Search - Jo Stafford :: Jo Stafford on Capitol

Rarities for Jo's fans and casual buyers alike

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 08/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jo was one of the best of her generation who, despite stiff competition from Dinah Shore, Doris Day, Margaret Whiting and others, was the most successful female singer of the 1940's, and also did well for much of the 1950's. Jo recorded a lot of music during the 1940's, the period covered by these recordings, but always of an extremely high quality. The strength in depth of Jo's music is never more clearly illustrated than with this collection of rarities - so brilliant that they stand comparison with any greatest hits collection, including Jo's own.There have been many compilations of Jo's 1940's music, generally duplicating the same songs. Even though those songs are really entertaining, it is a pleasure to obtain recordings unavailable for so many years. Even the British 4-CD boxed set (Yes Indeed!) avoids most of these tracks, although any fan of Jo's music will also want that set - it contains the obvious tracks and a lot of (different) rarities.Jo also liked to record the occasional comedy song. The most famous of these (Timtayshun) can be found on other compilations. Here, you will find Suspicion and I'm My Own Grandmaw. Very few singers of serious music could get away with recording such material and retain their credibility. Jo did them so well that they added to her credibility.Jo also recorded songs from stage and screen. You will surely enjoy Jo's lovely versions of September song, Better luck next time, It was written in the stars, Here I'll stay, Begin the Beguine, Just one way to say I love you, I'm gonna wash that man outa my hair and Every day I love you. Two of those were written by Irving Berlin. Two more of his songs (Love and the weather and Homework) can also be found here.There are many other delights to discover within the 24 tracks of this CD. Jo's deep, warm, sexy voice brings out the best in each and every song.Any fan of 1940's music will enjoy this. Unlike most other singers' rarities albums, which only appeal to their fans, this also works well as an introduction to Jo's music, which says a lot about the quality of this album."