Year: Reissued in 2002 - Originally Released in 1955
Record Label: Arbors Jazz
Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic
Musicians: George Wein (vocals, piano) on all tracks;Band 1 (1955) Ruby Braff (trumpet); Sammy Margolis (tenor sax); Stan Wheeler (bass); Marquis Foster (drums). Band 2 (1955) Bobby Hackett (trumpet); Bill Pemberton (bass); Jo Jones (drums. Band 3 (1992) Warren Vache,Jr. (trumpet); Howard Alden (guitar); Eddie Jones (bass); Oliver Jackson (drums).
Review: While this is George Wein’s first appearance on Arbors Jazz, his reputation as a producer, promoter, pianist and festival pioneer is well known. This release is, in part, a re-issue. Twelve tracks reappear courtesy of Atlantic Records who first issued Wein, Women & Song in 1955. The remaining ten songs were recorded in 1992 and appear here for the first time.
In my opinion, this is the finest re-issue album of 2002 in the classic jazz genre. Certainly George Wein is not about to unseat Tony Bennett as a vocalist. Let it be said that Wein sings with feeling his interpretation of American standards would delight the composers and lyricists. As a record producer and club owner, the pianist developed a sixth sense when choosing great tunes. It’s impossible to mention all the writers on a CD containing 22 songs but among them are Armstrong, Gershwin, Donaldson, Ellington, McHugh, Kahn and Johnny Burke.
The founder of the Newport Jazz Festival obviously had an eye for talent, hence the appearance of trumpet stars Ruby Braff, Bobby Hackett and Warren Vache, Jr. Hackett appeared on the original Atlantic vinyl as Wally Wales. Contractual conflicts in those years often pushed artist into the use of pseudonyms and Bobby Hackett was known as Pete Pesci on another label. No matter the name, it’s impossible to disguise the talent behind the horn.
Musically, George Wein is a fine pianist and his expertise on the instrument is most evident on the 1992 tracks. The CD contains some of the most romantic songs ever written. It’ll make a great Valentine gift!
Tracks: You Oughta Be In Pictures; All Too Soon; Back In Your Own Back Yard; Pennies From Heaven; I'm Through With Love; Big Butter & Egg Man; If We Never Meet Again; Love You Funny Thing; I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself a Letter; Why Try To Change Me Now; You're Lucky To Me; I Married An Angel; When It's Sleepy
Time Down South; I'm Shooting High; I've Got a Pocketful Of Dreams; Once In a While; Please; Did I Remember; Who Cares; Someday You'll Be Sorry; Sweethearts On Parade; Swing That Music.
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