This is the first in a new Acrobat series which will be devoted to the illustrious composers who made significant contributions to the Great American Songbook - the songs written during the half-century or so from the dawn of the recording era, many from stage musicals or movies, other purely the product of Tin Pan Alley, which provided the core repertoire for many of the finest and most prominent vocalists, big bands and jazz musicians of those and subsequent decades.
This great-value collection brings together some of the best-known and most-performed songs by the great Cole Porter, one of the more unusual composers of his time, since, whereas many songwriters worked in partnerships, he wrote alone, in a highly sophisticated and individual style, which reflected his different cultural background from many of his peers. The selected songs are presented here broadly in chronological order of their composition, using recordings from across the years since they were introduced, some by artists who were legendary interpreters of Porter's work, like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, along with others who simply dipped into his rich catalogue of landmark songs for their singles releases or albums.
Their interpretations reflect not only the melodic quality and lyrical craft in his songs, but their timeless adaptability. It's a highly entertaining showcase for the work of one of popular music's most talented and influential practitioners.
REVIEWS
“It goes without saying that the songs are top quality and even the lesser known likes Find Me A Primitive Man (Libby Holman) and Please Don't Monkey With Broadway (Fred Astaire) have that unmistakable Porter wit and elegance. The 28-page booklet is crammed with information and adds to the satisfaction of an excellent package” - Gerry Stonestreet (In Tune)
“The word magnificent comes to mind...” - John Martin (The Jazz Rag)
“This compilation of Cole Porter compositions is great on so many levels: the sheer quality of performers, set alongside Porter’s genius is irresistible… The whole thing is a joy and all for less than £8!” - Barry Clare (Just Jazz)
"A Wonderful overview of Porter's considerable range…" - Leon Nock (Jazz Journal)
Disc 1 |
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Track |
Title |
Artist |
1 |
I'm In Love Again |
April Stevens |
2 |
The Laziest Gal In Town |
Helen Humes |
3 |
Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love |
Eartha Kitt |
4 |
Find Me A Primitive Man |
Libby Holman, Colonial Club Orch. |
5 |
You Do Something To Me |
Lee Wiley |
6 |
What Is This Thing Called Love? |
Anita O'Day |
7 |
Let's Fly Away |
Jeri Southern |
8 |
Love For Sale |
Kitty Kallen |
9 |
Night And Day |
Dick Haymes |
10 |
Don't Fence Me In |
Bing Crosby |
11 |
All Through The Night |
Ella Fitzgerald |
12 |
Anything Goes |
Tony Bennett with Count Basie |
13 |
I Get A Kick Out Of You |
Frank Sinatra |
14 |
You're The Top |
Jeri Southern |
15 |
Miss Otis Regrets |
Alberta Hunter |
16 |
Begin The Beguine |
Jo Stafford |
17 |
Just One Of Those Things |
Peggy Lee |
18 |
Why Shouldn't I |
Lee Wiley |
19 |
Easy To Love |
Billie Holiday |
20 |
I've Got You Under My Skin |
Frank Sinatra |
21 |
It's De-Lovely |
Ethel Merman |
22 |
Ridin' High |
Doris Day |
23 |
In The Still Of The Night |
Della Reese |
24 |
At Long Last Love |
Lena Horne |
25 |
My Heart Belongs To Daddy |
Eartha Kitt |
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Disc 2 |
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Track |
Title |
Artist |
1 |
Get Out Of Town |
Anita O'Day |
2 |
Do I Love You? |
Ella Fitzgerald |
3 |
Well, Did You Evah! |
Bing Crosby & Frank Sinatra |
4 |
I Concentrate On You |
Tommy Dorsey orch. With Anita Boyer |
5 |
Please Don't Monkey With Broadway |
Fred Astaire |
6 |
Ace In The Hole |
Johnny Mathis |
7 |
I Love You |
Jo Stafford |
8 |
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To |
Dinah Shore |
9 |
Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye |
Ella Fitzgerald |
10 |
Always True To You In My Fashion |
Blossom Dearie |
11 |
Another Op'nin' Another Show |
Norman Luboff Choir |
12 |
So In Love |
Shirley Bassey |
13 |
Too Darn Hot |
Mel Torme |
14 |
Why Can't You Behave? |
Dinah Washington |
15 |
From This Moment On |
Lena Horne |
16 |
Nobody's Chasing Me |
Dinah Shore |
17 |
C'Est Magnifique |
Dean Martin |
18 |
I Am In Love |
Nat King Cole |
19 |
I Love Paris |
Les Baxter & His orch. & Chorus |
20 |
It's All Right With Me |
Sammy Davis Jr. |
21 |
All Of You |
Nancy Wilson |
22 |
I Love You Samantha |
Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen |
23 |
True Love |
Bing Crosby & Grace kelly |
24 |
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire |
Frank Sinatra/Celeste Holm |
25 |
Ca C'Est L'Amour |
Tony Bennett |