Search - Jack Leonard, Tommy Dorsey :: This Is It

BIG BAND VOCALIST JACK LEONARD REALLY SHINES ON SIDES WITH T

A. POLLOCK | PLYMOUTH, DEVON United Kingdom | 12/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the outstanding big-band vocalists of the Thirties, Jack Leonard (1915 - 1988) had a smooth vocal style which pre-dated Sinatra and Haymes, although his later solo career failed to blossom in the way his successors did.



This collection concentrates on Jack's recordings with Tommy Dorsey during the period 1935-1939 when its big-band popularity ensured many record hits. Mainly recalled for his big hit MARIE, Jack subsequently followed the trend whereby band members joined in as chorus, giving responses and repeating lines after the singer with suitably adapted arrangements ensuring WHO, YEARNING, SWEET SUE-JUST YOU and HOW AM I TO KNOW also became massive hits.



However, well-performed popular songs of the day like HAVE YOU GOT ANY CASTLES, BABY? I'M IN A DANCING MOOD, IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT and BLUE ORCHIDS are also worth hearing and although some other numbers are less memorable and of their time, they are nevertheless enjoyable rarities.



Big band lovers will be delighted with this collection as will those who follow the careers of band-stand vocalists and with generally excellent sound from UK's Flare label, this twenty-six song anthology is recommended.



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