Search - Dorsey Brothers :: Essential Dorsey Brothers 1928-35

THE DORSEYS IN SUPPORT OF POP SINGERS

01/08/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This album focuses on the Dorsey Brothers' early pop recordings, particularly those recordings which featured singers. A few of the singers are decent, but most are rather dated. Among the enjoyable singers are Bing Crosby (one tune) and his brother Bob Crosby (numerous tunes). Bob Crosby actually had a nice voice, and it was very similar to Bing's in the upper registers, if nowhere near as perfect. There are also a couple of tracks which give a tiny glimpse of the exhilarating hot small-group jazz the Dorseys were forging at this time, but in the end this compilation basically gives us ensemble based pop music with the Dorseys in a supporting role.This would be charming music for sipping scotch in some antique bar, but for pure listening pleasure, with the accent on hot jazz and the best instrumentalists of the day, folks should check out "The Fabulous Dorseys" disc on Living Era/ASV."