Customer Reviews

Complete Lamplighter Recordings 1945-1946

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was drawn to look up Kay Starr when reading Gary Giddin's A STARR IS REBORN in READING JAZZ (ed. R. Gottlieb) Pantheon Books,NY,1996 which I recommend as one of the great compilations of jazz writing bar none. I vaguely recalled her from the 50's with hits such as "Wheel of Fortune". Of course, that was music which was very unhip to a teenager exploring the whole gamut of great American jazz from Wingy Manone to Dizzy Gillespie. But at Mr Giddin's recommendation I took the plunge and my investigations dug up this gem of a CD. There is some truth in the dictum that one can often judge an artist by the company she keeps. Some of Ms Starr's company on this CD includes Barney Bigard (18 tracks) Bob Crosby, Irving Fazola, Wingy Manone, Charlie Barnet, Barney Kessel(7 tracks)all of them respective masters. Highlights on the CD, and there are many, include a vocal duet with Wingy Manone on "If I could BeWith You"; "I Can't Get Started" which I swear rivals that of Bunny Berigan;"All of Me", which has backing by Barney Bigard and Vic Dickenson on trombone(mute); and "Where of When", where Ms Starr reveals her sensitive poignant side backed by the beautiful chalumeau sound of Mr Bigard's clarinet. Ms Starr brings to life with great interpretations some of the best of the American Songbook backed by some of the best jazz musicians in the business at the time. Geat value for money CD.

These red hot jazz sides by Kay Starr were recorded in the 30's & 40's before she became a pop star, here she is a true jazz singer singing jazz and swing standards backed by some great small groups... This is pre WHEEL A FORTUNE Kay Starr, swingin', improvising, and having fun with the likes of Barney Bigard, Wingy Manone, Bob Crosby and many other hot musicians. Highly recommended. GREAT SOUND QUALITY

...and this is (by far) my favorite. It's a collection of singles from early in Starr's career, mostly recorded when she was 23 and 24 years old. Her vocal style was different then, very bluesy, very Memphis, and she is helped by a few excellent mid-1940s swing bands. The results sound like a lost (and very magical) Billie Holiday album, an upbeat one at that. Great song choices, many standards. This album is a real discovery.

What a wonderful side. This CD is good from top to bottom. No clunkers here. What a talent. I can't believe she slipped by for so many years. Consider the time wasted listening to the Stones, Beatles, Zep, etc. Forgive me father and thank you for k starr.

For 78 minutes, Kay Starr's beautiful voice and singing style with her magnificent jazz/blues music accompaniment will bring you back to 1945-1946. One of her songs on this album, Where or When, is appropriate for "being taken back in time". Included are some of the introductions to her songs by those great big band orchestra leaders before she sings. Superb sound quality.