Easy Living

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Released in conjunction with the opening of her Broadway show Swing! in the fall of 1999, Ann Hampton Callaway's Easy Living is an excellent showcase for her dark yet wide-ranging voice. Performing in combos of three, four, or five, the all-star line-up includes pianists Kenny Barron, Benny Green, and Bill Charlap, and features guest stars Wynton Marsalis, Nelson Rangell, Andy Farber, and Gerry Niewood. Callaway also includes one of her own songs, the slow rumba "Come Take My Hand," among the familiar ballads and swing numbers. Fans of jazz singing will love this one. --David Horiuchi --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Pranging Out
War Of The Sexes
The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living
All Goes Out The Window
Memento Mori
Can't Con An Honest John
When You Wasn't Famous
Never Went To Church
Hotel Expressionism
Two Nations
Fake Streets Hats

Amazon.com

On the Streets' third album, the conceit is that Mike Skinner's now a famous guy (and he indeed is in the UK--as he puts it, "I've sold 3 million and you've never heard of me"). So, instead of dissecting the stereotypes and prejudices of an average Joe, Skinner turns his keen eye for detail on himself, to his new life of easy drugs and easier girls, of trashing hotel rooms, and being bummed out when your record label does promotional stuff without telling you about it first. Sonically it's more polished and a tad faster, though the music's still stripped-down and tough, propelled by loud synth lines and minimal drums. Skinner's flow remains original and wonderfully sing-songy. And while it's cool to see him actually write about his current life instead of pretending he's still "street," the subject matter's a touch too similar to an anorexic debutante's diary entry to make for very compelling hip-hop. When he asks "How the hell am I supposed to be able to do a line in front of complete strangers/When I know they've all got camera[phone]s?," it's definitely tough to care too much, no matter how fun the music is. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

The new Streets album The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living, out April 25th, is a completely autobiographical record that covers everything that has happened to Mike over the past few years since he's become a well known figure in the UK. There's love, loss, scandal, violence, sex, drugs and a whole load of bad behavior and regret. This true story begins with the first single, "When You Wasn't Famous."

Customer Reviews:

Jammin.......2007-04-05

My first The Streets album. Funny, edgy, funky, poignant, cool, warm. Word art and music blended to taste. My taste.

As VIBE Magazine said, "Not on THESE streets".......2006-11-10

A few years ago, there was an explosion of sorts concerning British artists broadening rap, like Dizzee Rascal and the Streets. I really couldn't get into it though; the thing that bothered me about Mike Skinner (yes, people, the Streets refers to ONE person) is that his material didn't sound like rap to me; it sounded more like spoken word. But he does sound more like a rapper on his latest offering, The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living.

But even though the production is on point, the songs as a whole aren't that accessible. And I'm not saying that because Mike's thick accent can make things incomprehensible to the average listener (although there's some truth to that; "War of the Sexes", anyone?); it's that most of the time I really don't understand what in the world he's talking about, which is especially the case with the album's opener, "Prangin Out".

The few times where I COULD figure out what was going on, I wasn't too impressed. "Fake Streets Hats" has Mike complaining about supposedly pirated Streets merchandise (I say "supposedly" because it turns out that Mike's label distributed the hats), and "When You Wasn't Famous" is a been-there-done-that comparison of his private and public life. Speaking of that song, when Mike and friends try to sing the chorus sometimes, it's pretty nerve-racking (see "Two Nations").

I really think Mike could have done a better job than this; it almost feels like he just wanted to put SOMEthing out because now that Lady Sovereign is getting some mainstream love, he's like, "Hey, remember ME?" Let's hope he perfects his craft; maybe then it won't be so hard to make an easy living.

Anthony Rupert

...dissapointed.......2006-10-21

The first two albums The Streets put out blew me away. Original Pirate Material was fresh and abstract while A Grand Don't Come For Free was full of heart-felt tracks that I couldn't help but love. It seems with this album, Mike Skinner got lazy. The music, while catchy, is hardly original and the lyrics... aren't even in the same league as the first two albums. When You Wasn't Famous, the first single is just alright. I actually prefer the Professor Green remix. This album is mostly filler, with a few good tracks like Never Went To Church. Overall, I do like this album, it just doesn't compare to the first two.

Guys talking over a beat, great!.......2006-08-13

This is a joke right?! I honestly thought this group was a hiphop parody group at first because I figured nobody could be that bad on purpose. These British rappers are hiliarous, they basically talk over a beat and it doesn't even rhyme half the time. I got given this cd for free and I still want some money back!

All right.......2006-06-11

It's the third chapter for Mike Skinner, the biggest pop star from the UK. Almost every album has been a number one if I remember right. The last album was a concept album. This album is more about the spoils of success. It's less unfocused than the previous two. "War of The Sexes" reminds me of some of the songs on the first album. Some immediate favorites are "When You Wasn't Famous" and "Hotel Expressionism." The first is about the pitfalls of become a well known act. The second is about? Not sure. Maybe about destroying hotels? "Never Went To Church" explores to two great European narcotics: alcohol and Christianity. It has a tune that is like "Let It Be" by the Beatles. We always need a record to put on and smoke weed to. Here it is! The summer looks good.

Average customer rating:

The Best of the Best
Another Great Effort
This is a great new discovery for me...........
classic jazz by a great vocalist
A new fan

Easy Living
Ann Hampton Callaway
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ann Hampton Callaway
Blues in the Night
After Ours

ASIN: B0007GAET4
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

Easy to Love
'Round Midnight
Come and Take My Hand
Easy Living
All of You
Bluesette
It Had to Be You
In a Sentimental Mood
You Don't Know What Love Is
Come Rain or Come Shine
Skylark
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Very Thought of You

Amazon.com

Released in conjunction with the opening of her Broadway show Swing! in the fall of 1999, Ann Hampton Callaway's Easy Living is an excellent showcase for her dark yet wide-ranging voice. Performing in combos of three, four, or five, the all-star line-up includes pianists Kenny Barron, Benny Green, and Bill Charlap, and features guest stars Wynton Marsalis, Nelson Rangell, Andy Farber, and Gerry Niewood. Callaway also includes one of her own songs, the slow rumba "Come Take My Hand," among the familiar ballads and swing numbers. Fans of jazz singing will love this one. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

The Best of the Best.......2006-09-20

I have all Ann Callaway's recordings, including those where she's only recorded one or two cuts on a collection, and this is her best. Consistently involving and intelligent, exceptionally well engineered. If you like this, try Sibling Revelry with her sister, Liz Callaway.

Another Great Effort.......2005-07-29

Ann Hampton Callaway has managed to issue another great recording blending an old time cabaret sound, classic songs, jazz background, modern recording quality and her stellar talent and voice. She seems to bounce her way through the lyrics and impart the jubilation, pensiveness or whatever other emotion is called for by the text.

I like some of her other recordings better but there is nothing about this one which is unlikable. It is, in a word, GREAT!

"Skylark" in particular deserves to be singled out for praise. She was singing MY song.

This is a great new discovery for me..................2000-12-10

This is be a first for me, buying a cd by A.H.C. I must report that I haven't been disappointed with this jazz singer. Ann really has the voice and style to sound perfect for this venue. I can see now why see has so many fans, she really entertains her listener.

The only dark spots I find about this cd is these few things. For one, I thought the song selection could have been a little better and two, I didn't like some of her tracks where she scatted. I thought her band gave a good performance.

I will plan to buy more of Anns' product in the near future.

classic jazz by a great vocalist.......2000-11-19

this is a great cd by ann hampton callaway - the tunes are classic and she sings beautifully with a variety of musicians. if you enjoy listening to ella, you'll enjoy "easy living".

A new fan.......2000-07-22

I was introduced to Ms. Callaway's work through Music Buddha. Delicious. Her voice is as smooth as butterscotch. Rich overtones topped with a knowing smile, much like Ella at her best. I can't wait to hear more.

Average customer rating:

Original, not pristine!

Unchained Melodies
Les Baxter
Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

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Ritual of the Savage/The Passions (With Bas Sheva)
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ASIN: B000E97Z3M
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

Unchained Melody
Moon Moods
Radar Blues
Fame
Jet
Busy Port
Jungle River Boat
Jungle Flower
Stone God
Quiet Village
Coronation
Love Dance
Ritual
Because of You
Blue Tango
April in Portugal (The Whis'pring Serenade)
Tropicana
Ruby [From Ruby Gentry]
I Love Paris
Gigi
Cornflakes
High and the Mighty
Venezuela
Blue Star
Wake the Town and Tell the People
Poor People of Paris (Jean's Song)
I've Got You Under My Skin

Customer Reviews:

Original, not pristine!.......2007-04-28

This cd has a great selection, but some listeners might not appreciate the mono, and the considerable surface noise on some tracks.

The recordings date from the early 1950s (accounting for the mono), and all seem to be just past the 50 year zone that places them in Public Domain in Europe.

It would be nice to hear the same slection mastered from better sources.

But it's nice to hear the original Quiet Village :)

Average customer rating:

nice surprise
A Warm Mediterranean glow suffuses this session . . .
Rava's at his peak

Easy Living
Enrico Rava
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tati
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La Dolce Vita

ASIN: B0000UI278
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

Cromosomi
Drops
Sand
Easy Living
Algir Dalbughi
Blancasnow
Traveling Night
Hornette And The Drums Thing
Rain

Customer Reviews:

nice surprise.......2005-08-16

i was digging through the used bin saw this cd and was very curoius.wasnt dissapointed either.manfred eicher always produces excellent stuff,this reminds me of kenny wheeler,with a pinch of stanko.very pleased with the quality line up of musicians.impressive!

A Warm Mediterranean glow suffuses this session . . ........2004-04-06

. . . lending it an uncommon warmth and attraction, startlingly caught in the golden hues of the sunset- (or sunrise)- toned jewel-case sleeve and echoed in the title of this altogether wonderful recording. Sounding a good deal like the great Scandinavian trumpeter, Palle Mikkelborg, with that same burnished tone, forthright attack, and ravishing melodicism, Enrico Rava has come up with a very fine disc, certainly one of the best if not the very best in his long and distinguished career. The band, comprising all Italian players, is very strong. With the great Roberto Gatto on drums, things can hardly go wrong. Stefano Bollani in the piano chair seems a perfect match for Rava's lyricism, but he also brings sufficient muscle to prevent the proceedings from slouching into unbridled romanticism. The other two players, Rosario Bonaccorso (double-bass) and Gianluca Petrella (trombone) are new to me. The latter, relegated somewhat to the background, consistently comes up with apposite harmonic approaches that both feed off and anchor the leader's trumpet lines. The somewhat unusual trumpet/trombone configuration makes for a very polished front line that consistently delivers beautiful and occasionally ravishing moments.

The compositions, most of which are ballads, and all of which are by Rava, save the title cut, are entirely in keeping with the relaxed though focused vibe of the titling and packaging of the disc, as well as the general approach of the band. One could almost be lulled to sleep by these tunes except there is too much rigor and interest in them.

Should appeal to all those who've fallen in love with Changing Places by Tord Gustavsen, Universal Syncopations by Miroslav Vitous, and Close to My Heart by Jeremy Pelt. Will likely end up on my best of the year list.

Rava's at his peak.......2004-04-06

The Lion of Trieste performs in his first ECM release in 30 years and he doesn't disappoint. If you dug his duets with Stefano Bollani in Montreal a few years back, you'll love this recording. A European sensibility with great jazz players.
Rava's sound is even warmer than usual -- almost like a flugelhorn. His lines are fluid and his sense of space is Milesian. A great introduction to Rava -- be sure to check out his releases on Label Bleu and Philogy.

Average customer rating:

Best charted songs possible

Chart-Toppers of the Thirties
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chart-Toppers of the Twenties
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ASIN: B00000G4UD
Release Date: 1999-01-19

Tracks:

Stein Song (University Of Maine) - Rudy Vallee & His Connecticut Yankees
Dancing With Tears In My Eyes - Nat Shilkret & The Victor Orch/Lewis James
Sweet And Lovely - Gus Arnheim & His Cocoanut Grove Orch
Please - Bing Crosby/Anson Weeks & His Orch
In A Shanty In Old Shanty Town - Ted Lewis & His Band
Night And Day - Fred Astaire/Leo Reisman & His Orch
Stormy Weather - Harold Arlen/Leo Reisman & His Orch
Love Is The Sweetest Thing - Al Bowlly/Ray Noble & His New Mayfair Dance Orch
The Last Round-Up - George Olsen & His Orch
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Paul Whiteman & His Orch
June In January - Bing Crosby/George Stoll & His Orch
Isle Of Capri - Al Bowlly/Ray Noble & His Orch
Cheek To Cheek - Fred Astaire/Leo Reisman & His Orch
The Glory Of Love - Benny Goodman & His Orch
Pennies From Heaven - Bing Crosby/George Stoll & His Orch
The Way You Look Tonight - Fred Astaire/Johnny Green & His Orch
Sweet Leilani - Bing Crosby/Lani McIntyre & His Hawaiians
Once In A While - Tommy Dorsey & His Orch
A-Tisket, A-Tasket - Ella Fitzgerald/Chick Webb & His Orch
Music, Maestro, Please - Tommy Dorsey & His Orch
My Reverie - Larry Clinton & His Orch
Begin The Beguine - Artie Shaw & His Orch
Deep Purple - Larry Clinton & His Orch
Over The Rainbow - Glenn Miller & His Orch
Scatterbrain - Frankie Masters & His Orch

Customer Reviews:

Best charted songs possible.......2006-05-29

This cd goes right down the list of the best charted songs of the thirties. Every song from 78s but the right version. The best possible cd of thirties charted music. The twenties cd "chart toppers of the twenties" is exactly the same-the best possible charted songs of that decade. The two best greatest hits by various artists cds I have ever bought! Bring on more-the teens, and earlier!

Average customer rating:

Chart-Toppers of the Forties
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000I9FU
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

In The Mood - Glenn Miller
I'll Never Smile Again - Frank Sinatra
Tuxedo Junction - Glenn Miller
Frenesi - Artie Shaw
Only Forever - Bing Crosby
Chattanooga Choo Choo - Glenn Miller
Amapola - Jimmy Dorsey
Moonlight Cocktail - Glenn Miller
Paper Doll - The Mills Brothers
I've Heard That Song Before - Harry James
Pistol Packin' Mama - Al Dexter
Shoo-Shoo Baby - The Andrews Sisters
Swinging On A Star - Bing Crosby
Rum And Coca-Cola - The Andrews Sisters
Sentimental Journey - Doris Day
Till The End Of Time - Perry Como
Oh, What It Seemed To Be! - Frankie Carle
The Gypsy - The Ink Spots
To Each His Own - Eddy Howard
Rumours Are Flying - Frankie Carle
Heartaches - Ted Weems
Peg O' My Heart - Jerry Murad
Near You - Francis Craig
Ballerina - Vaughn Monroe
White Christmas - Bing Crosby

Average customer rating:

Ella and Joe launched songs better than NASA launched spacecraft !!!
Not bad
A true masterpiece...
Easy Living
A jazz vocal masterpiece...

Easy Living
Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass
Manufacturer: Pablo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sophisticated Lady
Speak Love
Take Love Easy
Unforgettable

ASIN: B000000XK5
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

My Ship
Don't Be That Way
My Man
Don't Worry 'Bout Me
The Days Of Wine And Roses
Easy Living
I Don't Stand a Ghost Of A Chance With You
Love For Sale
Moonlight In Vermont
On Green Dolphin Street
Why Don't You Do Right?
By Myself
I Want A Little Girl
I'm Making Believe
Slow Boat To China

Customer Reviews:

Ella and Joe launched songs better than NASA launched spacecraft !!!.......2007-06-27

Ella Fitzgerald remains The Lady Of Song despite the passing of the years; and her performance on this CD with guitarist Joe Pass stuns me with its beauty. Ella and Joe fit together so well; and every moment of this CD proves it.

Ella starts off by singing "My Ship." "My Ship" showcases Ella's remarkable ability to deliver a love song with great sensitivity and panache. Joe's soft and supple guitar playing awes me; his solo on this number proves he's one of the best guitar players Ella could have picked for her partner on this album.

"Don't Be That Way" starts off with a brief guitar solo; and when Ella comes in she plays with the tempo of her vocals to make "Don't Be That Way" a wonderful number! Ella scats a while and never misses a note as some singers do with this number that seems deceptively easy to deliver. "My Man" gets the royal treatment from Ella; she sings this with all the passion any woman would feel for her male lover. Ella lowers her voice to sing this softly; and this embellishes "My Man."

Other great treats on this CD include "The Days Of Wine And Roses." "The Days Of Wine And Roses" shows us Ella singing from all the corners of her wide vocal range of way more than just one octave. By this time you realize that this CD is one of Ella's best even though it was recorded late in her career. "Love For Sale" starts with Ella humming very soulfully; and she sings her vocals magnificently. Ella again plays with the tempo of her vocals to enhance this number; and Joe Pass makes the guitar accompaniment seem so easy although we know it really wasn't easy at all.

"On Green Dolphin Street" has some great key changes from the very start; I love it! Ella sings with all her heart of the memories she still holds dear. Joe Pass again gets a guitar solo that truly amazes me. He's right up there with the best of them!

"By Myself" was featured in the Judy Garland movie entitled I Could Go On Singing; and Ella's interpretation would make Judy proud indeed. Joe plays very softly in order to showcase Ella's voice and set it apart from the guitar. Ella's voice is therefore placed squarely in front of the musical arrangement; this helps to deliver a sad song about a person who must live life alone. This heart wrenching song never fails to move me.

The CD ends with "Slow Boat To China;" this song features the dream and joy of having your lover all to yourself for quite some while to come. The upbeat melody gets a slower than usual tempo here; but it still works well. You also get yet another guitar solo from Joe Pass. Great!

The liner notes include an essay about Ella, Joe and the songs written by Benny Green; and the cover artwork features a tasteful photo of Ella and Joe performing together.

Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass fans will consider this a "must-have" for their collections; and fans of classic pop vocals will enjoy this CD, too.

Not bad.......2004-06-30

It's not that it's a bad CD or anything, it's just not the greatest. The recording dates of the sessions of this CD are probably the most important parts to take notice of: 1983 and 1986. This means that Ms. Fitzgerald was fairly old, and her health was not the greatest at this time, and it shows a little bit on the record. On a few songs she's just out of tune, and sounds old.

Mr. Pass' playing is up to its usual snuff, of course; just simple, easy-sounding playing that carries the tune without overdoing it.

There are better records of Ella Fitzgerald with Joe Pass, if this is what one is looking for; Fitzgerald & Pass...Again, for example, is pretty nice.

A true masterpiece..........2000-10-31

Ella Fitzgerald never sounded finer, then she did in this exellent Pablo session of intimate duets with gently swinging guitarist joe Pass. Fitzgerald's vocie had finally lost it's girlish innocence, and her vocie sounds womanly and knowing, she has more feeling in these songs then in her 50's Verve sessions. This set proves Ella had lost nothing through the years and she went out on top. This was Ella's 2nd to last session, and truly one of her most magnificent sessions. Here she gently swings on such jazz standards as "Love For Sale" and "I Want A Little Girl." Recomended.

Also try Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass "Take Love Easy" their 1st pairing on the pablo label, and The Intimate Ella, her finest Verve seesion of duets with pianist Paul Smith.

Easy Living.......2000-05-27

Some mediocre song selection and unexciting interpretations make this a less then stellar disc. Only for hardcore fans. I recommend "Speak Love" as a much better combo of these two giants.

A jazz vocal masterpiece..........2000-04-05

Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass played the Playboy Jazz Festival in the early 70's, and they got a standing ovation, Norman Granz of Pablo Records immidiately put them together in the studio to record their 1st LP "Take Love Easy." "Easy Living" is their 4rth and final recording together. It is spectacular, intimate, and wonderful. Ella swings, scats and sings gently and smoothly. Highlights include a cool "My Ship" and a lighly swingin' "Slowboat To China," every track is a gem. This is a must have for any jazz collector, as are all of the Fitzgerald/Pass sessions.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely gorgeous

Easy Living
Paul Desmond
Manufacturer: Bmg/RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Desmond Blue

ASIN: B00004TY57
Release Date: 2000-04-24

Tracks:

When Joanna Loved Me
That Old Feeling
Polka Dots And Moonbeams
Here's That Rainy Day
Easy Living
I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
Bewitched
Blues For Fun
Rude Old Man
Polka Dots And Moonbeams (Alternate Take)
Bewitched (Alternate Take)

Album Details

Luxury Digipak, French/English Booklet with Original Pictures and Artwork. Includes One Previously Unreleased Track plus Two Alternate Takes.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely gorgeous.......2004-04-27

Desmond at the peak of his peak of his artistry.

The alto saxophone as an instrument of sheer beauty, impervious to influences of Parker and Konitz.

Beauty tinged with melancholy.

Tracks:

Pop Goes the Weasel
I Got Rings on My Fingers
Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai (Hawaiian War Chant)
A-Ruble A-Rhumba
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 Merry Macs, Victor Young & His Orchestra
Way You Look Tonight - The Merry Macs, Victor Young & His Orchestra
Isn't That Just Like Love? - The Merry Macs, Victor Young & His Orchestra
Do You Ever Think of Me? - Bing Crosby, The Merry Macs, Victor Young & His Orchestra
You Made Me Love You - Bing Crosby, The Merry Macs, Victor Young & His Orchestra
Dolores - Bing Crosby, Bob Crosby's Bobcats, The Merry Macs
Pale Moon - Bing Crosby, Bob Crosby's Bobcats, The Merry Macs
Hut Sut Song - The Merry Macs, Victor Young & His Orchestra
Deep in the Heart of Texas - The Merry Macs, Victor Young & His Orchestra
Breathless - The Merry Macs, Victor Young & His Orchestra
(I Got Spurs That) Jingle, Jangle, Jingle - The Merry Macs, Victor Young & His Orchestra
Mairzy Doats and Dozy Doats
Pretty Kitty Blue Eyes
Sentimental Journey
Laughing on the Outside - The Merry Macs, Country Washburne

Customer Reviews:

Fun Music from the past.......2007-01-16

Listening to this puts me in touch with my Grandmothers generation.

This fun album is informed by an innocence that is very rare in contemporary music.

A Great CD for music lovers.......2003-08-24

The Merry Macs were the first quartet to break out from barbarshop to Pop singing. Using tight harmony based on orchestration combined with rhythm and a little dance the Merry Macs woke up the singing world.

Tracks:

Band Played On - Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
Charmaine
Sweethearts on Parade
By the River Sainte Marie
Moonlight Saving Time
River, Stay 'Way From My Door
Too Many Tears
Paradise
We Just Couldn't Say "Goodbye"
Stars Fell on Alabama
What's the Reason I'm Not Pleasin' You?
Red Sails in the Sunset
Lost
When Did You Leave Heaven?
September in the Rain
It Looks Like Rain in Cherry Blossom Lane
Sailboat in the Moonlight
So Rare - Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
Penny Serenade
Intermezzo (Souvenir de Vienne)
It's Love, Love, Love
Managua, Nicaragua
Third Man (Harry Lime Theme)
Harbor Lights
Goodnight Sweetheart

Customer Reviews:

Dance hits of the thirties and forties.......2003-02-28

For those of us raised on the music of the second half of the twentieth century, the music contained on this CD does not sound like music to dance to - more like easy listening music to relax to - but Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians were one of the leading dance bands of their day.

They had 26 number one hits of their own on the American charts, of which 23 can be found here. They also had two other number ones as the backing group to solo singers Kate Smith and Bing Crosby. Kate and Guy's band hit number one with River stay `way from my door, also included here. Harbour lights, although included here, was (according to Billboard) only a number two hit for Guy.

Two of the three missing (You're driving me crazy and Boo hoo), together with the song that Bing and Guy's band took to number one (You're getting to be a habit with me), can be found on another ASV compilation, Sweetest music this side of heaven. Just one of Guy's number one hits is hard to find - The last round up, although other versions of that song are readily available.

Anybody familiar with Kate's music will enjoy her song, especially as (at the time of writing this review) this is the only CD on which it is available, although it has previously been released on compilations of Kate's music.

The remaining tracks mainly feature Carmen Lombardo on vocals. He was the singer up to 1941. Although the band had many more hits after that, with several different singers, nearly all the number ones occurred during Carmen's years.

Even if you are new to Guy's music, fans of the Great American Songbook will recognise some of the songs, including Stars fell on Alabama (which I first came across via Doris Day's lovely cover), Red sails in the sunset (my favorite cover of this is by Frances Langford), September in the rain (Dinah Washington made this song her own) and Harbour lights, which Frances Langford had a top ten hit with in 1937 (it was not only her biggest hit, but possibly her finest recording), but the song became a lot more popular in 1950 when Guy's version was one of several top ten hits. It received a further boost when the Platters covered it later in the fifties - that is the version most people are now familiar with.

People may not dance to this kind of music these days, but Guy and his orchestra made some very high quality music. This collection contains 25 of their finest recordings. If you only buy one CD of Guy's music, this is the one to go for.

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