Search - Ambrose :: Essential Collection

MORE THAN OKAY FOR SOUND

Barry McCanna | Normandy, France | 09/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This budget-priced 2-CD set from Avid is essentially the same as the earlier compilation "Swing Is In The Air" AMSC 690), repackaged with a faux Decca label. The other notable difference is that the earlier version carried a 12-page booklet which comprised a 6-page appreciation by Jim Godbolt, a 2-page tracklist, and a 2-page chronological discography. All we get now is the tracklist, plus a very brief note which Amazon has reproduced in full. I appreciate that Avid has kept down production costs, but surely it's not asking too much to expect more information, perhaps using a three or even four-fold liner note,thus reflecting the status of this reissue.



Leaving aside his 1923 foray into the Columbia studio, Ambrose began his recording career proper in 1927, and carried on recording throughout the war and beyond, although his ranks were depleted by conscription. I've no argument with the fact that this collection does not go beyond 1939, but it could with advantage have commenced earlier than 1933. Nevertheless, what is here is impressive, and includes many of the numbers which rightly made him famous on both sides of the Atlantic.



NOTE: I don't understand why Amazon is showing this as discontinued by the manufacturer, because it has only just been released.

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