This is a feel-good album, sung by two of the best jazz singers that ever lived. Both not only possessed pipes that were outstanding but also had the talent to know how to use them. I can think of no one before or since who I would rather listen to.
June 15, 2008It's sad that we now live in a world where 8 out of 10 people have never heard of Mr. "B" or Irving Berlin, but there was a time when Billy Eckstine was class and sophistication personified!!
This is one of my favorite albums and I think once you hear it you'll feel the same, I truly believe it's time get back to real romance and this CD will make the journey alot smoother.
April 28, 2006I gave this as a gift to my 81 yr old Aunt. She loves it.
August 15, 2005 |  | Timeless Irving Berlin Done by Two of the Greatest Singers! |  |
To quote Gary Giddens in the linear notes:"They don't make records like this anymore, but thank heavens they did once upon a time". You may have heard these chestnuts done by dozens of singers/bands etc. over the years. That should not stop you from checking out these versions beautifully done by two classic and class acts, SARAH VAUGHAN and BILLY ECKSTEIN. Billy may not be too well known these days, but should be, and his unique baritone sounds almost operatic, and Sarah keeps things flowing too, on these (mostly) duets. Every track is golden, but the best may be EASTER PARADE, and THE GIRL THAT I MARRY, songs everyone over about 45 heard somewhere along the road as a kid, and may have forgotten. These must be the best versions ever. To think these gems were recorded in 1957!!! BTW, these are not jazzy arrangements,but the very best of lushly orchestrated numbers.
January 18, 2002Incredible! That's only word I have to describe this recording. The beauty of these two combined vocalists is awesome. It's one to cherish because Eckstine and Vaughan actually didn't record together that much, which is a surprise considering Sassy always considered Billy her mentor and great friend. The vocals are as smooth and polished as one could hope for, but not at the expense of Berlin's sentimentality and emotionalism. This is an unforgettable meeting of two musical forces. Billy has rarely topped his rich baritone vocals here and Sassy complements him beautifully. The orchestration, while saccharine and maybe a bit TOO polished at times, frame the voices beautifully. All 11 tracks are recorded splendidly, including one solo song by each.
December 29, 2001More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(7 reviews)