Search - :: Al Jolson-Very Best

A single CD compilation to whet your appetite for more of Jo

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 09/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This single CD has been my introduction to Al Jolson's artistry and wow, could he sing! The songs on this CD come primarily from the years of vaudeville with mostly upbeat lyrics that have warmth and beautiful musical arrangements. While some songs like "My Mammy" are clearly outdated and could offend some listeners, the CD song selection overall is still rather good.



The CD starts off strong with Jolson singing "Swanee" with a brief introductory musical phrasing. The amusing "Toot Toot Tootsie" follows, as do other great classics including "California Here I Come;" "Alexander's Ragtime Band;" "April Showers" and "You Made Me Love You." The CD ends nicely with the beautiful "Let Me Sing And I'm Happy."



Unfortunately, the quality of the remastering is inconsistent. Many songs, like "Swanee" and "For Me And My Gal" are well done. However, there is a slightly "tinny" sound on "Give My Regards To Broadway" and "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World."



The liner notes offer a brief essay about Jolson and a couple of photographs of Jolson as well. The picture of Jolson in blackface is obviously embarrassingly dated and offensive. People were not too sensitive to racial pride in the times when Jolson was a star.



I give this CD four stars instead of five for the inconsistent quality of the remastering. Moreover, the picture of Jolson in blackface could have been replaced with another one of him without blackface.



Overall, however, this CD is an excellent introduction to Jolson's work and his voice is truly a delight to enjoy. I listened many times to this CD before I reviewed it simply because it was so enjoyable! I highly recommend this CD for Jolson's fans (obviously), fans of old style vaudeville and people who enjoy the music of yesteryear.



If you like this CD, I suggest you try next the three CD box set entitled Golden Years of Al Jolson. You will enjoy it very much if you liked this CD!"