musicians, vocal-only recordings were allowed, meaning that Sinatra and Axel Stordahl had to come up with alternate vocal-backed arrangements that may not have ordinarily been chosen. The second loophole was that instrumentals were allowed on V-Discs, free recordings for the sole use of GIs overseas that were supposed to be destroyed when the war ended (the Library of Congress was allowed to keep one of each disc for posterity).
   
   Sinatra's V-Disc material encompasses 53 songs on two CDs, including material from airchecks as well as studio performances. There are many well-known Sinatra Columbia tunes such as All of Me, Nancy with the Laughing Face, Close to You, Ol' Man River, All the Things You Are, and She's Funny That Way, but many of the brightest gems are songs that Sinatra never got around to recording commercially for Columbia, such as Long Ago and Far Away, You've Got a Hold On Me, Hot Time in the Town of Berlin, Just Close Your Eyes, Come Rain or Come Shine and Noel Coward's I'll Follow My Secret Heart.
   
   Guests include Dinah Shore, The Pied Pipers and Tommy Dorsey. The remastering and clean-up of these decades-old songs is flawless, and Sinatra's charm is as fresh as ever. His transition from boy singer to teen idol shows him singing with remarkable poise and confidence, and Axel Stordahl's touch is unmistakable. The liner notes are courtesy of George Simon, Roy Hemming, and Will Friedwald. Amazingly, none of these 53 recordings are represented on Columbia's massive (and out-of-print) 12-CD Sinatra box set. This is absolutely essential listening for fans of Sinatra and 1940s popular music.



3. The 1994 edition of FRANK SINATRA * THE V-DISCS is the original long box format that would get an inferior redesign four years later. If you're interested at all in early Sinatra, the one that has a cover close-up of Frank with an NBC mike is the keeper. The reason: that long box album accomodates a gorgeous thirty page book, while the scaled back 1998 reissue sacrifices much of what was in that booklet.
   
   Sound quality of these rare early '40s V-Discs is darn good, and young Frank really turned out some fine sides for our fighting men overseas. Guest stars include Dinah Shore, Tommy Dorsey and the Pied Pipers. Contains six previously unreleased tracks-- this is the complete V-Discs sessions! If you love Frank, THE V-DISCS is essential to your collection. Highest recommendation.
   
   TOTAL RUNNING TIMES --
   DISC ONE --
   DISC TWO -- 74:26



4. Sinatra still has detractors who, whatever their actual reasons, choose to impugn his vocal quality. But more disturbing are the Sinatra defenders who casually accept and dismiss criticisms of the voice, insisting that phrasing and emotion are what count. In a way, they're right, but the sum effect is regrettable if Old Blue's singing comes to be seen as all about "attitude" rather than vocal production.

   If any one has doubts about the quality of his instrument, listen to "If You Are But a Dream"--or better yet, "Where Is My Bess." Both are all-out, impassioned performances in which nothing can be held back or covered up. The musical weight is entirely on the quality of that "bel canto" voice and the forcefulness of its underlying breath stream. Even Caruso and Pavarotti would have to stand back.




5. I am one of a very few who do not particularly care for Sinatra's work with Columbia, Reprise and such. My favorite Sinatra is the music he made with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra from 1940 - 1942 (See "The Song is You" boxed set). I also love the first recordings that Frank made in 1939 with The Harry James Orchestra (also available on disc). However, the material on this cd is beautiful. It is a wonderful bridge between Frank with Tommy Dorsey and the Frank Sinatra that is mostly played on radio. This collection is obviously historic for it features songs that Frank would never record again (with the exception of one or two). It is also historic in the fact that these recordings were not meant for the public. They were part of special albums that were shipped to our service men and women overseas, so, for the first time in over 50 years these recordings are for public consumption. I would advise any Sinatra fan -- casual or serious -- or any collector of war era music to get this collection.

5 comments about It's Easy to Remember.

1. I don't understand the reviews on here that say the sound is awful. I've loved this collection from the first moment I put the CD in my stereo. The sound quality on some of the earlier recordings isn't exactly up to modern digital audio standards, but you can only do so much with a song recorded on 1930's era sound equipment.
   
   All in all, I would say this is the best Bing Crosby collection for the price.



2. This was a splendid collection of great Bing Crosby songs. The earliest songs are the greatest. Great listening.
   Dale Nichols



3. I gave this set to my wife for our anniversary, and it really added something special. I popped in a disc as we sat down to dinner. After a few peppy numbers, including some talent from the Andrews Sisters, along came "You Belong to My Heart." It was perfect!
   
   My wife was pleased with the number of great songs included in this set, and I was pleased with the excellent value. I'd buy it again if it cost twice as much! Anyone, romantic or not, who loves Bing and the music of his era should own this set!



4. This is a great disk set. The sound quality is wonderful, clear and crisp. The packaging is good and looks nice.
   I would highly recomend this set.



5. As a huge Bing fan I would highly recommend this box set. It ranges from The Rhythm Boys to his big Hollywood box office days. The sound quality is good and the songs they chose are true Bing classics. From "Brother Can you Spare a Dime?" to "Swinging on a Star" this compilation has some great tunes. Bing truly is one of the all-time greats. No artist will ever equal him.

5 comments about The V-Discs: Columbia Years: 1943-45.

1. Frank Sinatra - The V-Discs - Years: 1943-1947 is a wonderful two CD set of songs recorded by Frank Sinatra to be shipped overseas to the fighting men and the women primarily during the Second World War and a couple of years thereafter. The quality of the sound is rather good but there is some degree of surface noise on these older recordings; but I say they're still very much "worth it." The artwork is also very nicely done.
   
   The first CD starts with Frank singing "I Only Have Eyes For You." I'm sure this brought many a happy memory of the men overseas as they heard this tune and thought of their sweethearts back home in the states! Frank aces this easily and it's even a major highlight of this two CD set. "(There'll Be A) Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin" held out hopes for the soldiers that they were going to win the war--it was only a mater of time. The big band arrangement works wonders for this ballad. Listen also for "You've Got A Hold On Me;" Frank massages the lyrics to this song and it sounds fresh and new even today! Great! In addition, Frank Sinatra does an excellent job on "Long Ago And Far Away;" the surface noise doesn't bother me because this number is so beautiful and it probably doesn't have many alternate takes for us to choose from because this was recorded so many years ago.
   
   "All Of Me" gets the royal treatment from Frank; he swings brightly to make this number shine like silver and gold combined! The horns work well in the big band arrangement and Frank never sounded better! "Falling In Love With Love" also gets a fine interpretation from The Chairman Of The Board; and if you haven't heard this early rendition of this song by Frank I think you're going to like it!
   
   "If You Are But A Dream" on the second CD starts with a wonderful musical flourish; and when Frank comes in this number takes off like a jet! "Ol' Man River" also impresses me as Frank sings this to perfection--and beyond! "I'll Never Smile Again" is a tune that Frank sings with panache and the backup vocalists enhance the natural beauty of this fine ballad. Similarly, "Was The Last Time I Saw You" charms me with its beauty and Frank makes this into a masterpiece that only he could sing this well. Frank also sings Judy Garland's signature song, "Over The Rainbow;" Frank delivers this with ease and he handles the complicated tempo and key changes like the pro he always was and still remains! "My Romance" features Frank front and center--and that's OK by me! There's also Frank doing a fine interpretation of "They Say It's Wonderful;" "They Say It's Wonderful" is another stunningly beautiful ballad that I'm sure the soldiers loved to hear. "Come Rain Or Come Shine" gets a somewhat slower tempo than I'm used to but it all works very well; and the second CD ends well with Frank Sinatra singing "Stormy Weather." "Stormy Weather" was a famous song when Lena Horne sang it; and Frank's version would have made Lena very proud!
   
   Overall, this two CD set is an excellent one for Sinatra fans and people who enjoy music from the era of World War Two will love this two CD set as well.



2. What should have been a momentous occasion, that of Frank Sinatra's signing to Columbia and striking out on a solo career after fronting for Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, was nearly silent due to a commercial recording ban enforced by the Musicians Union from mid-1942 to 1944. Because the ban affected instrumental musicians, vocal-only recordings were allowed, meaning that Sinatra and Axel Stordahl had to come up with alternate vocal-backed arrangements that may not have ordinarily been chosen. The second loophole was that instrumentals were allowed on V-Discs, free recordings for the sole use of GIs overseas that were supposed to be destroyed when the war ended (the Library of Congress was allowed to keep one of each disc for posterity).
   
   Sinatra's V-Disc material encompasses 53 songs on two CDs, including material from airchecks as well as studio performances. There are many well-known Sinatra Columbia tunes such as All of Me, Nancy with the Laughing Face, Close to You, Ol' Man River, All the Things You Are, and She's Funny That Way, but many of the brightest gems are songs that Sinatra never got around to recording commercially for Columbia, such as Long Ago and Far Away, You've Got a Hold On Me, Hot Time in the Town of Berlin, Just Close Your Eyes, Come Rain or Come Shine and Noel Coward's I'll Follow My Secret Heart.
   
   Guests include Dinah Shore, The Pied Pipers and Tommy Dorsey. The remastering and clean-up of these decades-old songs is flawless, and Sinatra's charm is as fresh as ever. His transition from boy singer to teen idol shows him singing with remarkable poise and confidence, and Axel Stordahl's touch is unmistakable. The liner notes are courtesy of George Simon, Roy Hemming, and Will Friedwald. Amazingly, none of these 53 recordings are represented on Columbia's massive (and out-of-print) 12-CD Sinatra box set. This is absolutely essential listening for fans of Sinatra and 1940s popular music.



3. The 1994 edition of FRANK SINATRA * THE V-DISCS is the original long box format that would get an inferior redesign four years later. If you're interested at all in early Sinatra, the one that has a cover close-up of Frank with an NBC mike is the keeper. The reason: that long box album accomodates a gorgeous thirty page book, while the scaled back 1998 reissue sacrifices much of what was in that booklet.
   
   Sound quality of these rare early '40s V-Discs is darn good, and young Frank really turned out some fine sides for our fighting men overseas. Guest stars include Dinah Shore, Tommy Dorsey and the Pied Pipers. Contains six previously unreleased tracks-- this is the complete V-Discs sessions! If you love Frank, THE V-DISCS is essential to your collection. Highest recommendation.
   
   TOTAL RUNNING TIMES --
   DISC ONE --
   DISC TWO -- 74:26



4. Sinatra still has detractors who, whatever their actual reasons, choose to impugn his vocal quality. But more disturbing are the Sinatra defenders who casually accept and dismiss criticisms of the voice, insisting that phrasing and emotion are what count. In a way, they're right, but the sum effect is regrettable if Old Blue's singing comes to be seen as all about "attitude" rather than vocal production.

   If any one has doubts about the quality of his instrument, listen to "If You Are But a Dream"--or better yet, "Where Is My Bess." Both are all-out, impassioned performances in which nothing can be held back or covered up. The musical weight is entirely on the quality of that "bel canto" voice and the forcefulness of its underlying breath stream. Even Caruso and Pavarotti would have to stand back.




5. I am one of a very few who do not particularly care for Sinatra's work with Columbia, Reprise and such. My favorite Sinatra is the music he made with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra from 1940 - 1942 (See "The Song is You" boxed set). I also love the first recordings that Frank made in 1939 with The Harry James Orchestra (also available on disc). However, the material on this cd is beautiful. It is a wonderful bridge between Frank with Tommy Dorsey and the Frank Sinatra that is mostly played on radio. This collection is obviously historic for it features songs that Frank would never record again (with the exception of one or two). It is also historic in the fact that these recordings were not meant for the public. They were part of special albums that were shipped to our service men and women overseas, so, for the first time in over 50 years these recordings are for public consumption. I would advise any Sinatra fan -- casual or serious -- or any collector of war era music to get this collection.