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As Time Goes By: the Best of Jimmy Durante

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
by: Jimmy Durante

December 02, 1996
As a kid growing up, I found Jimmy Durante to have a style that was somewhat comic--and my reaction was exactly what he cultivated as part of his public persona. For those of us who were young during the waning years of his career, Jimmy was a clown.

Even now, no one ever could call his voice beautiful, yet I can think of no more fitting a talent to sing the songs on this CD. His raspy style perfectly fits the original moods of classics such as "As Time Goes By," "I'll Be Seeing You," and "Try A Little Tenderness." Every melody on this CD is a gem, and the way Jimmy styles them simultaneously makes the listener want to weep and to dance. Can there be a higher compliment for a crooner?

Many of you might remember ... Read More:

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Ultimate Jazz Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
by: Various Artists

August 27, 2007
As a kid growing up, I found Jimmy Durante to have a style that was somewhat comic--and my reaction was exactly what he cultivated as part of his public persona. For those of us who were young during the waning years of his career, Jimmy was a clown.

Even now, no one ever could call his voice beautiful, yet I can think of no more fitting a talent to sing the songs on this CD. His raspy style perfectly fits the original moods of classics such as "As Time Goes By," "I'll Be Seeing You," and "Try A Little Tenderness." Every melody on this CD is a gem, and the way Jimmy styles them simultaneously makes the listener want to weep and to dance. Can there be a higher compliment for a crooner?

Many of you might remember ... Read More:

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The Modern Sound of Harry Beckett

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
by: Harry Beckett

October 20, 2008
As a kid growing up, I found Jimmy Durante to have a style that was somewhat comic--and my reaction was exactly what he cultivated as part of his public persona. For those of us who were young during the waning years of his career, Jimmy was a clown.

Even now, no one ever could call his voice beautiful, yet I can think of no more fitting a talent to sing the songs on this CD. His raspy style perfectly fits the original moods of classics such as "As Time Goes By," "I'll Be Seeing You," and "Try A Little Tenderness." Every melody on this CD is a gem, and the way Jimmy styles them simultaneously makes the listener want to weep and to dance. Can there be a higher compliment for a crooner?

Many of you might remember ... Read More:

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The Best Of

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
by: The Ink Spots

March 20, 1999
The Ink Spots were one of the most popular vocal groups of the forties. There were no record sales charts in Britain back then so I don't know which of their songs were most popular in the UK, but a look at the American charts shows that this collection omits several big hits. Nevertheless, many others are included and all the tracks here are worth hearing, so I don't mind - this is, after all, a budget collection. The sound quality, while not perfect, is fine given the age of the recordings.

Here you will find the original version of Whispering grass, which became a British number one hit in the seventies when covered by TV actors Windsor Davis and Don Estelle. Another song that got a new lease of life via a cover is My prayer, ... Read More:

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White Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
by: Bing Crosby

October 01, 1999
I love Christmas music, often pulling it out to listen to mid-year. And you'll never catch me listening to anything but Christmas music from Thanksgiving to Christmas. That's why I'm a little ashamed to admit to only just now getting this classic collection.

What I've been missing all these years is a truly wonderful CD. Bing has a rich, strong voice that is pleasing to listen to. The arrangements feel dated, but that's part of the charm. It feels like an old friend from the very first listen.

My only real complaint (and a minor one at that) is the pacing of the album. The first six tracks are all slower numbers. They do include a great version of "Silent Night," and Bing's classic recording of "White Christmas," ... Read More:

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Getz/Gilberto Vol.1: Remastered

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
by: Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim

May 25, 1999
Antonio Carlos Jobim goes down with Lennon/McCartney, Gershwin, Amstrong as one of the most influential songwriter/stylists of the 20th century.

To judge the album on its own merits is one thing. Getz turns in small but perfectly formed solos. Astrid Gilberto's voice is ravishing, complementing husband Joao's voice with that incredibly restrained vulnerability that is the essence of Bossa. It is an album of incredible tenderness and instrospection. The studio atmosphere is very intimate with an almost homespun quality. For me its a five star album in its own right.

However, this album has a far larger significance, in the way that Sargeant Pepper did. It changed everything and set off ripples that are still reverberating ... Read More:

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Live in Hamburg

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
by: Esbjorn Trio Svensson

November 19, 2007
I wish to second the appreciation of 13 min plus jams.
(1)they allow you to reach a full appreciation of the music whilst simultaneously allowing you sufficient time to qualf a foaming pint of ale without incurring excess wind."Definition of a dog" even allows you that extra half pint.
(2) Long jams discourage the casual ne'er do well's and light-weights - a simple process of sorting the men from the boys. "Delores in a shoestand" has the added bonus of the sort of phasing which usually gets the average jazz buff reaching for their graphic equalizer.
(3) It allows players to chance to compete with their peers on a musical basis thus removing the need to resort to illicit drugs and/or indulge themselves all-night shennanigans. Obviously ... Read More:

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Michael Buble - Come Fly With Me [2004]

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
starring: Michael Buble

March 28, 2005
Michael Buble first DVD made me want to go see him live! His voice is amazing his personality fab! He is very humble and thanked Michael Parkinson for showing him to the world on TV I for one am so pleased he did! I love sinatra style songs and anything Michael does he seems to make his own. Buy it and see.

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A Jazz and Blues Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
by: Various Artists

November 03, 2008
Michael Buble first DVD made me want to go see him live! His voice is amazing his personality fab! He is very humble and thanked Michael Parkinson for showing him to the world on TV I for one am so pleased he did! I love sinatra style songs and anything Michael does he seems to make his own. Buy it and see.

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Home In Pasadena: The Very Best Of The Pasadena Roof Orchestra

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Jazz
by: Pasadena Roof Orchestra

February 26, 2008
This is a good selection from the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. The band contains fabulous players; they are really tight, and the solos are excellent. Not only are most of the songs great, but the band's performance of them is second to none. Great to sing along to, and some of the solos, particularly on the clarinet, have really impressed music students I know.

A couple of my favourite tracks aren't on here, but others of my favourites I've not seen elsewhere. All in all, great value for money, good fun to listen to, and very impressive musically. I'm in my 20s, and this band I love in a way that some other similar stuff I can find a bit dated/boring.