Customer Reviews

Jo Stafford: The Ultimate Capitol Collection

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Jo Stafford The Ultimate Capitol Collection is a strong two CD set of fifty-three (yes, fifty-three) of Jo's best work for Capitol--and her fans. We also get four songs that were never released before: "The Last Time I Saw You;" "Rockin' Chair;" You Wear Love So Well" and "When Day Is Done." Terrific! The quality of the sound is excellent; these songs have been very well digitally remastered. The artwork is nicely done, too.

The first CD begins with Jo singing "Old Acquaintance;" I never heard this song before but it sure ranks high in my book now! The melody is very pretty and Jo Stafford sings this with panache. The strings enhance the natural beauty of this ballad, too. There's also "I Didn't Know About You;" this has a big band sound and Jo aces this effortlessly. Of course, we know it really wasn't so easy--but Jo always made it look easy; her talents always carried her through. The Pied Pipers harmonize well to back up Jo Stafford as she sings a refrain of the chorus and that's grand. Listen also for "Candy" which Jo performs with Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers; and there's a real gem in "Almost Like Being In Love." "Almost Like Being In Love" has a lush musical arrangement and Jo handles this with finesse and great polish. "Autumn Leaves" was always a favorite of mine; and "I'll be Seeing You" is one of the most bittersweet melodies I've ever heard. Jo sings "I'll Be Seeing You" without a superfluous note and she puts her own stamp on this number with her remarkably fine sense of timing and her excellent diction. Similarly, "Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)" and "Georgia On My Mind" amply prove that Jo Stafford was one of the best vocalists of the entire twentieth century.

The second CD continues the great hits and the classic numbers that helped make Jo so famous. "It's Monday Every Day" has a great musical arrangement that complements Jo's singing perfectly; Jo handles the subtle key modulations and tempo changes like the pro she always was! "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" would make Marilyn Monroe green with envy; Jo performs this with The Starlighters. I have rarely heard The Starlighters before; but they sure can harmonize to perfection! "Feudin' And Fightin'" is a number I first heard sung by Dorothy Shay; but Jo's rendition is certainly quite fine. Jo sings this with The Starlighters and Paul Weston's Mountain Boys." Altogether these fine performers do great justice to this early country tune with its catchy melody and easy to remember lyrics. There's also "In The Still Of The Night" which gets a somewhat faster tempo than usual; but Jo Stafford delivers this flawlessly. "Walkin' My Baby Back Home" makes good use of the brass; and there's a priceless number when Jo sings "Some Enchanted Evening."

The second CD ends with four previously released tracks which I think makes this quite a good value. Listen for Jo to outdo even herself on "The Last Time I Saw You;" and Jo also makes good on "When Day Is Done." "When Day Is Done" also features Gordon MacRae along with Bill Loose & His Orchestra. Great!

Overall, this two CD set won't disappoint Jo Stafford fans; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will also love this CD set. Jo sang so well she could charm the birds right out of the trees; and these songs more than prove it.

I received the product in good time and just as I had expected. I am a happy customer.