In 1952 Fred Astaire joined Oscar Peterson and some of Verve's best sidemen to lay down 38 jazzy, laid-back versions of songs he had made famous in his Broadway and film career. (Seventeen were compiled as Steppin' Out: As... more »taire Sings.) While Astaire was not blessed with great vocal chops, the best American songwriters including George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter loved him for his unerring sense of rhythm and sympathetic treatment of lyrics, qualities that are well displayed here. Tony Bennett hit the pop mainstream with his 1994 album of jazzy Astaire standards. Here's the original. --David Horiuchi« less
In 1952 Fred Astaire joined Oscar Peterson and some of Verve's best sidemen to lay down 38 jazzy, laid-back versions of songs he had made famous in his Broadway and film career. (Seventeen were compiled as Steppin' Out: Astaire Sings.) While Astaire was not blessed with great vocal chops, the best American songwriters including George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter loved him for his unerring sense of rhythm and sympathetic treatment of lyrics, qualities that are well displayed here. Tony Bennett hit the pop mainstream with his 1994 album of jazzy Astaire standards. Here's the original. --David Horiuchi
James R. Mccall | Libertyville, IL USA | 02/14/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fred Astaire distills a lifetime of perfect timing in this album. It is the result of a labor of love, produced by Norman Granz, who persuaded Astaire to work in an intimate setting to put together swinging (and well-recorded) versions of many of the songs he introduced on stage and in films. His tone won't blow you away -- his voice is as thin as the plots of many of his movies -- but his respect for the lyric, impeccable phrasing, and consummate feel for the way a song should go make him the equal of anyone in interpreting these classic numbers.This was a chance for Astaire to work with a small group of excellent jazz musicians, including Oscar Peterson, to make an album that is fun, musical, and intimate. And it's not just for aging fans of Fred. My 10-year-old daughter plays it, too."
"A Fine Romance"
M. P. Malkerson | GRANADA HILLS, CA USA | 06/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of all my albums, this is the one to which, sooner or later, I always return. It's one of those instances where the whole is greater than the parts. Mr Astaire's phrasing and intonation are their usual perfection, but everybody making music here both solos and harmonizes in a way that must be heard to be appreciated. The backup is cool jazz with Oscar Peterson and other period greats. Astaire does all his standards, talks a little, dances a little and there's a charming brochure. It was a big deal when it was released around 1953, and listening to it today, the collaboration is still a marriage made in Heaven."
A classic jazz-vocal set by Astaire...
a | 05/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fred Astaire has always admired jazz musicians, and improvisation. Here he gets a chance to sing(or should I say swing) with the likes of Charlie Shavers, Oscar Peterson and many other members of the JATP. Astaire has never sounded better, he sounds truly thrilled to be working with such talented jazz players. He gives all of the musicians plenty of solo time and even gives them a chance to do a jam session(without him singiing). This session is truly a gem. If you like Fred Astaire or jazz this cd you will surely enjoy. An essential addition to any serious jazz collectors music library. ESSENTIAL MUSIC. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
The stars were aligned perfectly
Eric J. Anderson | Ankeny, Iowa | 07/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fred Astaire was at his peak. You could not ask for better musicians supporting him. The songs were classic. Astaire delivers these songs in an intimate setting with a small jazz band -- such as you'd hear at a small jazz club. All the musicians, including Astaire, sound like they were having the time of their lives -- each playing off the others' artistry. This recording captures a moment in time when events coalesced to make the conditions for a perfect recording. "Heaven, I'm in heaven..." That pretty much says it all. This set is a classic for the ages."
Incomparable interpretations
pspa | Boston, MA USA | 02/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In an album that could well be called the Great American Songbook as it contains so many of the finest songs ever written by Berlin, Porter, Gershwin and others, Fred Astaire proves that it phrasing and timing, and not voice, that make a great singer. This is a truly remarkable CD in all aspects. The sound quality, considering it was recorded in 1952, is superb. Astaire is in incomparable form, with the songs sounding much better than some of his earlier versions (this is the DEFINITIVE version of Puttin on the Ritz, for example). And the sextet supporting Astaire, including the marvelous Oscar Peterson at the keyboard, is as fine as any. Not to be missed for anyone who loves this genre."