21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
First rate sampler of Tommy Dorsey, October 23, 2000
This review is from: Homefront: 1941-1945 (Audio CD)
While serious Tommy Dorsey collectors may pass on this one, it is a thoughtfully compiled set intended to represent a set list the way TD would have arranged it. There are several Sinatra vocal tracks, Jack Leonard's famous 'Marie' (which was a huge hit), Sy Oliver's 'Yes Indeed' and a fabulously fun version of 'Blue Skies' with Sinatra and the band providing vocals. 'Opus One' and 'I'm Getting Sentimental Over You' are great instrumentals -- can anyone play the trombone like this anymore?
Sound quality is excellent when you consider these recordings date from World War II, but obviously flat compared to anything recorded recently. It is FAR SUPERIOR to the lousy '17 Number Ones' album also produced by RCA, which sounds like an old scratched up tape.
If you are a casual TD fan or just want an introduction to his fabulous band, I would recommend this album. A few of the songs might sound a little 'square' now, but overall it is remarkable how good this music really was. Sinatra fans will appreciate how even in 1939 he was singing with more style than the straight-ahead Jack Leonard (who was apparently highly regarded in his own right.)
Very enjoyable album.
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