Search - Rudy Vallée :: Vagabond Lover

Rudy Vallée--one of America's most versatile performers

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 09/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rudy Vallée enjoyed great success as both a singer and an actor during the first half of the twentieth century; this CD gives us a strong 24 (yes, 24) of Rudy's songs with his Connecticut Yankees recorded between 1929 and 1942. The recordings may be monophonic but they sure do prove Vallée was a great entertainer.



The track set begins with "Heigh-Ho, Everybody, Heigh-Ho!" The number begins with a great musical flourish; and when Rudy Vallée comes in he announces that this number is being recorded! He doesn't sing much; but nevertheless he definitely establishes himself as a guy with a mighty voice. "Marie" sports a slightly slower than normal tempo; and Rudy Vallée sings this sweetly as he sways just to the right degree! No wonder he was so popular; he never misses a beat on "Marie." "I'm Just A Vagabond Lover" begins with great use of the horns; and Rudy sings this romantic ballad with great sensitivity and care. Great!



"The Stein Song" boasts a lively tempo with an upbeat, march-like melody. Rudy sings "The Stein Song" with panache; and his voice is truly a musical instrument! The male backup chorus near the end of "The Stein Song" enhances the number even further. "Kitty From Kansas City" has a jazzy flavor to it; and after a little while in comes Rudy! Rudy sings of how his character loves his one true love, Kitty! Rudy handles the tempo changes very, very well. "As Time Goes By" lets Rudy sing a rarely heard opening verse to this very famous love song; Rudy delivers "As Time Goes By" without a superfluous note. Rudy gives an emotional performance of "As Time Goes By" that proves once again his skills as a five star crooner.



"Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries" lets Rudy sing another ballad that people still recall these days. Rudy again sings a rarely heard opening verse to enhance the beauty of "Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries." Awesome! "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?" showcases Rudy half singing/half speaking this classic ballad from the depression era; Rudy performs this to perfection.



"The Whiffenpoof Song" features Carroll Gibbons & His Orchestra & Chorus teaming up with Rudy to perform a lesser known number; the chorus harmonizes wonderfully and Rudy sings every bit as well. The album ends with "Let's Put Out The Lights And Go To Sleep;" this number has quite a sprightly beat to it! The musical arrangement makes great use of the horns and strings; and when Rudy comes in he sings this to perfection! I am very impressed.



The liner notes have a great essay about Rudy Vallée by Cary Ginell; and we get the song credits and recordings as well.



There may never be another quite like Rudy Vallée. He could sing, act and capture the hearts of America while doing all that. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Rudy Vallée; and people who enjoy music from the 1930s and 1940s will appreciate this CD for years to come.



Enjoy!

"