A wide span of styles is represented on this two-CD salute to the male singers of the 1930s, the "crooners." Some of the vocalists are quite enjoyable to hear while a few are very dated, but overall the 49 performances contain more than their share of highlights. There are selections featuring
Willard Robison,
Gene Austin,
Seger Ellis,
Smith Ballew, the completely forgotten Lew Bray,
Bing Crosby,
Harlan Lattimore,
Russ Columbo,
Red McKenzie,
Cliff Edwards (who is heard on eight songs),
Pinky Tomlin,
Chick Bullock,
Jack Teagarden,
Harold Arlen ("You're a Builder-Upper"),
Buddy Clark,
Eddy Howard (a rare jazz session with an all-star group that includes trumpeter
Bill Coleman, pianist
Teddy Wilson and guitarist
Charlie Christian),
Frank Sinatra (with
Harry James) and
Dick Haymes. This set acts as a perfect introduction to these mostly very talented singers.
