Customer Reviews

Irving Berlin Songbook

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To quote Gary Giddens in the linear notes:"They don't make records like this anymore, but thank heavens they did once upon a time". You may have heard these chestnuts done by dozens of singers/bands etc. over the years. That should not stop you from checking out these versions beautifully done by two classic and class acts, SARAH VAUGHAN and BILLY ECKSTEIN. Billy may not be too well known these days, but should be, and his unique baritone sounds almost operatic, and Sarah keeps things flowing too, on these (mostly) duets. Every track is golden, but the best may be EASTER PARADE, and THE GIRL THAT I MARRY, songs everyone over about 45 heard somewhere along the road as a kid, and may have forgotten. These must be the best versions ever. To think these gems were recorded in 1957!!! BTW, these are not jazzy arrangements,but the very best of lushly orchestrated numbers.

Sarah Vaughan&Billy Eckstine Sound Good on this set.at times the arrangements don't always do them Justice but overall their vocal Power can't be denied.it's a treat having Two OF THe Greatest Vocalist ever Singing TOgether.Worth a Checking into.

It's sad that we now live in a world where 8 out of 10 people have never heard of Mr. "B" or Irving Berlin, but there was a time when Billy Eckstine was class and sophistication personified!!
This is one of my favorite albums and I think once you hear it you'll feel the same, I truly believe it's time get back to real romance and this CD will make the journey alot smoother.

Incredible! That's only word I have to describe this recording. The beauty of these two combined vocalists is awesome. It's one to cherish because Eckstine and Vaughan actually didn't record together that much, which is a surprise considering Sassy always considered Billy her mentor and great friend. The vocals are as smooth and polished as one could hope for, but not at the expense of Berlin's sentimentality and emotionalism. This is an unforgettable meeting of two musical forces. Billy has rarely topped his rich baritone vocals here and Sassy complements him beautifully. The orchestration, while saccharine and maybe a bit TOO polished at times, frame the voices beautifully. All 11 tracks are recorded splendidly, including one solo song by each.

This such a wonderful recording! I heard it at a party and when I got home, I ordered it from Amazon. It was delivered days before promised and it is wonderful.

This is a feel-good album, sung by two of the best jazz singers that ever lived. Both not only possessed pipes that were outstanding but also had the talent to know how to use them. I can think of no one before or since who I would rather listen to.

I gave this as a gift to my 81 yr old Aunt. She loves it.

The choice of songs is pleasing and the solos are "easy listening." However, the duets don't rate the same description. When Sara Vaughn has the melody, Billy Eckstine's harmony is great. In reverse, with Vaughn singing the harmony part, one would think she still had the melody. I suspect it is the mix on the recording. Whatever the reason, it is a strain to try to hear Eckstine's melody when it is overpowered by the harmony. It makes for a disappointing experience.