Customer Reviews

The Complete Helen Ward on Columbia

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Helen Ward was my introduction to music of the 1930s and what an introduction it was! Ward worked closely with swing master Benny Goodman and the two were a great team. Ward did not have a typical voice from the era; her voice was neither nasal like Annette Hanshaw's or childish like Helen Kane's. She had a mature, full, beautiful voice that kept audiences coming back for more.

This CD collection provides information about Ward's life in the liner notes, a valuable companion due to the lack of information about the performer even on the internet.

Miss Ward's vocals, however, speak for themselves. Although this collection strangely excludes perhaps her most famous song, These Foolish Things, it overflows with talent sprung through other songs. Some of the best and most entertaining songs include Daddy, You're My Favorite Memory, I'll Never Say "Never Again" Again, and Same Old Moon.

Do not miss this great CD. You'll find yourself addicted and wishing for more.

This IS the 2-disc "The Complete Helen Ward on Columbia"! A great collection of works including performances with Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa, Joe Sullivan, Harry James, and more. I highly recommend this. I'm hoping more performances by Helen Ward will be released.

All I can say is buy this quick! I've always considered Helen Ward to have been the best female singer from the Big Band Era and have never heard her sound better than here. The remastering is top-notch and this collection is worth every penny. You'll be amazed at the beautiful sound quality! And there's plenty of rare tracks in this collection, too.

NOTE: The tracklist shown by Amazon omits five numbers.

By it's nature, this is a selective trawl through Helen Ward's career as a vocalist, but it's none the less welcome for that. It spans the period from January 1934 (when she made her first recording) until early 1953, and includes a number of previously unreleased recordings, including alternate takes. Bands include those of Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa, Joe Sullivan, Matty Malneck, Harry James, and Percy Faith.

Helen Ward was one of the best female singers of the big band era, whose clear diction and effortless phrasing make this set a joy to listen to. It's rounded out with a good discography of the tracks, and an informed liner note by Scott Yanow.

This isn't the 2-disc "The Complete Helen Ward on Columbia". Corrections need to be made. I can't differentiate between the sellers' products. Your description says 1 Disc, but there are too many songs showing for one disc. Also, it appears Helen Ward sang many of these songs, but it's not the complete edition.