Autumn in New York & Other Classics

Jo Stafford | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 21, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Drg
• ASIN: B001TKKACS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,720 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fine single CD retrospective of Jo Stafford's best on Capitol, November 23, 2009

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Autumn in New York & Other Classics (Audio CD)

Autumn in New York features terrific songs and even some show tunes that Jo Stafford recorded when she was at Capitol Records. On this CD we get all of the songs that were on the record album of the same name as this CD and then we also get quite a few bonus tracks and that's grand. Of course, this is not an in depth retrospective of Jo Stafford's career at Capitol; that would require at least a second CD. However, what we do get is excellent, high quality control music with skillful arrangements by Paul Weston (whom she married in 1952) and the artwork is very well done.

The CD starts with Jo singing "Autumn in New York;" and her voice is as clear as a bell--wow! The music is perfect for this number; and Jo never lets go of a single superfluous note. "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" from "Roberta" is absolutely charming; Jo does this with panache and I'm very impressed. "Almost Like Being in Love" sounds so fresh and new when Jo sings it; she delivers this with all her heart and soul--and it shows when you hear her sing it! "Make Believe" from "Show Boat" is another stunning number; Jo delivers this to perfection--and beyond!

"Through the Years" is romantic and truly beautiful; that brass is well used in the arrangement, too. "Some Enchanted Evening" from "South Pacific" features Jo squarely front and center; and that's excellent because that's right where she always belonged! "The Best Things in Life Are Free" is one of my very favorite songs on this album; the arrangement sounds somewhat big band and it works wonders for this song. "Just One of Those Things" gets the royal treatment from Jo; I like the way they use the strings and Jo makes this number really take flight!

"Tell Me Why" is a love song that could never truly go out of style; Jo's interpretation of this is very professional and memorable. "Let the Rest of the World Go By" has Gordon MacRae joining Jo Stafford for a heavenly effect; and there's the lovely "Gee, It's Good to Hold You." "The Wish That I Wish Tonight" is very good despite a bit of surface noise; and listen for Jo Stafford to outdo even herself on "Georgia on My Mind." I think Ray Charles would have approved of Jo's rendition of this ballad! "Dream" has The Pied Pipers with Jo Stafford and they make this sound so sweet and easy on the ear I could never forget it--this music is all THAT good.

"Tim-Tayshun" is a catchy tune that also let Jo have some fun; she billed herself as "Cinderella G. Stump" for this make-believe hillbilly rendition of "Temptation" and it's a humorous way to end the CD.

Jo Stafford fans should consider getting this for their collections if they don't have these numbers by Jo already. In addition, this makes a fine introductory CD for people just discovering the magical artistry of Jo Stafford. You won't be disappointed!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A caution regarding sound quality, October 14, 2010

By 

David Wilmot (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Autumn in New York & Other Classics (Audio CD)

There's no indication in the cover material or the enclosed booklet that Drg did anything in the way of remastering beyond simply re-recording whatever source material they had at hand. As a result Jo's voice sounds boxy on roughly half the numbers, and the crescendos in the brass--and even the strings--are so harsh I've had to quickly turn the volume down (I can't recall ever having to do this with Billy May's brashest arrangements for Sinatra or Nat Cole on the same label.) The music made in the studio was lovely, but please be warned.

I should add that I've since acquired EMI's "Autumn in New York/Starring Jo Stafford" and that the remastering is far superior.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marevelous!, September 12, 2010

By 

b (NEWARK, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Autumn in New York & Other Classics (Audio CD)

This is my first Jo Stafford CD and I absolutely love it! What a fantastic voice! I LOVE "Autumn in New York"! Definitely recommend to anybody who appreciates beautiful music!