Search - Billy Eckstine :: Early Mr B: 1940-1953

Billy Eckstine was one of the top singers to emerge in the late 1930s and 1940s, with a deep baritone voice that stood apart and became very influential on future jazz singers. He had a broader range than his contemporaries; most of the male singers in black swing orchestras either performed jump tunes or sang ballads with high voices. Eckstine used his deep, masculine voice with equally high skill on romantic ballads and jazz songs, and he was even an underrated scat singer. Eckstine also holds a special place in jazz history because of his leadership of one of the very first bebop orchestras. This important compilation contains 20 of Mr. B?s most beloved jazz recordings, heard together on a single CD for the very first time, with remastered sound, detailed notes by Scott Yanow and rare historic photos.