The Astaire Story

Fred Astaire | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B000008A8N
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,542 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A Fine Romance", June 17, 2002

By 

M. P. Malkerson (GRANADA HILLS, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Astaire Story (Audio CD)

Of all my albums, this is the one to which, sooner or later, I always return. It's one of those instances where the whole is greater than the parts. Mr Astaire's phrasing and intonation are their usual perfection, but everybody making music here both solos and harmonizes in a way that must be heard to be appreciated. The backup is cool jazz with Oscar Peterson and other period greats. Astaire does all his standards, talks a little, dances a little and there's a charming brochure. It was a big deal when it was released around 1953, and listening to it today, the collaboration is still a marriage made in Heaven.

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Dream Session, February 14, 2001

By 

James R. Mccall (Libertyville, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Astaire Story (Audio CD)

Fred Astaire distills a lifetime of perfect timing in this album. It is the result of a labor of love, produced by Norman Granz, who persuaded Astaire to work in an intimate setting to put together swinging (and well-recorded) versions of many of the songs he introduced on stage and in films. His tone won't blow you away -- his voice is as thin as the plots of many of his movies -- but his respect for the lyric, impeccable phrasing, and consummate feel for the way a song should go make him the equal of anyone in interpreting these classic numbers.

This was a chance for Astaire to work with a small group of excellent jazz musicians, including Oscar Peterson, to make an album that is fun, musical, and intimate. And it's not just for aging fans of Fred. My 10-year-old daughter plays it, too.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic jazz-vocal set by Astaire..., May 23, 2000

By 

a - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Astaire Story (Audio CD)

Fred Astaire has always admired jazz musicians, and improvisation. Here he gets a chance to sing(or should I say swing) with the likes of Charlie Shavers, Oscar Peterson and many other members of the JATP. Astaire has never sounded better, he sounds truly thrilled to be working with such talented jazz players. He gives all of the musicians plenty of solo time and even gives them a chance to do a jam session(without him singiing). This session is truly a gem. If you like Fred Astaire or jazz this cd you will surely enjoy. An essential addition to any serious jazz collectors music library. ESSENTIAL MUSIC. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED