Customer Reviews

The Music of Johnny Mathis - A Personal Collection (Repackaged)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Is there another traditional vocalist who can move so easily among genres than Mathis (not to mention maintain such vocal quality after some 40 years plus in the business)? From classic ballads to R&B to Broadway, this generous, shy, unassuming and brilliant singer can cover just about anything. I actually didn't even know much about Mathis until the late 70s when I saw him on The Tonight Show, where he sang Boz Scaggs' "We're All Alone" (included in this 4 disc set) and was blown away by his control, especially when he held the final note nearly as long as the next commercial break. From then on, I was hooked. There are so many highlights here -- especially the move and groove years of "I'm Coming Home" and other Thom Bell produced pieces, and the most perfect blending of two voices ever: Mathis' duet with his vocal soulmate, Jane Olivor. But if there is a centerpiece in Mathis' oeuvre, it is the breathtaking, emotionally heartbreaking "Yellow Roses on Her Gown" -- both the song itself and Mathis' performance create one of the finest recordings ever made. And you have to buy this box set (with wonderfully detailed liner notes) to get it on CD. Highest recommendation for vocal fans.

I just received this four cd set and I love it.It has all of Johnnys popular songs on it but I ordered it for some of the hard to find songs he did.This has some songs on it thats not on any other cd but this one.Don't Blame Me is one of those songs that isn't out no more except on this cd.He does such a good job on it and it is backed with orchestra.Live for Life is another rare treat.The original booklet is included in this set with 94 pages of info on Mathis.This cd box set has dropped from $... If you are a Johnny Mathis fan you should get this one.

How could you give any Johnny Mathis compilation anything less than 5 stars? You can't! This is an excellent musical history of the greatest male vocalist recorded music has ever known. Finally, on CD, are his passionate versions of One Day In Your Life and Let Me Be The One. However, I would have liked to have seen included more magical Mathis music from the 1970s such as his earlier version of Windmills of Your Mind, Stardust and I Only Have Eyes For You. Of course, there is so much wonderful, wonderful Mathis music that either there could have been two or three more discs or a second box set altogether. I question Columbia's decision not to have more of Mathis' LPs available on compact disc, especially those from the Seventies. For instance, he had tremendous albums in the 1970s I would love on compact disc such as Killing Me Softly With Her Song, When Will I See You Again, Close To You, Romeo And Juliet, Feelings, Hold Me Kiss Me Thrill Me and the list goes on. Chances are that maybe Columbia will one day release all of his music on CD or at least put together a 1970s package which should include all the above mentioned songs. In a world gone crazy with rapping and screaming, its so nice to still have Mathis music be a glimmer of light and hope in the darkness.

Seem to be a few feelings about "Feelings" here.------------ I think this is a MUST for every dedicated Johnny Mathis fan, or for anyone who enjoys a gentle evening of good music. The selections begin in the 50's and build chronologically right through the 90's----truly a historical tracking of Johnny Mathis' career. Very nostalgic for those of us who aren't 20 any longer. A favorite winter evening at our house is a warm fire, a glass of wine and "The Music of Johnny".

I had forgotten how great Johnny Mathis is until I recently watched his "50 Year concert celebration on PBS. I enjoyed it so much, especially one song, "99 Miles from LA" that I went on Amazon to find one of his cd's that had this song in it. Fortunately for me, I decided on this personal collection. It is hard to believe that I have four cd's in this collection that contain so many wonderful favorites of his that are absolutely fabulous and for such a small $ amount. Anybody that wants to revisit Johnny Mathis cannot go wrong with this collection. Bravo, Johnny.

This collection contains 4 CDs of Johnny Mathis singing the songs that made him an "American Singing Icon". The selections have been beautifully re-master and showcase Mathis's pure singing style and talent. The collection includes all of the big hits; Chances Are, Misty, It's Not For Me to Say. However; included are a number of truly wonderful Mathis songs like "Yellow Roses On Her Gown".

This Mathis collection will take you back to a time when couples held hands, and a "Kiss" was a "Kiss". Hearing Mathis sing these songs will make you remember the best days of your life.

When Streisand was growing up, she was imitating the pure vocal sound of the one and only Johnny Mathis! Was I surprised? Not at all! They reflect each other's style, repertoire and classiness in live performance. I have always been a Mathis fan forever and ever. And to have this precious boxset and play it in my laptop or CD player is priceless. Mathis has always been the benchmark for standard male singers. Even the new guy who has been making waves for singing standards like Michael Buble will not be at par with Mathis... at least not at this time! This is the best boxset of Mathis, in my opinion. One of the few CD collections I am keeping after de-cluttering my apartment... I cannot find it in my heart to let go of these great collections of music by the finest male voice of all time!

This wonderful collection couldn't contain all our favorite Johnny songs, so Mr.Mathis picked his favorites! and what great choices! I've enjoyed this collection so much! what a great overview of his career. Every Mathis fan should own this boxset! booklet contains great pictures & Johnny's comments on each song.

Excellent! A LOT of good tracks. Well worth the price.

Disc 3 is my personal favorite, with Disc 2 a close second.

This is the set called the "Personal Collection" because of Johnny's personally selecting every song on here, and he comments on every song he's picked in the accompanying booklet, which is a joy to read.

And I agree, I don't know why "Feelings" is on here, either!