No comments about This Is Hep.

2 comments about 1944-1945.

1. Although I have many CD's and vinyl records of the music of this remarkable genius this would be one of the best value items I have acquired, featuring many numbers not previously available on what I already have. The enclosed booklet with the CD set is very informative giving a story on every tune recorded along with some pictures I have never seen before of Artie with members of his band, even one on the back cover with Count Basie, Buddy Rich and Tommy Dorsey. What a find, can thoroughly recommend this item to any devotee of the great Artie Shaw.



2. Unlike his 1930s and 1940/41 outfits, this was a bigger conventional swing band with eight brass and five saxes plus Artie himself. The arrangements were far more modern, and better recorded. The scoring on many tracks highlights the attack of the brass section against the richer, darker sax section which is thrilling - and, the balance is dynamic for the period. Remember this is contemporary to Glenn Miller's AEF Band, but rooted in jazz and more progressive. Also, Shaw's virtuosity is unimpaired, and his solos are great. Buy and enjoy!

5 comments about The Lady Sings.

1. Billie Holiday changed how we hear women sing. In recorded music, she essentially redefined vocal pop music by introducing a more personal and immediate singing style. She also changed how we think about phrasing, basing hers on instrumental music rather than the rhythms and cadences of pronunciation. But quite apart from all that, Billie Holiday is just an absolute joy to listen to - one of those timeless artists whose music can be enjoyed in any situation, surroundings and at any time of day. Everybody should have some Billie Holiday in their CD collection. Hers is an instantly recognizable and likable sound, so deeply embedded in the fabric of popular music that pop itself is no longer imaginable without Billie Holiday. All subsequent jazz singers, and most subsequent blues and r&b vocalists, owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude. This four-disc box set is dirt cheap and contains all the seminal early records from the 1930s and 40s - the decades when she was at the peak of her vocal power and invention. Everything has been restored impeccably from the best copies available. (Subsequent recordings sound better because recording technology had improved considerably, but Billie's voice began to reflect her drug and alcohol consumption, and her performances were no longer as elastic or accomplished.)



2. This recording has all of the Commodore Recordings, and most of Columbia, and Decca Masters. It doesn't include any of her Verve years. If you get this and the complete Verve masters, It should take care of all but the extreme Lady Day obsessive compulsives.



3. I didn't expect the quality of the music to be so good, but I have no complaints (very clear with no static, etc). You get around 99 songs for a fraction of what they would cost on iTunes. I have always loved her music and was delighted to see so many songs in one collection.



4. The music is great, but I was VERY disappointed to receive the set because the box that holds all of the CDs is smashed on one side. It is VERY unattractive.



5. Nobody sings the blues quite like Billie Holiday. This boxed set represents the best value for money, not only for the quantity of music and the extensive liner notes, but also for the sound quality and the fact that this contains music recorded for several different record labels (Brunswick, Vocalion, Commodore, Okeh, Columbia, Capitol, Decca) between 1935 and 1949. Billie continued to record great music in the fifties (for Verve, Clef and Norgran) but that music is not represented here.

   Billie had plenty of hits on the American pop charts between 1935 and 1938 (when she was with Teddy Wilson), after which she had just four more hits, none of them reaching the top ten. However, the passage of time has added substantially to her credibility as many blues, jazz and R+B singers cite Billie as one of their influences. Her first hit was What a little moonlight can do, a song I first came across via a Crystal Gayle cover. I didn't realize the song's origin at the time but I've heard several versions since. I love them all but Billie's is the definitive version.

   Billie's other classic hits included here are These foolish things, A fine romance, The way you look tonight, I can't give you anything but love, I've got my love to keep you warm, This year's kisses, Carelessly (her only number one hit), How could you, Moaning low. Mean to me, Easy living, Me myself and I, Sailboat in the moonlight, Nice work if you can get it, My man, You go to my head, I'm gonna lock my heart, Strange fruit, God bless the child and Trav'lin' light. Some big hits are omitted including Twenty-four hours a day, Who loves you and Pennies from heaven, but I'm not complaining. Some of the songs that Billie is best remembered for didn't chart at all.

   Although the hits became rare after 1938, this was not due to the quality of the music. Listen to Billie's versions of such classic standards as I gotta right to sing the blues, Night and day, Body and soul, Let's do it, All of me, Love me or leave me, It's a sin to tell a lie, As time goes by and You're my thrill (to name a few). And, of course, there's the classic That old devil called love, revived by Alison Moyet in the eighties, when it became a UK number two hit for Alison.

   If you only buy one collection of Billie's music, make it this one. You might begin by asking yourself if you really want five hours worth of Billie's music - but eventually, you are likely to ask yourself if it's enough.

2 comments about Complete Helen Merrill on Mercury (1954-1958).

1. Here she is in all her 1950's glory--the complete Emarcy recordings remastered for CD. While the sonics can't compare with original deep-groove vinyl pressings, they are really pretty good. All the LPs are here and the singles as well.

   Helen Merrill has the kind of voice that makes men go weak in the knees, but with real jazz chops to back it up. The players on these dates read like of "who's who" of 1950's session work. For those who love the great post-Charlie Parker vocalists, this is an indespesible box set.

   And, as an aside, Helen Merrill is still making great records today!




2. Heard this woman's voice for the first time last night at a small dinner party in Portland, Maine. The experience was riveting. Listen for yourself - her tones and nuances are stunning.

No comments about The Great Billie Holiday, Vol. 7.

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.

5 comments about Best of Broadside 1962-1988.

1. on my website a page referring to the Broadside Ballads is one of the oldest pages archived. at last i got this interesting volume of American Folk Ballads as a songbook with comments and more examples to listen to and learn from to inspire ones own musical road.
   
   JohPWilbrand



2. I am very pleased with this anthology of folk songs from the 60's to the 80's. There are artists I haven't heard in years; there are songs I haven't heard before. The collection covers nearly 30 years of thought-provoking folk music by well-known and little-known singers. I thoroughly enjoy these CDs.



3. This collection of music is incredible - I have enjoyed every song...from hearing Phil Ochs to Peter La Farge and then some!!!!I thank these folks for compiling this collection - I used to read Broadside in Cambridge Massachusetts which was a similar publication and am thankful that no one has forgotten the spirit of the times!!! The music is very beautiful and topical....Thanks again Sis and Gordon!!!!



4. I am sure I would have loved The Best of Broadside even if had been less innovatively packaged, but the scrap-book format is an excellent idea, and the essays, notes, lyrics and discographies leave nothing to be desired. (I have to confess, though, that I'm a wee bit concerned about the way the CDs are housed - I'm not too hot on the idea of jewel boxes, so their absence doesn't bother me, but some sort of protective sleeves for the discs would probably have been useful.) The real treasure, of course, is contained in the five discs, with their broad range of topical songs from Broadside recordings supplemented by a handful of appropriate tracks from other sources as well as a sprinkling of previously unreleased numbers. The likes of Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs are well represented and there are a number of fascinating contributions from the young Bob Dylan - but even more valuable are the songs by artists whose works would be hard to come by elsewhere, such as Sammy Walker, Len Chandler, the Rev Kirkpatrick, Thom Parrott and even Sis Cunningham herself. This box set is a worthy, loving and superbly produced tribute to Broadside magazine. And as a slice of American social history that captures the spirit of the times, it is absolutely indispensable - both on its own, and as a companion volume to the exhaustive (but less affordable) Songs For Political Action. Don't think twice - just get a-hold of it!



5. This is one of the classic box sets of all times and is most definitely a "celebration of songwriters and their songs." It is thoroughly researched, contains a stellar collection of the classic songs that defined the times, and is presented in a wonderfully creative format that captures the spirit of the Broadside magazine. The 89 cuts on the 5 CD's are a treasure trove of songs by all the well-known and lesser known folk heroes of this very special time. Be prepared to spend many enjoyable hours listening to some of the finest early recordings from Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, and many others.

   I ordered this set sight unseen, and I was not really expecting to be blown away by it. I currently own a number of Bear Family box sets and other Smithsonian sets. If I arranged all these sets by quality, this set would not only be at the top, but would be a good distance beyond that. The couple of friends I have shown it to have echoed my feelings. In fact, I am seriously considering ordering two more sets before they go out of print in order to stash them away for my future grandchildren.

   Even if this set were selling in the $100+ range, this set would still be a phenomenal bargain!

5 comments about Kenny G - Greatest Hits Gift Collection.

1. C'mon, it seams that all the negative reviewers are music experts or even succesful musicians. This guy is good, and i don't mean he is my favorite musician, but this CD haves beautiful music. To all the music ignorants out there like me, go buy it and enjoy.



2. To all the haters stop hating on Kenny G. His music is simply beautiful and your mad because you'll never have his talent. So get a life.



3. I was disappointed that the case was cracked when I opened the package. I just hope the cd is ok since it was bought as a gift.



4. I'm a jazz purist from way back. I mean like more than 30 years back. I cut my teeth on the likes of John Coltrane, Phaoraoh Sanders, Stanley Turrentine, John Klemmer, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Grover Washington, Jr. . . . well, you get the message. Of the newer guys, my favorites would be Gerald Albright and Boney James. The sax is my instrument of choice. All that being said, I like the G-man. He's made a niche for himself in a highly competitive field, and he's done it very successfully. Most importantly, he does what musicians set out to do, if they hope to be successful -- he entertains. If he's successful at doing that, who gives a rat's hind end whether he plays sharp? If he got the job done playing sharp, then sharp is perfect for the job. In addition to being a fledgling musician, I'm also a veteran martial artist and I'm reminded of a story that Bruce Lee told of a fighter who felled his opponent with a kick. The referee ruled "no point" because the fighter's toes were turned up. Some of the criticisms of Kenny's playing is just as ridiculous. In training, such notions have application; in actual practice, they have none whatsoever. I was playing one of Kenny's pieces ("Going Home") a few months ago, and a lady young enough to be my daughter (in her early 30's) practically swooned over it. I went to the music store the very next day and bought everything I could find with his name on it. Music is supposed to touch people. Sharp, flat or perfectly in tune, his does just that. I like listening to it, and I like the reactions I get when I play it for others. The only reason I write this is because I've come across so much vituperation directed toward the man that I couldn't hold it any longer. Also, I just listened to an interview of Ornette Coleman on his website that prompted me to go on and write this. If I could accomplish what Kenny has by playing sharp, I'd make a point of never playing in tune again.



5. I don't know jazz music. Although personal preferences differ I found that many low-rating reviews here indicate his unskillful performance. Well, in the eye of a layman, I think he performs well enough. The ambiance this album creates is soft, comfortable, and soothing. Play this album and enjoy the peace in your mind!

2 comments about The Original Jazz Masters Series, Vol. 4.

1. Part of this set and some of Vol. 2 of the collection stay in the player nearly all the time. You buy this and you have found musicians that are true masters.



2. This compilation represents all that is good in music. From the heart of Armstrong to the soul of Ellington, this collection is pure to the genre of Jazz.

1 comments about The Fabulous Forties.

1. of your scratchy 78's and static on the RCA receiver. Thefidelity of many of the cuts is something to be desired. I amdisappointed, and feel that I've been misled by the packaging wording; that some "super-duper" software was used to eliminate all the snap, crackle and pops of the individual tunes; when in reality -- it seems that this software "enchances" the disturbing noises. (Or maybe they forgot to turn on their computer when they cleaned up the cuts). When you finally break open the shrink wrap and read the real story -- you find these tunes are NOT the POLISHED, well REHEARSED versions that you would expect in a compilation such as this. Many are live performances and/or radio air checks (versions recorded during a broadcast via a distant radio). Therefore, many of the cuts are not the best of the artists'. Some of the supposedly "upbeat swing tunes" are dull, ponderous, and uninspiring.

   Now, to be FAIR -- There are many tunes here that you normally would NOT expect on a 40's big band album. Where else can you hear the melodious King Cole Trio performing "Straighten Up and Fly Right", and Nat's velvity version of "It's Only a Paper Moon"? (The most pleasing version I've heard to date). Or, hearing Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers doing " Let's Get Away From It All"? It reminds you of the time when music was FUN to listen to; and any gentleman and lady could enjoy dancing as a SOCIAL ACTIVITY.

   Well, if you want an album with raw tunes as a historical perspective of our past pop culture -- then this compilation is a TREASURE. If you're looking for high fidelity and clean recordings -- then look somewhere else. I just wish the producers were more HONEST in their shrink-wrapped promotion. END