Search - Jerry Vale :: I Remember Buddy

Nostalgia That Can Stand On Its Own

Arthur C. Mattos | Boston, MA | 06/15/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The reissue of Jerry Vale's tribute album to Buddy Clark is pure "triple" nostalgia -- first, for those who remember the big-band crooner Buddy Clark from the '30s and '40s; second, for those who enjoy the full-throated voice of Vale, a staple of the Columbia stable of young singers in the '50s, who is still around looking silver-haired byt ageless; and third, for those who enjoyed that lush full sound of Glenn Osser's orchestrations. (Listen to Mathis albums from the same period such as "Heavenly" and you'll hear how much these albums are "kissing cousins.")The songs are undeniable classics of the American songbook -- some like "I'll Get By" or "I Still Get A Thrill" are familiar from various readings by everyone from Sinatra to Karen Akers. Others like "Linda" or "Peg O'My Heart" are pleasant novelties and period pieces, but all are delivered in an honest, straight-forward style that lets them be appreciated on their own merit. And there is no doubt that Vale, with the voice and the phrasing, has the crooner style down pat. When joined with its reissue companion piece, Vale's tribute to singer Russ Columbo, this album becomes almost an historical record of the "age of the crooner." They are necessary addtions to the music library of amyone interested in preserving the "great American songbook.""

HAIL, VALE! NOSTALGIA HAS NEVER SOUNDED BETTER

Alan W. Petrucelli | THE ENTERTAINMENT REPORT (ALAN W. PETRUCELLI) | 01/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hail Vale! Jerry Vale's 1958 tribute albums to swing singers Buddy Clark and Russ Columbo are (finally!) being released on CD -- more than 40 years after they were first recorded. What's important -- other than the great digitally remastered sound and memories such excursions back to the future bring up -- is that Vale was smart not to imitate either singer. Instead, his inimitable style conjures up remembrances of the men and their music, while proving just how masterful (and underrated) Vale was. And remains."