Customer Reviews

The Salesman of Song 1911-1923: Al Jolson, Vol. 2

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I've grown up listening to Al Jolson -- even though kids in my generation were into the Beatles, I was a huge Jolson fan, even moreso than my father, whose records I used to play over and over again. It even took me a long time (like until the 80s) to fully appreciate the genius of Frank Sinatra. But Jolson -- to this day the fervor in his singing and the sincerity that he brought to some of those old tuneful songs still amaze me. I have listened to and owned various Jolson collections. One of my favorites is of the old Warners soundtracks (also available on Amazon.com). But THIS CD, The Salesman of Song 1911-1923, is mainly of interest to true Jolson collectors. Some the songs are nicely restored. Jolson's voice is clearly different, higher, and younger sounding than in the Decca recordings. But the orchestrations are so clearly rooted in the very early twentieth century that this is a CD mostly of historical interest. I love music from the Roaring Twenties (before I was born). But these arrangements go even further back. The one saving grace: a vaudeville-type song called "You've Simply Got Me Cuckoo." Better to buy the collection of Warners soundtracks, radio broadcast collections or Decca recordings....unless you are an absolutely dedicated Jolson collector or seeking historical recordings. And, certainly, don't ever gift this to someone as a way to introduce them to the increasingly-forgotten Jolson's true genius.

Some of Jolson's earliest recordings. The recording of "Someone Else May Be There While I'm Gone" from 1916 can be compared to the Decca recording he made after the Second World War. Jolson's version of "I've Got My Captain Working For Me Now" compares favorably, in my opinion, to the Eddie Cantor recording of similar vintage. Jolson sounds so happy he could burst. The restorations are above average, and the chance to hear Jolson early in his career shouldn't be missed. Of interest to popular song historians only is Jolson's recording of "Stella," written by Harry Akst. Akst later admitted it was among the worst he'd ever written, and Jolson had it published as a favor to get Harry some money.