Search - Harry Warren :: Song Is

Excellent album

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 12/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Song Is Harry Warren gives us many of Harry Warren's greatest musical hits. I like this album because it often features artists other than the ones who sang these numbers in the films for which Harry Warren wrote. We get a generous twenty-five tracks on this CD and the diversity of artists makes it a true keeper.



Harry Roy & His Orchestra perform a well done rendition of "Lullaby Of Broadway;" this number is a strong beginning for the album and the musicians never miss a beat! The men who sing the words harmonize to perfection as well. Fletcher Henderson & His Orchestra perform a rousing rendition of one of Harry's earliest major hits entitled "Nagasaki." Moreover, listen for "I Found A Million Dollar Baby" performed with a fine piano accompaniment by Layton & Johnstone. Layton & Johnstone harmonize so sweetly that you'll probably replay this number a few times before you go on to the other tracks. They're THAT good.



One major highlight of the entire album is clearly The Boswell Sisters with The Dorsey Brothers' Orchestra singing an awesome "42nd Street." The Boswell Sisters manage to switch tempos effortlessly as they always could; and a few key changes along the way enhance the beauty of this number. "Young & Healthy" is a cute, peppy little number sung here by Bing Crosby and Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians; the musical arrangement is perfect with solid brass. Bing never sounded better!



The Boswell Sisters and The Dorsey Brothers' Orchestra return to do a splendid "Shuffle Off To Buffalo;" their rendition has a somewhat faster tempo than I've heard before but it works very well. I truly can't remember when The Boswell Sisters were anything less than perfect! The musicians don't play a superfluous note; and "Shuffle Off To Buffalo" has a flair that you will enjoy.



Bing Crosby with Bob Crosby & His Orchestra bat "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby" straight out of the ballpark for a major gland slam homerun! Bing's voice is rich and full of masculine warmth; and the orchestration bolsters Bing's performance. "I, Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi (I Like You Very Much)" by Carmen Miranda is always a fun number; and the album concludes very strong with "You'll Never Know" by Dick Haymes with The Song Spinners on backup vocals.



The artwork impresses me; but one thing that disappoints me is that these numbers apparently were recorded straight from old 78rpm records. Therefore there is a good amount of surface noise on many of not most of these tracks. I wish they had remastered at least some of these hits. Sigh.



Overall, fans of music from the 1930s and 1940s will love this album. In addition, this album is perfect for people who are getting to know just how special Harry Warren's artistry really was and still is. I recommend this album also for people who enjoy the movie musicals that featured these great songs.

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