Editorial Review

This 1961 album was Sinatra's first release for his own label, Reprise. Not coincidentally, there's an obvious air of exultation running throughout the entire record. Sinatra is in impeccable voice as he swaggers through Johnny Mandel's arrangements with confidence to spare, delivering unforgettable versions of "A Foggy Day," "When I Take My Sugar to Tea," "Let's Face the Music and Dance" and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm." This is prime "Rat Pack"-era Sinatra, as rakish as the tilt of his hat on the album's cover. Sadly, too few of his subsequent Reprise releases managed to measure up to the standard set by this album. Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (22)

A blast, baby!
From the blaring horns at the beginning of the title track, it is quite evident this is one happenin', exciting release from the Chairman of the Board. Still in peak form from his Capitol years, this first release on his own Reprise label is a must have CD. Crank up the volume for this one, baby, because it is scorching! Johnny Mandel's arrangements create a wall of sound that hits like a brick. Try not singing along with "A Foggy Day," "In the Still of the Night," "The Coffee Song" or really any of these songs. Each is fabulous. The only gripe I have is the length of the CD, which clocks in at barely half an hour. I realize this was standard for the time and we have grown accustomed to 60-70 minute compilations, though we often expect more for $12. Nonetheless, even at a dollar per song, this is one of the best investments for entertainment you can make.

A fine addition to any Sinatra collection - very groovy
I've been increasing my Sinatra CD collection , going backwards and forwards to fill in the gaps . I bought a few of Frank's 50's albums - the non swinging ones .
Johnny Mandel Fits Sinatra Like a Glove...
A major reason Sinatra peeled away from Capitol Records in 1961 to form his new Reprise label was to work with a variety of arrangers with innovative styles."Ring-a-Ding-Ding" was the maiden album he recorded for his new enterprise, and what a debut it was!Johnny Mandel's jazz-infused arrangements proved a perfect foil for Sinatra, who at this point was still at his peak of vocal abilities.As was their custom for a number of Sinatra's albums over these years, Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn composed the title track for their long-time buddy, and it certainly sets the tone for this varied and very swinging program.Old standards such as Irving Berlin's "Be Careful, It's My Heart" and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" are revitalized with Mandel's winning charts, while a pair of Cole Porter gems, "In the Still of the Night" and "Easy to Love" find Sinatra and Mandel in full sympathy, producing results that are at once swinging and sophisticated.The light-heartedness continues with the witty "Coffee Song" and intoxicating readings of Harold Arlen's "Let's Fall in Love" and the Kern/Fields classic "A Fine Romance."During the same session, they also recorded an excellent rendition of "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart," which was cut from the final album release, since it was a thirteenth and "odd man out" track.Thankfully, it survived the intervening years and was included in several of Sinatra's Reprise retrospective collections.It is unfortunate Sinatra collaborated with Mandel for just this single occasion.They display real rapport here, and produced one of Sinatra's best albums of his Reprise era...actually, one of his best...period... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Popular Music    5. Swing    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (31)

A different Streisand feel with a few gems.
As a Streisand diehard, I am making it a point to pick up her entire catalogue.My mother had this on vinyl before I picked up the CD, so I'd listened to it long before purchasing it.
Butterfly - A (Surprisingly) Truely Great Album
The reason I'd call this a surprisingly truely great album is because it has the reputation of being Streisand's worst album. A reputation wholely undeserved. Barbra's work (and voice) in the 70's is my favourite, and I think her best (disregarding The Broadway Album and Guilty)
Barbra Streisand: ButterFly (1974)
In October of 1974, Barbra Streisand released her nineteenth album entitled, BUTTERFLY. This album was not as good as I had hoped. But it was still at a four-star rating for me.
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Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Popular Music    4. Soft Rock    5. Vocal   

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Import

Reviews (14)

DVD will play in ALL computers with a DVD player
I've always thought this was an enjoyable guilty pleasure, but the combination of Pet Shop Boys, one of my favorite bands, and Liz Minnelli was a masterstroke.
Don't believe the region 0, this is true PAL format and won't play in US players.
This is by far the best thing Liza has ever done which is why I bought the original CD over 10 years ago.
Surprisingly strong !
The first I heard of this album was way back on a music video channel where they were counting down the worst videos of the year. The big prize winner was "Don't Drop Bombs" from this album. When I heard it I thought "this is so bad that it's good". The song kept playing in my head until I reluctantly bought the cassette (at the time). I thought, "at least I'll have a good laugh". Quite to the contrary, each song on this album is very strong. I instantly became a fan with the engaging and catchy tunes contrived with the assistance of The Pet Shop Boys. Very contemporary. The vocals are great and the biggest surprise of all, the sad and reflective ballad "So Sorry I Said" is quite haunting and one of the best ballads I have ever heard in my life. It's the kind of melancholy that you can't resist. Give this one a chance, because what at first seems bad is deliciously good-a guilty pleasure indeed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dance    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. United States of America    5. Vocal   

Editorial Review

As the '60s drew to a close, Sinatra became increasingly amenable to recording songs from the contemporary pop and rock canon. Whether he was responding to commercial pressures, or just trying to prove that he could still be hip in the Age of Aquarius, remains the subject of much debate; in any case, Read more

Reviews (8)

Frank'sWay
"My Way" is not Sinatra's greatest album, but it is an absolutely essential purchase because it includes the song that defined his life, music and philosophy.There is no other song in the Sinatra discography that more perfectly defines, summarizes, and musically states what Frank was all about than "My Way."Paul Anka wrote this song especially for Frank, and it immediately became the signature song for the rest of his career.This album was recorded in 1969, and it was an attempt for Frank to incorporate contemporary standards into his body of work.He covers songs by the Beatles, Rod McKuen, and Paul Simon, but "My Way" is the song that makes this album an integral part of the Sinatra canon. Don Costa arranged the songs as he did in many of Sinatra's album's for Reprise, and it is a much more solid effort than some critics give it credit for.Frank is still at the top of his game, and my other personal favorites on this CD are "Didn't We" and "For Once In My Life.""My Way" is an essential Sinatra must-have album and is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED1

Contemporary pop songs sung Frank Sinatra's way
The chief attribute of this 1969 Frank Sinatra album is the title track with its lyrics written especially for the singer by Paul Anka, which became not only his signature song for the remainder of his life and his musical epitaph.But beyond the big hit single this is a rather standard Sinatra album for the late Sixties.Sinatra covers an array of pop songs by the Beatles (a melancholy "Yesterday"), Stevie Wonder ("For Once In My Life"), Simon & Garfunkle (a very hip and swinging "Mrs. Robinson), and a Jacques Brel/Rod McKuen effort ("If You Go Away").The clear inference is that these songs are being sung Sinatra's way, which means on his own terms.All things considered this is a varied selection, which necessarily lacks the thematic unity of the great albums Sinatra put out during the Fifties.The arrangements are by Don Costa, who would perform similar duties on many Sinatra albums over the rest of his career, including "Ol' Blue Eyes is Back" and the two albums of "Duets." A mixed and modern album - barely 4 stars
There are some great cuts on here:My Way, A Day in the life of a fool, If you go away and ALL MY TOMORROWS and of course FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE - one of Frank's staples in concert from 69-95.Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Popular Music    4. Soft Rock    5. Traditional Pop    6. Vocal    7. Vocal Jazz   

Reviews (3)

Great Collectionof Ella to renew your spirit
Ella's soulful, resonant voice and a collection of top standards
Not Fond of This Compilation
Be advised that there are a lot of Ella's mono DECCA recordings included here and I did not expect that. Six selections alone are from the Decca Lp/Cd entitled "Pure Ella". Tha Cd is great, but it is not in stereo and the sound is off -- Ella's voice is recorded strangely and sounds much lower than it really was.These recordings simply do not fit in well with the others chosen. There are much better Fitzgerald compilations to chose, such as "The Jazz Sides" and the 3 cd "First lady of Song", both on Verve.

Very Romantic Ella
Since UMG united Decca and Polygram, the issues of Ella's catalog have been an interesting mix of her Decca and Polygram recordings, something thought not possible a few years ago. This cd is not the first to put these two studio recordings together, however it's the first to present songs with a singular theme.Intimacy is the name of the game, this is a collection of the most intimate songs Ella's recorded. There are no strings here, this music is Ella with trio only, culled from all her albums including the songbooks. The mastering of this disc is excellent; Ella had a tendency to sing really close to the mike and it seems the producer of this disc chose only those songs with Ella up front. The Decca sides are presented here with the best sound to date; the songs are not too sanitized with noise reduction, so listening fatigue is avoided. Overall this is a great summary of her most emotional readings, something not usually associated with her. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz Music    3. Jazz Vocals    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

Though Bennett's greatest successes came from his relaxed delivery of pop songs, he has more than just an affinity for jazz singing, as his 1999 Read more

Reviews (7)

For anyone who still doesnt think Bennett is a jazz singer..
This is about as good as 'swing' singing gets. Tony pours out exuberent enthusiasm on the swinging numbers like 'guess ill have to change my plans' and 'plenty of money', and delivers delightful tenderness on the slower ballads, always combined with perfect control. Basie keeps every tune, fast or slow, swinging energetically. The songs are all picked with the exquisite and adventurous taste we expect from Bennett. The album is highlighted by a wonderful vocalise coda by Bennett on 'plenty of money', and the deft subtlety on 'after supper'. The recording and mastering quality are first rate. Buy this album.

I think this is one of the very best Tony Bennett albums
There are three really great Tony Bennett albums, and this 1958 album originally released on Roulette Records is one of them (for the record, the other two are "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album").Ironically, Count Basie did not have all that much of a hand in the album.Yes, it is his orchestra, which certainly sounds great.But Basie only plays the piano on two of the tracks, "Life Is a Song" and "Jeepers Creepers."Bennett's own pianist Ralph Sharon not only plays the piano on the other tracks but did all the charts for these songs as well.Still, these songs are very much done in the Count Basie style, as evidenced on "Strike Up the Band," "Chicago," and "With Plenty of Money and You."You would not think of Bennett as being a jazz singer per se, but he is right at home in front of the Count Basie Orchestra proving he would have been a great band singer if he had been born a decade or two earlier.My favorite track is "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," a song from the musical "My Fair Lady," which you would have thought was written by Bennett as it is one of those perfect marriages of singer and song.He never sang any song better than this one.This 1990 CD reissue also includes a Neal Hefti ballad, "After Supper," but even with this bonus track the main complaint about this album is that it is only a half-hour long (which is certainly representative of the times).

A somewhat weak album.
Tony Bennett in my book never was a hard driving swinging singer like Sinatra or Bobby Darin were.Read more

Subjects:  1. Big Band    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Mainstream Jazz    5. Pop    6. Swing    7. Vocal Jazz   

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (4)

Just a Closer Walk with Thee
I love this CD and have told many people about it. Patsy and Lorettaare wonderful and the songs are great.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
I really like this CD, as it has a lot of the old Christian songs on it.

Sweet songs
I love to hear these two sing oldies...it is interesting to hear them sing gospel..so refreshing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    4. Pop    5. Religious / Contemp. Christian    6. Rockabilly    7. Traditional Country    8. United States of America   

Reviews (6)

the earlier years....
This cd is a nice introduction to the earlier years of these Great Ladies of Song! Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan.

Only for oldies, and old noises
This CD is a good mix of the great ladies of jazz; however the master is the original, without any ounce of technology. I have heard new compilations, and they modify the sound, for hearing as new record, not as a phone call.
FOUR QUEENS SING TIMELESS FIVE STAR CLASSICS !!
Five Tremendous Stars!! Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, and Sarah Vaughan!! Four of the best singers "there ever was" sing truly classic songs from early in their careers. This sampler 'freeze-frames' the careers of these tremendous singers at a crucial time when they were the rage of the jazz world, in a jazz constellation that included many other fabulous singers like Anita O'Day and Carmen McRae.
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Subjects:  1. 30's    2. 40's    3. 50's    4. Ballads    5. Big Band    6. Bop    7. Classic Female Blues    8. Cool    9. Jazz    10. Jazz Collections    11. Jazz Music    12. Mainstream Jazz    13. Pop    14. Standards    15. Swing    16. Traditional Pop    17. Vocal    18. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

The flawless lyricism of Ellis Larkins's piano provides an ideal frame for Ella Fitzgerald's maturing art on the two sessions that make up this CD. The first, from 1950, is an all-Gershwin program, while the second, from 1954, includes songs from other masters of the popular ballad, like Sammy Kahn, Cole Porter, and Hoagy Carmichael. Fitzgerald's voice was an ineffable combination of breadth of sound and lightness of delivery. Larkins's spare and sympathetic settings let her caress each song, and her subtle melodic variations and superb diction make each rendering a musical gem. Read more

Reviews (13)

Cream of the Decca Years
I recently came across this CD in my local store and debated taking it home.With 94 Ella Fitzgerald CD's in my collection already, I need another Ella like I need a hole in my head.But when I noticed that it contained the tracks she made with Ellis Larkins on piano, I said "What the heck" and took it home anyway.
Great for jazz... just good for ella
Although this has all of her classic songs, it doesn't have the tracks that really showed her range, instead concentrating on the lighter, shorter stuff.Very little scat/improv/live material, which is a shame.I would recommend this as a classic ella cd, but not for people who want something original and different.

Like an Intimate Evening with First Lady of Song
The year is 1950 or 1954. Imagine that you're inviting an emerging star to sing for you at a dinner party. The singer is the inimitable Ella Fitzgerald. The result might have been this -- "Pure Ella", just her and pianist Ellis Larkins with his trademark feather touch. In a few years from then, Ella re-did most of these tunes for her "Songbook" series, when her voice was -- and that's remarkable -- clearer, sounding like a young girl's, when she was already in her early 40's. Anyway, what we have HERE is Ms. Fitzgerald in a relaxed, soothing mode with no frills. Her pure and ripe voice will stroke and caress you and you'll be glad you can listen to this CD... The highlights include "But Not For Me", "I've Got a Crush On You", "I'm Glad There Is You" and "Until the Real Thing Comes Along", as for Larkins' artistry, suffices one listen to "How Long Has This Been Going On?" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Pop    6. Standards    7. Swing    8. Traditional Pop    9. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Classic Liza. This compilation of a three-week 1987 engagement at Carnegie Hall, site of her mother's 1961 triumph, captures Minnelli at the height of her powers. The 100-minute program includes old standards ("Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Love Is Here to Stay"), modern pop ("Somewhere Out There"), and of course her great signature tunes: "Some People," "Liza with a Z," "Mein Herr," "Money, Money," "Maybe This Time," "Cabaret," and "New York, New York." Before a highly sympathetic audience, she also provides some warm and slightly self-deprecating commentary about her past difficulties and a brief remembrance of her father, Vincente. If you must, a one-disc highlights version is also available.Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (12)

LIZA STILL REIGNS
The reason the album LIZA AT CARNEGIEsounds muffled is because she was the first artist to perform there after a major rehaul of Carnegie Hall.At the time, sound engineers altered the underflooring, which led to problems for years to come that have since been corrected.But Liza still holds the record for an artist at that venue (3 weeks of sold out shows).That summer she toured many cities with the show, and came to Massachusetts to sing for 11,000 at an open-air show.She was great.Saw her last summer at a tent show with 2500 fans;she was healthy and fit, charming and funny, and she sang beautifully.Tabloids be damned, long may she reign.Sheis an authentic star, right down to her false eyelashes, and while time may alter the consistency of her voice, her talent, feel for a song, and respect for her audience are indestructible...

The ultmate Liza album
whether you are new to Liza, or an old fan you'll love this album. She sings all her old classics and a bunch of new stuff too.

Is it Liza or the microphone?
Liza Minnelli at Carnegie Hall is a great live record, in spite of its many flawss (sound, microphone etc, Not LIZA) it still stands as a milestone in the history of Carnegie Hall. Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Popular Music    4. Traditional Pop    5. Vocal   

Reviews (9)

The Superb talent of Perry Como - and finally, great sound quality from a 'Collectables' Release!
The 2 Perry Como albums included here are both in full and are 2 of Perry's biggest selling albums of the 1970's and of all time! These 2 superb albums were recorded by Mr. C and Released by RCA Victor in 1971 ('It's Impossible') and 1973 ('And I love you so').
And I Love You So/It's Impossible
Such a pleasure to listen to good tune selections that are well phrased, smoothly delivered, well orchestrated, and LITERATE!

"The Italian (American) Don Ho"
In 1974, Ellen and I took our two mothers with us to Hawaii for ten days; and like so many tourists before us and after, we attended the Don Ho show -- only a short walk from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.Somewhere between "Pearly Shells" and "Aloha'Oe," the show's star joked about being the "Hawaiian Perry Como," before introducing, "And I Love You So."After a normal, nightly finale of attractive hula girls -- and stampede of hundreds of hysterical grandmothers (resembling out of control teenage girls) trying to reach Don Ho for a kiss -- I was able to speak with him about "And I Love You So."He graciously offered details on the song written by Don McLean, adding that Perry Como had a particularly good recording of the number."You mean the Italian (American) Don Ho," I asked?He laughed and gave me a "high five."
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Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Popular Music    4. Traditional Pop    5. Vocal   

Editorial Review

Bing Crosby is the father of the Christmas album. He sired the whole shooting match in 1942 when he recorded Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" for the Decca soundtrack of Read more

Reviews (14)

Voice of Christmas Bing Crosby
Excellant CD.Bing Crosby's voice was fabulous.The songs on the CD are great to listen too.I listen to this CD all the time

WORTH BUYING
I actually suggest to you to buy this two disc set and make your own80 minutes cd with it.I for instance like the WHITE CHRISTMAS rendition with PEGGY LEE more than the 1942 or the 1947 version,it's a matter of taste.The songs recorded with the ANDREW SISTERS have a special flavour and have great nostalgic appeal.I was glad to hear many songs that i didn't know BING recorded like A MARSHMALLOW WORLD and CHRISTMAS IS A-COMIN.I wonder why they did not include FAITH OF OUR FATHERS in the collection.Anyway,if you consider yourself a fan of BING,you will buy this and you won't be disapointed.The booklet is also very interesting to read,telling the stories of those recordings collected through many years.

Father Christmas' Complete Decca Recordings
Bing's complete Decca Christmas collection!What more could you ask for?Well if you want to be particular I would have loved to see all of the songs that have appeared on the legendary Merry Christmas/White Christmas album(s) (there have been several varations over the years) but I guess songs like Danny Boy and Faith of Our Fathers don't technically qualify as Christmas songs.That said it's as close to perfect as you can get.
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Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Holiday    6. Pop    7. Standards    8. Swing    9. Traditional Pop    10. Vocal Pop    11. Xmas Vocal   

Editorial Review

This is a flawless single-disc condensation of the three-CD Read more

Reviews (32)

A Blue-Eyed Legend Lives On
The adored and acclaimed Frank Sinatra invites you to "fly away" with many of his classics on "The Best of the Capitol Years."
Just enough Sinatra
If you're like me, and you enjoy Frank Sinatra, but don't feel compelled to own every record each of these songs orginally appeared on, than this is the album for you.It contains clear and crisp versions of his "greatest hits" and its just enough Sinatra for my CD collection.

Great asa Starter...Could be Even Better!!!
A novice cannot really go wrong with this one.It does include several all time greats,which are on every Frank collection. Still, one wonders why second raters like "How Little We Know","South of the Border", and a few other other sugar coated pop hit types (say,"Witchcraft") were included,leaving out,say, "Here's That Rainy Day","Angel Eyes" from ONLY THE LONELY,and "Cheek to Cheek" from COME DANCE WITH ME.Or "Lonely Town" from WHERE ARE YOU.Only the former two are even on the 3-CD set. This CD barely scratches the surface,but has been for many years the one Frank CD everyone seems to have.All in all, a pretty good start,one supposes. And this "Night and Day" is a close,less known match for "I've Got You Under My Skin", and does give the new Frank fan a glimpse of his supercharged side,which the younger crowd would probably prefer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Popular Music    4. Traditional Pop    5. Vocal    6. Vocal Jazz    7. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (15)

Barbra Streisand: My Name Is Barbra, Two... (1965)
In October of 1965, Barbra Streisand released her sixth album entitled, MY NAME IS BARBRA, TWO..., the follow-up to her fifth album, MY NAME IS BARBRA. This album did not quite match to the first MNIB album, but the album is still, in my opinion, a five-star album and let me tell you why.
My My Barbra
A great Cd of older standards. Somewhat Broadway somewhat pop. Very good.

A TOP HATwith TOP FORM VOCALS !
This CD is wonderful. The target audience is one that is musically mature. The tracks listing on this CD are classic. The best part of the CD is the medley closing the CD. It's brilliant, a vocal tour de force from Ms.Streisand. If youre a fan, or worship pop vocals then you should not hesitate to purchase this CD. It's timeless and worth it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Popular Music    4. Vocal   

Editorial Review

It would be difficult to think of a more perfectly matched pair than this. Shearing and Cole had so much in common--both were brilliant pianists, both had combined good jazz with popular success. They were even born in the same year. Nat Cole's velvet voice sounds even better with the rhythmic spice of Shearing's quintet, plus strings and percussion. The numbers on this 1961 album are all superb examples of classic American song, by such composers as Duke Ellington, Jerome Kern, and Matt Dennis. Each one is given a fresh and original treatment by arranger Ralph Carmichael. One of the tracks, "Let There Be Love," went on to become a hit single. The overall impression is of emotional warmth beneath a cool, elegant surface. Not surprisingly, Shearing still cherishes this album as one of his favorites in a long career. All that plus three bonus tracks. Unmissable. Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (9)

classic cd
excellent remaster of two of the best artists who ever performed. I wish they would reissue more of these oldies.

A beautiful friendship...
To me the birth of the super group didn't start with Crosby, Stills and Nash, it happened a few years earlier when the combined talents of Nat Cole and George Shearing recorded this album for Capitol Records. Shearing's playing is impeccable and Cole is in great voice. Both artists had perfected a very distinctive sound and the blending of their sounds is a feat of musical alchemy unrivaled. "Fly Me To The Moon", a song that landed on every album recorded in the early sixties is done superbly. "Azure-Te", is one of my all time favorite recordings. I can't help feeling sad everytime I listen to "Guess I'll Go Back Home", it makes me miss Cole's simple expression of sentiment. We should be greatful that recordings such as these keep his legacy alive.

An album for the ages.
Though Cole and Shearing came from totally different backgrounds, their approach to music was similar, and in this remastered CD of the original 1961 album, the two find the perfect blend of sound and mood, allowing each to be himself while complementing the other.Cole is a crooner here, singing mellow, usually romantic ballads, and often sliding down the scale to his lower notes.Shearing plays quiet, inventive, and "tinkly"accompaniments in the background, without ever stepping on Cole's notes.Both are gentlemen of the old school who maintain a professionalism and formality which shows clear respect for the audience and for each other, while at the same time conveying a sense of controlled passion and warmth for the music.
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz Music    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Traditional Pop    6. Vocal    7. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Though already in business in 1961 with his own record label, Frank Sinatra was contractually obligated to give Capitol one more record before moving on to Reprise. Sinatra gave them the ironically titled Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (15)

"There Will Be Other Songs To Sing . . . Another Fall, Another Spring . . . But There Will Never Be Another You"
Frank Sinatra chose Axel Stordahl to arrange and conduct this collection of sixteen remarkable ballads that he was so well-known for. These songs were recorded in 1961 except for the last four tracks which were recorded in 1953 and were not included in the original vinyl release.
Final Capitol Record
This was Frank 's last Capitol record that he handed in for the company and its fantastic, he left on a bang, You cant go wrong purchasing this classic gem. There are some classics on this baby. "You gotta love livin baby cuz dying's a pain in the a**" to quote the man. Buy this - you wont regret it

Classic Sinatra
Frank Sinatra's theme albums/CDs, are transporting--they take you to another world far away: sad, compelling, thought provoking, and bitter sweet longing for things loved and lost in life. They are pieces of art: In The Wee Small Hours, Only The Lonely, No One Cares--Point of No Return is in that league. I'm very happy with adding this CD to my collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Traditional Pop    6. Vocal    7. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Never as dramatic in her interpretations as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald nonetheless imbued the songs she chose with a personal touch. This disc, one of several recent distillations of her epochal Read more

Reviews (13)

The incomparable Ella
They don't get much better than Ella Fitzgerald and her 'Song Books'.This collection of ballads taken from that series is a sampling of classic 'romantic' standards by some of America's great composers.This in not Ella Fitzgerald in her 'be-bopping' mode; a rather more reflective, lush style of singing is used here.This is a fantastic CD for anyone interested in Ella, anyone interested in great songs.......or anyone interested in great 'make out' music.

Great as all of Verve "Best of the Song Books"
Since I discovered Ella & Louis my "musical life" has never been the same. This is the kind of music that makes me wonder how I could have lived so long without. Ella's voice is magic. All of the Best of Verve Songbooks CDs are pure magic. If you like old-fashioned jazz, and you like great voices, you should buy at least 4 or 5 of Ella and/or Louis Armstrong's CDs. Just listen to the audio samples on Amazon.com, and you will find out why, in case you don't know how great they were. These guys were fantastic artists. They should have had 500 more years to live on this planet, and make it a better place with their voices.

Gives me chills in the best way
No one sings like Ella. Her voice is a warm instrument in itself, and she flows through this set in comfortable perfection. This and the two other 'Best of the Songbooks' albums are simply outstanding. 'Oh Lady Be Good' and 'I'm Old Fashioned' are especially heartfelt -- listen to the range and enunciation on both. Every note she hits sounds like it's smack in the center of her comfort zone. 'There's a Small Hotel', more obscure, is magnificent -- with a tasteful arrangement and rich performance by Buddy Bregman's orchestra -- treasureable.Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Big Band    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. Jazz Vocals    6. Pop    7. Standards    8. Swing    9. Traditional Pop    10. Vocal Jazz