Search - Bing Crosby :: Legends of the 20th Century

* A FUN PACKAGE WITH RARITIES *

12/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This UK import from EMI is housed in a jewel case-sized hardcover book with photos and an extensive essay by Will Friedwald, author of Jazz Singing. The music consists of duets with Rosemary Cloony from the album The Travelin' Two-Beat, ten selections (out of twelve) from the out-of-print Bing & Satchmo LP, seven tracks from Bing's 1961 LP Holiday In Europe, three solo singles, and Teamwork, a duet with Bob Hope from Road To Hong Kong.Although an enjoyable bit of entertainment, the Bing & Satchmo album must overall be considered a wasted opportunity. Why on earth the pair had to be burdened by an obtrusive big band and, worse, an annoying white-bread glee club, I will never know. Billy May really blew it here, although he can't be completely blamed, for this LP surely should have been recorded with Louis' All-Stars. On the bright side, Louis and Bing do their best with what they've got, and treat the whole thing like the lark that it is, and the arrangements, though utterly pop, swing along nicely enough. To hear Bing and Louis together at their very best, check out the film High Society, their studio duet Gone Fishin' (a big hit, available on Bing Crosby and Jazz Friends), or one of the discs with their great radio duets, such as Fun With Bing And Louis.The Bing and Rosemary Cloony tracks are amusing pop, hinged on a old-timey Dixieland two-beat, though it should be noted that the Travelin' Two-Beat album is also available in its entirety. The solo performances by Bing are pleasant pop recordings, several of them quite rare, including the irresistible Never On A Sunday. Sound quality throughout is flawless. Overall, this is a highly enjoyable package, and the rare tracks, Friedwald essay, and novel packaging may someday make it a collector's item."