Customer Reviews

Together at Last/A Perfect Combination: The Complete Sessions 1958-1959 [ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED]

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This reissue melds the results of two main sessions, grouped around the December and January period. As far as I can see, these have been available previously as separate albums. The original over-dubbed applause, which gave the false impression of a live audience, has been removed, enabling the music to be heard in its own right. The numbers vary between swingers and ballads, mainly from the standard songbook. A word of caution is necessary because, despite the title and cover illustration, Bennett's long-standing accompanist Ralph Sharon officiated at the keyboard for all but two of the 23 tracks. If you buy this for the vocalist you'll be happy, but don't expect to hear Count Basie tickling the ivories throughout.

This is the first time the 1959 Columbia album IN PERSON! WITH COUNT BASIE (tracks 1-12) by Tony Bennett has ever been on CD (although the original LP had overdubbed applause that has been omitted here). All 23 tracks are in true stereo - another post indicates the Roulette album (tracks 13-23) has never been in stereo on CD, although it has been released many times in mono on cheap budget-label discs.

The great cover photo of Tony from the Columbia album has been used on the inside of the booklet in color, and there are 2 page liner notes, complete session details and personnel, and composer credits.

An essential addition to the CD catalog for Tony Bennett fans.