Perhaps Misunderstood By Some Having grown up with West Coast jazz while living in So-Cal found the album a delight when first released and the present CD album is flawless. For those familiar with the old vinyl albums know they contained jacket notes as a means to acquaint the prospective buyer with some flavor the contents. Al "Jazzbo" Collins was a popular writer of jacket notes especially for swing and jazz albums being highly regarded during that period. Duke Ellington was a chart topper in the 40s and 50s. Became acquainted with Frank Rosolino while he was playing trombone with Howard Rumsey's All Stars at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach CA...a fantastic talent. Lighten up folks and hear some terriffic jazz sung and played by experts. While the more familiar rendition is fine seeing it staged both in Los Angeles and Toronto this album showcases a fine cast uniquely gathered for this project. It is a stand alone album of fine jazz. Owe my introduction to good swing and jazz through the tutoring of an old girlfriend who was the sister of Urbie Green a great jazz trombonist in his day and a fine individual to have known.
This Is A "Keeper" When I discovered that this great Jazz classic had been released on CD, I thought I had died and gone to Heaven! I have the original vinyl, but no turntable, and was certain that I'd never hear it again, so I am a very happy camper. I have seen criticisms of the narration by Al (Jazzbo) Collins which is laid back and understated, which in my opinion is entirely appropriate. Certain critics have questioned the selection of Mel Torme and Francis Faye as Porgy & Bess, but I think they just don't get it. (This is JAZZ opera). They were both wonderful. Especially Frances Faye whose passionate rendition of "I Loves You Porgy" almost makes one forget her raunchy night club act. Add to Torme & Faye the beautiful vocals of Sally Blair and Betty Roche and an unbelievable assortment of jazz musicians (some of the greatest of the day), and you have an experience to remember. Every time I listen to it, I discover something new. For those that complain about the quality of the remastering, just let me say, I agree that it is not the finest, but since the alternative is not hearing those great vocals and instrumentals, I'll take it. It is still a lot better than the scratchy old vinyl.
Jazz alternative to operatic venue I was pleasantly surprised by this jazz rendition of the classic opera. The collection fully utilizes the Gershwin synchopation with a snazzy twist.
Caveat Emptor Let's begin by saying there is much to like on this recording. Let's also say that the recording is very, very eclectic. I am a big fan of Torme, a fact which would help anyone who listens or buys this disc. But Torme is the epitome of the White Jazz Singer and this is a musical which should (no racism here) be sung by black artists (with the possible exception of Joe Henderson's largely instrumental Porgy & Bess featuring Sting--yes, Sting--and Chakka Khan.) The narrator on this recording is a big annoyance. It almost comes across as a period piece--but for all these "cautions" I find it an engaging & beautiful recording. Unlike some of the reviewers, I found the quality of the disc just fine & "Bess's" vocals quite lovely. But give it a listen before you purchase it.
Bad choice, bad value I like Mel, and some (not all) of the vocalists interpretations on this CD, and the arrangements are very good. Based on this, I would say that it is worth owning this as perhaps a part of a collection of Porgy & Bess recordings, although certainly not the first or only... However, the narration is so pervasive and so silly, I would say just forget it. I am not sure, but I think this narator is the same guy who used to narate high school education/public service films in the 50's(e.g. "What should Marry do on her first date" or the duck and cover films).
This CD isn't worth more than 5 bucks as a novelty item.
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