Fine single CD retrospective of Jo Stafford's best on Capito
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 11/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Autumn in New York features terrific songs and even some show tunes that Jo Stafford recorded when she was at Capitol Records. On this CD we get all of the songs that were on the record album of the same name as this CD and then we also get quite a few bonus tracks and that's grand. Of course, this is not an in depth retrospective of Jo Stafford's career at Capitol; that would require at least a second CD. However, what we do get is excellent, high quality control music with skillful arrangements by Paul Weston (whom she married in 1952) and the artwork is very well done.
The CD starts with Jo singing "Autumn in New York;" and her voice is as clear as a bell--wow! The music is perfect for this number; and Jo never lets go of a single superfluous note. "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" from "Roberta" is absolutely charming; Jo does this with panache and I'm very impressed. "Almost Like Being in Love" sounds so fresh and new when Jo sings it; she delivers this with all her heart and soul--and it shows when you hear her sing it! "Make Believe" from "Show Boat" is another stunning number; Jo delivers this to perfection--and beyond!
"Through the Years" is romantic and truly beautiful; that brass is well used in the arrangement, too. "Some Enchanted Evening" from "South Pacific" features Jo squarely front and center; and that's excellent because that's right where she always belonged! "The Best Things in Life Are Free" is one of my very favorite songs on this album; the arrangement sounds somewhat big band and it works wonders for this song. "Just One of Those Things" gets the royal treatment from Jo; I like the way they use the strings and Jo makes this number really take flight!
"Tell Me Why" is a love song that could never truly go out of style; Jo's interpretation of this is very professional and memorable. "Let the Rest of the World Go By" has Gordon MacRae joining Jo Stafford for a heavenly effect; and there's the lovely "Gee, It's Good to Hold You." "The Wish That I Wish Tonight" is very good despite a bit of surface noise; and listen for Jo Stafford to outdo even herself on "Georgia on My Mind." I think Ray Charles would have approved of Jo's rendition of this ballad! "Dream" has The Pied Pipers with Jo Stafford and they make this sound so sweet and easy on the ear I could never forget it--this music is all THAT good.
"Tim-Tayshun" is a catchy tune that also let Jo have some fun; she billed herself as "Cinderella G. Stump" for this make-believe hillbilly rendition of "Temptation" and it's a humorous way to end the CD.
Jo Stafford fans should consider getting this for their collections if they don't have these numbers by Jo already. In addition, this makes a fine introductory CD for people just discovering the magical artistry of Jo Stafford. You won't be disappointed!"
