Customer Reviews

Fred Waring - Greatest Hits

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For basic information regarding Waring's music from the Jazz Era (1923-1932), I suggest looking at reviews for "The Collegiate Years" and "The Broadway Years". This CD supplements the aforementioned with 24 tracks, out of which *only 3* duplicate material on the other CDs ("Collegiate", "Ice Cream", and "Button Up Your Overcoat"). These transfers have been made from the original metal parts (masters and/or stampers) used to make the shellac 78s. Consequently, the surfaces in general are quieter than those found on the "Collegiate" and "Broadway" years. Sound processing is excellent, too, although it's not much more than the equal of the other CDs, which is an excellent standard to be judged by!
This is the only compilation to include any of Waring's acoustic recordings. "Sleep", which was Waring's very first recording (1923), is here in its 1928 electric remake, due apparently to the non-existence of the metal parts for the earlier recording. A criticism of the selections might be that the songs tend to be mostly slow-paced, thereby giving an unbalanced view of Waring's output. Of course there's the absolutely goofy and politically VERY incorrect "Where Do You Work-a John?" (Answer: "On the Delaware Lackawann'.) as well as "Ice Cream" to remind the listener that humor can coexist with musical excellence.
The artwork, by the way, especially on the back cover, is rather cheesy, but don't let that discourge you!

I expected his "Greatest Hits" to include music from the 40's and 50's, but this CD had 1920's hits, none of which included his wonderful large chorus.

I am interested in buying but there is no listing of the songs on the CD. What are they? How many? How about a sample or two?