Congratulations to Concord Records for bringing out this excellent 2CD collection featuring the jazz vocals of Rosemary Clooney. This set captures Clooney at her finest. Both recordings were originally from the decade of the 1970s: Rosie Sings Bing (1978) and Tribute to Billie Holiday (1979).
The music has topnotch performances, and if you like Rosemary Clooney vocals, this is a set you will want to own for yourself, give to a friend, and have your local librarian order for the Public Library. Each CD contains ten memorable songs.
Disc 1 features "But Beautiful," "Pennies From Heaven," "Blue Skies," "I Surrender, Dear," "Where The Blue Of The Night," "It's Easy To Remember," "Swinging On A Star," "Just One More Chance," "I Wished On The Moon," and "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral." Disc 2 features "I Cover The Waterfront," "Good Morning, Heartache," "Mean To Me," "Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?)," "Don't Explain," "Comes Love," "He's Funny That Way," "God Bless The Child," "Them There Eyes," and "Everything Happens To Me."
Nat Pierce is in top form at the piano, his stylings brilliant and sensitive. Scott Hamilton on tenor saxophone and Monty Bugwig on bass soar with beautiful solo work. Cal Collins on guitar and Warren Vache on cornet along with Jake Hanna on drums shine with their intricate performances.
Rosemary Clooney is the highlight of this fine collection. She is perfectly at ease with the material and gives some of the finest performances of her career as a jazz singer.
Among the numerous songs that are sure to catch the audience with delight and pleasure are "He's Funny That Way," "God Bless The Child," "Blue Skies," It's Easy To Remember," and "Just One More Chance."
This 2CD set is a winner in all areas, and truly a tribute to the great talent of Rosemary Clooney. Highly recommended.