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Steppin Out: Astaire Sings
Fred Astaire
Steppin Out: Astaire Sings
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
 
  •  Track Listings (17) - Disc #1

In 1952 Fred Astaire joined Oscar Peterson and some of Verve's best sidemen to lay down jazzy, laid-back versions of songs he had made famous in his Broadway and film career. Those 38 tracks, released as The Astaire Story,...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Fred Astaire
Title: Steppin Out: Astaire Sings
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 2
Label: Polygram Records
Original Release Date: 6/21/1994
Release Date: 6/21/1994
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
Styles: Traditional Jazz & Ragtime, Vocal Jazz, Nostalgia, Easy Listening, Oldies, Vocal Pop, Musicals, Traditional Vocal Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 731452300621

Synopsis

Amazon.com
In 1952 Fred Astaire joined Oscar Peterson and some of Verve's best sidemen to lay down jazzy, laid-back versions of songs he had made famous in his Broadway and film career. Those 38 tracks, released as The Astaire Story, have been condensed into this collection, Steppin' Out: Fred Astaire Sings. While Astaire was not blessed with great vocal chops, the best American songwriters including George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter loved him for his unerring sense of rhythm and sympathetic treatment of lyrics, qualities that are well displayed here. Tony Bennett hit the pop mainstream with his 1994 album of jazzy Astaire standards. Here's the original. --David Horiuchi

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Member CD Reviews

Kevin G. (kkg-ct) from NEW FAIRFIELD, CT
Reviewed on 12/8/2014...
a personal fave. Unique stylist that has mastery of the material and gets smooooother each time you listen. Simple crisp arrangements with superior playing allow the vocals to shine. excellent recording. If in any way inclined, treat yourself to something nice!

CD Reviews

A Great American Songbook
pspa | Boston, MA USA | 03/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"In an album that contains many of the finest songs ever written by Berlin, Porter, Gershwin and others, Fred Astaire proves that it phrasing and timing, and not voice, that make a great singer. This is a truly remarkable CD in all aspects. The sound quality, considering it was recorded in 1952, is superb. Astaire is in incomparable form, with the songs sounding much better than some of his earlier versions. And the sextet supporting Astaire, including the marvelous Oscar Peterson at the keyboard, is as fine as any. Not to be missed for anyone who loves this genre. There is also a 2 CD, complete recording of this session on Amazon.com called The Astaire Story."
Classic Jazz With Fred Astaire
Scott T. Rivers | Los Angeles, CA USA | 01/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"According to Hollywood legend, Fred Astaire's 1933 screen test for RKO resulted in this studio memo: "Can't sing. Can't act. Can dance a little." In reality, the dance visionary was an underrated vocal stylist who brought out the best in the compositions of George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. Originally produced by Norman Granz, "Steppin' Out" compiles 17 recordings from Astaire's classic 1952 session - accompanied by a stellar jazz combo featuring pianist Oscar Peterson. The sound quality and musicianship are impeccable, with Fred smoothly gliding from one standard to another. A particularly nice touch is the three-minute interview that follows "Cheek to Cheek." If you cannot find the 38-track "Astaire Story," this hour-long Verve CD makes for an excellent overview."