Two of the legendary vocalist's 1960 LPs for Columbia paired together, 'Ballads Of Broadway' & 'Rhythms Of Broadway'. 24 tracks in all. Also features the original cover art & liner notes of both albums. Double slimline jewel case. 1999 release. Album Description
Johnny Mathis has such clarity and conviction in his Ballad cd,along with an orchestra that is right in step with every musical number. The collaboration of the two is simply amazing. They pull off a very romantic ensemble of songs which tug at your heart. I should know because back in the 50,s (that,s 1950,s) when my sister,s boyfriend bought the Ballad and Rhythm for her. I imagine the Ballad part was to get her in a romantic mood of which you can not escape Mathis,s voice of love and romance. But alas he never became my brother-in-law. When I heard it for the first time I probably had the same idea. But it did turn out to be one of Johnny Mathis,s best album of all time. It was early in his career and his voice and clarity were inchanting.
July 9, 2008Have known this dual album since the beginning. Love Mathis, love these old standards. It is my very favorite Mathis recording, in all these 50 years. I recommend for all musical libraries.
April 11, 2007 |  | Mathis Having A Lot Of Fun |  |
This 2 on 1 (certainly not 2 for 1 considering the high price) may represent a strong turning point in the storied career of Johnny Mathis. Prior to these concept albums (which I am fortunate enough to own on vinyl)he seemed pretty buttoned up on his recordings. The "Rhythms" album is anything but restrained, with Mr. M. literally bouncing around the recording studio and having a ball. Call it "cutting the rug" to Ralph Burns arrangements. I wish Mr. Burns had turned the voltage down a little on a few cuts, but Johnny probably wasn't to be denied on this one.
"Ballads" is pure poetry with Mr. M doing what he has a total lock on; yanking every emotion and pure note out of these fabulous songs. Glenn Osser does another terrific job with Johnny,and it is clear he knew his singer from a to z.
Johnny Mathis recorded terrific music in the 60's (also see the Mercury Global Masters cd), and this cd represents some of that
output.
March 2, 2002I've been searching for this album for 32 years! No record store could help me. I have an original LP but I've been looking for a replacement and have made numerous tape copies, all with scratches, and now finally a CD, Wow! GOD has been good to me. Possibly the greatest album Mathis has ever produced. My favorites are the Ballads. Glenn Osser at his best.
May 18, 2001| | | ONE OF THE BEST BROADWAY COLLECTIONS I'VE HEARD | |
Columbia and Sony UK are re-releasing some wonderful things, and Johnny Mathis, being one of Columbia's best artists has a few such collections out there, this being the newest and the first "2fer" that actually is encompassed on two separate discs. As always with these Sony UK packages, all liner notes from the original albums are included, as well as an updated foreword. The sound quality is second to none; but why wouldn't it be with the magical voice of Johnny singing some of Broadway's most beloved tunes. In my opinion, Glenn Osser did for Johnny, (and Tony, and Jerry and countless other Columbia artists) what the immortal Gordon Jenkins did for Sinatra, which is to write sumptuous string charts seemingly without effort. Glenn's work on the first disc (Ballads) will leave you looking for more; the twelve great tracks won't be enough. From the smoky, sad strains of "Moanin' Low" to the slight swing tempo on "Fun To Be Fooled" to the nice tag Glenn and Johnny put on the end of the Styne classic "The Party's Over", I figured the second disc could not beat the first. Happily I was mistaken! With the able hand of Ralph Burns writing the charts for the "Rhythms" section of this fine collection, even the usually soft and smooth singing Johnny swings. Sounds like a good time was had by all while recording Cole Porter's "Let's Misbehave", which finds Johnny devilishly romping through the innuendos that made Porter's songs classics. My favorite on this collection? "Don't Blame Me" sure gets close, complete with the seldom heard verse. But Burns' arrangements have me going from disc 1 and 2 constantly! You decide, and enjoy!
February 20, 2000More reviews at Amazon.com ...
