1945 - 1950 Decca Studio Masters on CD - Jolson's Best
Kevin J. Roberts | 07/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This 2 cd set contains 58 out of 71 Decca Studio masters from 1945 to 1950. At this time, Jolson's voice had its deepest and most soulful, resonant tone. The highlight is the set of eight Stephen Foster songs, Jolson's last recordings. It's hard to name another major singer whose voice and sound were at their peak at age 64. Jolson is amazing, and this set is a bargain."
Jolson.
Scott W. Richards Sr. | 08/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The voice, the talent, the memories are all here. Great music and songs created from the past. Jolson was the greatest and this CD will not dissapoint you. highly recommend for everyone. "you ain't heard nothing yet".."
THE WORLD'S GREATEST ENTERTAINER'
SALOON SINGER | 01/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As the entry for Jolie said in Wikepedia, Bing Crosby, Rod Stewart, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Jackie Wilson, Judy Garland and Mick Jagger all referred to him as 'The World's Greatest Entertainer.' He could according to Charlie Chaplin, make an audience happy or sad because of his ability to project emotions in a way that compelled his audiences to respond in kind. On a CD or on a DVD, we can only imagine what Jolson in live performance must have been like. What this CD collection does is preserve his last recordings on Decca which can be argued to be his best in that they were the most technically advanced and his voice was richer than on some of the earliest recordings which are found on other collections I have. I'm tempted to conclude that everyone who collects recordings of great vocalists should own a copy of this collection because of Jolson's singular status as the first super star of show business and the epitome of what an entertainer is supposed to be. He's the Ur Entertainer."
Let Me Sing and I'm Happy
Mable Redhead | Cincinnati, OH | 01/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like Al Jolson you gotta like this! Although the first disc had more songs that I remembered, both were fun to hear (again) and seem to be top quality.
We've played both discs several times in the few weeks that we've had the album and enjoyed it thoroughly each time. (And, the neighbors are happy that they can't hear us belting out the songs with Al!) We're planning to play it for the grandkids just to see their reactions and to let them experience something "new"."
"The sun shines bright, I'm alright!"
Samantha Kelley | USA | 06/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are many different Al Jolson CD compilations available and all of them offer a taste of the talent of the man. However, many miss some of his best songs and do not offer a wide range of music. Although this CD features recordings done after the peak of his fame in the 20s, the benefit of new technology makes them easier to listen to. And lets face it; Jolie was never truly past his prime.
If you're ever feeling down, this is the CD to listen to. Even the sad songs are optimistic, or at least padded by happy ones. We have classics like "Sonny Boy" flanked by "California, Here I Come" and "Avalon." "Mammy," "Swannee," and "April Showers" all appear. We even get to dance to performances with Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, and the Mills Brothers. If those titles don't tell you just how peppy this CD is, just look at the last song on disk two: "No Sad Songs for Me."
Some might look at the cover of Jolson in blackface and label him a racist. Unfortunately, that erroneous title has been associated with Jolson because of his work in minstrel shows. In truth, Jolson first donned blackface to conquer his stage fright; minstrel shows were incredibly popular during his time. None of the music reflects a demeaning attitude toward blacks and in fact, it often laments fondly about black friends or celebrates the jazz of New Orleans.
This is an excellent collection filled with songs sure to become favorites on a bad day or everyday."