Customer Reviews

Recapturing The Excitement Of The Jimmy Dorsey Era

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Although I wasn't alive during the "Big Band Era", thanks to a local radio station at the time, i was exposed to a listening experience that I fell in love with at a young age (certainly not what most kids were listening to at that age). From the first song, I immediately enjoyed listening to The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra during the time it featured Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell as vocalists. I loved both the famous Duets they performed as well as their Solo songs. I was glad when you could finally purchase their music on CDs. Of course, recordings of that time were mono. For this recording, Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell were brought back together to re-record some of their hits in the same style and the same arrangements, but in Stereo. This makes quite a difference and a much more enjoyable listening experience. As far as I know, this is the only collection of hits where Bob and Helen re-recorded together like this. So even though it's great to have all the original recordings on CD, nothing beats having great songs in stereo. If you're a fan, I'd certainly add this to your collection.

Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell could sing anything and make it sound like the sweetest of symphonies--and this album proves it. Every number is a pleasure to hear over and over again. Bob and Helen display a grasp of the material that proves they are exceptionally masterful; and their sophisticated phrasing enhances their performances even more. In addition, Jimmy Dorsey and his band are in excellent form on this CD. The quality of the sound is excellent and that artwork is very well done.

"Contrasts" has a beautiful melody that fits in well with the lyrics--and how's about that brass? What a number to start to album off with! "Green Eyes" is easily a major highlight of the album; and "Amapola" shines brighter than silver and gold! They all make it sound so incredibly easy; but of course we know it really wasn't--these are people whose talents always carried them through. "Tangerine" is a classic that has Bob crooning as well as the best of them ever could; and I really like "Yours;" "Time Was" with that wonderful arrangement; "All of Me" which gets the royal treatment from Helen O'Connell; and "Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing In A Hurry" invariably brings a smile to my face.

"When The Sun Comes Out" showcases Helen's ability to sing without ever letting go of a single superfluous note; and the key changes enhance the beauty of the number. "I Understand" is yet another ageless number that sounds terrific; and "The Breeze and I" has a dramatic melody that grabs my attention and doesn't let go! The CD ends well, too, with "Maria Elena."

This album is wonderful for anyone who appreciates classic pop vocals and numbers from the big band era as well. Of course, fans of Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell should consider this a must-have for their collections.

This is an exceptional CD. The singers' rendition of their most famous songs is flawless and even better than their original recordings with Dorsey. I'm not saying their previous recordings weren't good. They were fine too, but this one surpasses them because the arrangements are slightly more modern; just check Eberly's "I Understand" and you'll know what I'm talking about. The distribution of the songs is literally fifty-fifty, both in the solo numbers and in the duets. Pity that Eberly didn't have the ambition to go on a solo career. Even Sinatra himself said that he (Eberly) would have made good. After WWII Eberly virtually sang only in supper clubs whereas O'Connell adapted herself a little more. Check her beautiful rendition of "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," which is not on this CD. Anyway this is a must-have not only for their fans but also for anybody who appreciates good music.

My grandfather passed last Sep. got this CD for my grandma to comfort her. She loves every track!! Bring back great memories her and my Grandfather shared.

If you grew up in the swing/big band era you definitely want to have this CD in your collection. It is always good to listen to the Jimmy Dorsey band with Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell. It is also very good sound quality recording.

Good Hi-Fi Stereo sound and instrumentals and good generally, but...

Bob Eberly's voice is still good, yet he lacks the smooth relaxed voice of earlier years. Helen is still good and her "Yours" in Spanish is neat. However, you will be disappointed with Helen's signature hits, "Tangerine"; and "Green Eyes". Her parts of the songs are abbreviated with an instuemental between the singers, so her part is brief. And "Green Eyes" lacks her familar 'squeal'. "Amapola" is sung by Eberly. The problem with these re-makes is that many singers loose their intensity--and some do not have the voice they once did.