Les Paul & Mary Ford - Greatest Hits [Pair]

Les Paul & Mary Ford - Greatest Hits [Pair]

ASIN: B000003C8R

Track Listings

1. How High the Moon

2. Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You)

3. I'm Sitting on Top of the World

4. Tennessee Waltz

5. Twelfth Street Rag

6. I'm a Fool to Care

7. Bye Bye Blues

8. I Really Don't Want to Know

9. Lady of Spain

10. Sweet and Lovely

11. World Is Waiting for the Sunrise

12. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)

13. Mockin' Bird Hill

14. It's a Lonesome Old Town

15. Whispering

16. Smoke Rings

17. I Can't Give You Anything But Love

18. Walkin' and Whistlin' Blues

19. How Deep Is the Ocean?

20. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

Tracks:

Parlez-moi d'amour
Ouvre ton coeur
Oh, quand je dors
Waltz From Mireille
Si tu le veux
Les filles de le Cadiz
Les chemins de l'amour
Plaisir d'amour
Villanelle
Goyescas: Interludio
Goyescas: La maja y el ruisenior
Estrellita
La morena de mi copla

Customer Reviews:

Point of Information.......2007-07-06

Folks, please read the recording data! This album does not present merely the "older Sills" of 1975. Tracks 10 to 13 were recorded in February 1961, when Sills was about three months shy of 32 years old. To hear her any younger on disc, you have to go to her splendid recording of *The Ballad of Baby Doe*, released in 1959. (If anyone knows of still earlier recordings, please holler!) So these 1961 tracks alone make the album priceless, especially since it offers vastly better sound than the slightly boomy acoustic of *Baby Doe*.

For me, the initial main attraction here was the Granados, and it was a hallelujah moment when I spotted this CD in the bins almost 10 years ago. While this disc represents the commercial first release of the *Goyescas* selections, they received limited issue around December 1963 on a holiday-bonus LP ("The Sound of Genius 1963") from the Columbia Record Club.

That LP was my introduction to Sills, and it made me fall in love with her voice. It was always a special treat to play her vocal track for those who had no idea it existed and watch their astonishment as Beverly's voice floated through sonic space like the very nightingale she sings about. It is simply some of the loveliest, most haunting singing I've ever heard. To get two additional tracks from the same recordings sessions -- especially "Estrellita" -- was an unexpected blessing.

So get this CD for the last three tracks, if nothing else (track 10 is purely orchestral). They capture Sills at a magical moment. Even if you like nothing else on the disc (and I think you'll like much more), you can claim these three special treasures for a mere pittance. How much more precious are they, now that she has gone on to sing, we pray, in other realms.

Estrellita.......2006-12-07

The incomparable Beverly Sills beautifuly sings here a true bouquet of songs in French and Spanish. A pleasure to the ear.

Estrellita is not a Spanish song as claimed by some commentators, but a Mexican one, whose author is the late Manuel M. Ponce.

Ugly.......2004-05-20

Sills screeching a mezzo-role? She already ruined belcanto with her puny, fake screeching!

Carmen.......2004-04-26

She DID sing Michaela. And it's said that she also did Carmen. But if she did, she was completely miscast. She also did Aida, live-recording of her Aida is...interesting. Anyway, Sills rules in the French rep, esp. as Manon.

Excellent disc.......2004-03-21

This is a fantastic disc and shows Beverly Sills at her interpretive best with zesty, go-for-broke vocalism that is truly wonderful to hear.

Sills DID sing Carmen. She sang it on tour in the 1950s.

Les Miserables Original London Cast
Average customer rating:

Absolutely Amazing

Superior to the Broadway Cast -- sort of.

One of the greatest versions of Les Mis

THIS IS THE SECOND BEST!

Great for what they had to work with

Les Miserables Original London Cast
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Red Ink
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Les Miserables Complete Symphonic Recording

ASIN: B0002E5L5S
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

Prologue: Work Song
Prologue: Valijean Arrested/Valijean Forgiven
Prologue: What Have I Done?
At The End Of The Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Lovely Ladies
Who Am I?
Fantine's Death: Come To Me
Fantine's Death: Confrontation
Castle On A Cloud
Master Of The House
Thenardier Waltz
Stars
Look Down
Little People
Red & Black
Do You Hear The People Sing?

Tracks:

Love Montage: I Saw Him Once/In My Life/A Heart Full Of Love
Plumet Attack
One Day More!
On My Own
The Attack
A Little Fall Of Rain
Drink With Me
Bring Him Home
Dog Eat Dog
Soliloquy
Turning
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
Beggar At The Feast
Finale

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Amazing.......2007-04-12

This great soundtrack does well to one of the best musicals of all time. The recording is clean and vibrant and the original London cast shines. Any fan of Les Mis will do well to own this and anyone who wants a touch of class should get it too. It offers up love songs, songs of rebellion, drama, comedy, and runs the gamut of emotions. A fantastic piece. If I had one small problem it is that track 1 (Work Song) cuts out about 1/2 second early, though I believe this is do to the transitioning and closeness of recording of tracks 1 and 2. It's a small grievance that most probably will not notice.

Superior to the Broadway Cast -- sort of........2006-09-07

I'd owned the Original Broadway Cast of Les Miserables for over a year before I bought the London Cast. What finally convinced me to buy the London Cast was the casting -- many of Broadway and the West End's top stars are on this recording (though this musical is what most of them owe their success to).

We can look back in hindsight to the early 80's and see the spectacular cast: Patti LuPone (Eva in Evita, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd), Colm Wilkinson (Phantom in Phantom of the Opera), Michael Ball (Count Fosco in Woman in White, Alex in Aspects of Love), and Rebecca Caine (Christine in Phantom of the Opera) all stand out. There is nothing like hearing Caine's lush, effortless, crystalline soprano on the song only found on the London recording, "I Saw Him Once." For no other reason than for that additional song, this recording is worth purcashing, even if you already own the Broadway Cast. Not that all of the cast is superior to the Broadway version -- the definitive performances of some of the supporting roles (Enroljas, the Thenardiers, and I also prefer Terrence Mann's Javert) come from that recording. The main supporting roles, however, truly outshine their alternate cast on this one (although Judy Kuhn as Cosette is fantastic!).

The orchestrations are definitely inferior to the Broadway version, however. Many are taken at a slower tempo and played with less gusto. This is particularly evident in "Red and Black," if my memory serves me correctly. Some of the lyrics are sung in an odd way by the man playing Enroljas, as if he's overdramatizing, but that's only one track of thirty-odd tracks. Another minor irritation: Cosette's songs are cut short and placed into a five minute "love montage" which can be found in their full versions on the Broadway cast with the also-great Judy Kuhn.

This is the show that skyrocketed some of these performers to stardom -- Ball, Caine, Wilkinson -- and cemented others' places: LuPone, for example. It's a superb cast recording of one of the greatest musicals in history.

Buy it.

One of the greatest versions of Les Mis.......2006-03-05

I love this version of Les Mis. I am a real fan. I have played it dozens of times. The energy and the music are just wonderful. You'll love it. Performances are terrific. Musical clarity is excellent.

THIS IS THE SECOND BEST!.......2005-10-21

I have reviewd the symponic and 10th anniversary.So.............THIS CD IS THE SECOND BEST ! THE 1rst BEST IS THE 10th ANNIVERSARY! ALUN ARMSTRONG IS THE BEST THENAIRDIER ACTOR EVER!
BUY THIS AND THE 10th ANNIVERSARY!

Great for what they had to work with.......2005-09-10

After the anniversary edition, the begins to pale, but I love it nonetheless. Everyone should listen to it, and preferable listen to it first, before all the other versions. Learn to love the original, and go from there.

The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition

Average customer rating:

nedenny
Must have

The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition
Les Paul & Mary Ford
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009IW9CU
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Dialog & In The Mood - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Lover - Les Paul
Nola - Les Paul
Tennessee Waltz - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Mockin' Bird Hill - Les Paul & Mary Ford
How High the Moon - Les Paul & Mary Ford
The World Is Waiting For the Sunrise - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Whispering - Les Paul
Just One More Chance - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Tiger Rag - Les Paul & Mary Ford
In The Good Old Summertime - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Meet Mister Callaghan - Les Paul
Lady of Spain - Les Paul
My Baby's Comin' Home - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Bye Bye Blues - Les Paul & Mary Ford
I'm Sitting on Top of the World - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You) - Les Paul & Mary Ford
I Really Don't Want To Know - Les Paul & Mary Ford
I'm A Fool To Care - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Whither Thou Goest - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Hummingbird - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Brazil - Les Paul
Case of the Missing Les Paulverizer (Medley from Radio Show): Avalon/Hawaiian War Chant/Where or When/I'll See You in My Dreams - Les Paul & Mary Ford

Customer Reviews:

nedenny.......2006-07-04

This must be one of the best CD's available letting new comers to LP&MF hear some of their best tracks from the 50's and they have not dated since then. Unfortunately CAPITAL in their wisdom have omitted others which should have been included. I can name but a few:- La Rossita - Mac the Knife - Three little words - Magic Melody - Hold me in your arms - Old Mexico - What is this thing called love - Walking & Whistling Blues - I'm Jealous - By the light of the Silvery Moon - Chicken Reel. and I'm sure there's more. So it looks like we'll have to wait till Les reaches his 100th Birthday before we see a Box Set.
I am tempted to wait - that's if I can manage to live as long as Les. He's doing great, and I hope he will still be playing when he reaches 100! Well done mate!

Must have.......2005-11-02

The recordings sound very modern. You can't tell this wasn't recorded yesterday; just listen to the samples. Les Paul had an inimitable guitar style. The man was the master, and teamed with the easy, lilting style of Mary Ford AKA (Iris) Colleen Summers (who started out in Western music), how could they not score? This music, while a product of its era, is timeless. This is perfection. This is the stuff dreams are made of. I usually review Classical music, but what can be more classic than this?

I only regret that a box set is not available, since I love everything that Les Paul and Mary Ford ever waxed. A particular favorite of mine that is missing is the Hawaiian love song, "The Moon of Manakoora". It is every bit as beautiful as the version recorded by Alfred Ahola Apaka, the crooning voice of Hawaii, and is recorded better. There are other notable omissions that I won't tire you with here, but this is the best set available until a box set is released. Absolutely wonderful music making. Curl up to the fire and warm with it; You'll love how it gets you in the mood.

Sentimento: Andrea Bocelli with Lorin Maazel and the London Symphony Orchestra [Limited Edition w/ Bonus Track]

Average customer rating:

Fine idea, weak execution
He's magnificent
Romantic sounds!
Simply beautiful!
Average Bocelli at best

Sentimento: Andrea Bocelli with Lorin Maazel and the London Symphony Orchestra [Limited Edition w/ Bonus Track]
Jacques Offenbach , Francesco Paolo Tosti , Gioachino Rossini , Johann Paul Aegidius Martini , Stanislao Gastaldon , Luigi Denza , Stefano Donaudy , and Lorin Maazel
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Romanza
Andrea Bocelli - Amore
Andrea
Cieli di Toscana
Sogno

ASIN: B00006IX20
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor (Rodrigo)
Mattinata (Leoncavallo)
Barcarolle (Offenbach)
L'Alba Separa Della Luce I'ombra (Tosti)
Sogno d'Amore (Liszt)
La Serenata (Tosti)
L'Ultima Canzone (Tosti)
Malia (Tosti)
La Danza (Rossini)
Ideale (Tosti)
Sogno (Tosti)
Plaisir d'Amour (Martini)
Musica Proibita (S. Gastaldon)
Occhi Di Fata (Denza)
A Vuchella (Tosti)
Vorrei Morire (Tosti)
Vaghissima Sembianza (S. Donaudy)

Amazon.com

The international crossover success of tenor Andrea Bocelli has spawned any number of imitators on both sides of the Atlantic. But this collection of romantic arias and duets with violinist-conductor Lorin Maazel (who also arranges and helms the London Symphony Orchestra here) proves once again that the classical canon still offers ample room for compelling reinvention without nettlesome pop affectations. In reviving a genre (violin and vocal) largely dormant since the days of Caruso, Bocelli has taken some rewarding liberties with Rodrigo's "En Aranjuez can ta amor" and forged Liszt's familiar Liebestraume No. 3 into "Sogno D'Amore" with new, self-penned lyrics. Maazel's warm, evocative violin obligatos and sensitive, sympathetic arrangements infuse this tenor's showcase not only with unabashed romance, but as their lively romp through Tosti's "Malia" demonstrates, a sense of joyous fun. An album for romantics of all ages and persuasions--and one that gratifyingly demonstrates that crossing over is hardly the same as selling out. Enhanced CD includes a mini-documentary with comments by Bocelli and Maazel, as well as links to a more comprehensive interview with the tenor. --Jerry McCulley

Album Details

A Sensational Album featuring Truly Beautiful Songs and Arias that Evoke Feelings of Passion and Romance. The UK Special Edition of the Album Includes the Bonus Track "Non T'amo Pui" by Tosti.

Customer Reviews:

Fine idea, weak execution.......2007-04-26

Lorin Maazel, in the self-indulgent pat on the back that passes for linear notes, manages to make one good point: the tenor-violin duet was once a fine tradition worthy of exploring afresh. As an effort to revive this dusty tradition, this disc is not successful.

Maazel seems to enjoy the feel of the violin under his chin, and generally produces elegant sounds. The orchestration, which he tells us in his notes evolved amidst a hectic schedule of conducting and rehearsing Don Carlo and Don Giovanni, is basic and generally inoffensive. Good thing he tells the listener of his busy schedule, or one would have to be harsher with his sometimes dreary musical arrangements.

Andrea Bocelli is something of a controversial figure in some circles. I am a picky listener, and suffer from the maniacal ailments that afflict the opera buff. Still, I have always enjoyed Bocelli's popular recordings. I like pleasant tunes sung by a full, clear tenor voice. Having said this, I find his operatic recordings lamentable.

Though not opera per se, Bocelli sounds over-taxed by the repertory at hand (mostly lovely 19th century songs). Each track is unworthy of comparison with past performances by operatic greats-- Pavarotti, Carreras, Gigli, Di Stefano, and Schipa come to mind. Bocelli's voice is strained, and he offers nothing resembling the grace required by these three-minute masterpieces.

Those who are in love with Bocelli's voice will no doubt enjoy this recording. Still, I strongly urge exploring this repertory as it is presented by far more capable performers, and far better endowed voices.

He's magnificent.......2007-03-12

I thoroughly enjoyed this CD, especially some favorites that I haven't heard in years. I wholeheartedly recommend.

Romantic sounds!.......2007-01-12

Adrea's voice continues to enthrall me! Even if you don't understand Italian, you will enjoy this album. Highly recommended.

Simply beautiful!.......2006-07-09

I wont repeat what others with positive reviews already said. Just know that none of Bocelli's CD's have ever disappointed me, and if you are looking for as fine a piece of work as possible (thus far), THIS and "Romanza" are it.

Average Bocelli at best.......2005-01-20

I bought this Bocelli album because I truly wanted to hear him perform "Plaisir D'Amour," one of my all time favorites. While I do love Bocelli I wasn't completely impressed with the entire CD. This is not the best I've heard from Andrea and his voice is not great throughout the CD. I do enjoy it though. He's one of the few artists I can listen to these days without getting a headache.

Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time

Average customer rating:

love songs easy to listen too
This is an oldie but a goodie!
Great for boring candlelight dinner or quick ride in an elevator.
Beautiful music
A Valentine's Day Gift for all time

Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time
Ken Hirsch , Jule Styne , John & Paul McCartney Lennon , Consuelo Velazquez , John Denver , Andrew Lloyd Webber , Richard Rodgers , Henry Mancini , Johnny Mercer , Armando Manzanero , and Maureen McGovern
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000026H6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

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Siboney
A Love Until The End Of Time
Noche Azul
La Comparsa
Save Your Nights For Me
Time After Time
Malaguena
Yesterday
Besame Mucho
My Life For A Song
Annie's Song
Siempre en me Corazon
Love Came For Me (Love Theme From Splash)
I Don't Talk To Strangers
Blue Moon - Moon River
Autumn Leaves
Adoro

Customer Reviews:

love songs easy to listen too.......2007-05-07

I love a classical voice singing this type of mustic, or sacred (from the operas (in English), or, out of print sacred. Wish I could find a source for some of my old tapes (some recorded from 78s) of artists like Jerome Hines (Holy City, 1962-3, 78 record I transferred to tape), Russel Davis (1970 or early 8os record I coped, of tape my Dad had copied), William Harness, Kathleen Battle, etc. etc. I enjoy a wide range of music, but had operatic training, so understand the requirements for superior vocal skill. John Denver had much of the quality. Music for me is part of the fabric of life.

This is an oldie but a goodie!.......2006-11-09

One of his first albums of "popular" songs and one of the best of the songs we have loved for years with a fresh, new Domingo treatment. Just as his album with John Denver was a something new for him, these songs are out of the opera world. You'll never hear any of them performed by anyone up to the "gold standard" of Domingo. That being said, I love this album, but - the accent gets in the way on the English songs. You have to be able to accept the accented English and just listen to the gorgeous voice singing some very romantic songs. I highly recommend!

Great for boring candlelight dinner or quick ride in an elevator........2006-10-31

As much as I enjoy listening to Placido Domingo's popular recordings this is not one of his best performances. Missing the full-blooded belting that can be heard on his other albums ("Be My Love" for example). The orchestration is very mediocre and uninspired.
For a romantic mood, "Perhaps Love" (simply fabulous) is much better choice.

Beautiful music.......2006-02-23

I have been looking for this title for a long time...in all the wrong places.

A Valentine's Day Gift for all time.......2005-02-02

If you truly want to touch someone's heart, give this as a Valentine's gift. I received the CD last year and I love every minute. It makes a loving gift of one of the greats. With such a long career you would think that Placido would disappoint. So far it hasn't happened. This year my honey and I will see him in concert! Another Valentine's day wish come true.

Average customer rating:

Beatles Baroque

Manufacturer: Atma Classique
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000056UP1
Release Date: 2001-02-13

Tracks:

Eleanor Rigby
Norwegian Wood
Piggies
Martha My Dear
Yesterday
The Fool On The Hill
Lady Madonna
Because
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Dear Prudence
Good Day Sunshine
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Les Paul & Mary Ford - All-Time Greatest Hits

Average customer rating:

Greatest Hits? YESSSSSSSSSSSS
great album
Some Glaring Omissions!
Refreshing!
What a great sound

Les Paul & Mary Ford - All-Time Greatest Hits
Les Paul & Mary Ford
Manufacturer: EMI Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

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Very Best Of Les Paul & Mary Ford
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ASIN: B000002TF2
Release Date: 1995-11-01

Tracks:

The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
Tennessee Waltz
Mockin' Bird Hill
I'm A Fool To Care
Bye Bye Blues
Vaya Con Dios
Meet Mr. Callaghan
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Smoke Rings
My Baby's Coming Home
In The Good Old Summertime
Whither Thou Goest

Customer Reviews:

Greatest Hits? YESSSSSSSSSSSS.......2007-04-16

Perhaps at the time, these were considered their greatest hits. I've had my LP and CD for a very long time. I can't even remember. I love it. She was like an angel singing with herself. They seemed to adore one another on the TV show. She - so beautiful - and he - just beaming at her.
Maybe it's time to do another greatest hits and call it "More Greatest Hits". Other singers do it. And maybe all of us didn't agree with their first "greatest hit". Hey, you guys out there who do these kinds of things, what's taken so long?

great album.......2007-02-09

Every fan of Guitar music will appreciate this Album.
Les Paul is not only a great Guitarist he is an inventor of modern recording technology.
Dual track recording and his use of up to eight tracks made him an music industry icon.
Mary Ford's strong clear voice makes this duo complete.
A great Album!

Some Glaring Omissions!.......2005-08-06

I'm a huge fan of Les Paul and after reviewing the track list on this CD, I don't see how anyone in their right mind could call it an "all time greatest hits" collection.

While tracks such as "Mockin' Bird Hill", "The World is Waiting for the Sunrise", and "Vaya Con Dios" among the duo's best loved and best known songs, I find the omission of "How High the Moon", one the their biggest hits, to be unforgiveable. Equally astonishing is why "Dry My Tears", the theme song of Les & Mary's 50s radio show, and "Cryin'", arguably the best song Mary Ford has ever sung, were excluded. I would much rather have had those tracks included in the disc than the cover version of Patti Page's "Tennessee Waltz", and the ersatz "Meet Mr. Callaghan". It's also hard to understand why the only Les Paul solo instrumental track on this disc is "Bye Bye Blues". "Lover", the song that propelled Les into the spotlight, and "Nola", a song that enjoyed worldwide popularity, were inexplicably left out.

While this is a decent collection of the work of Les Paul and Mary Ford, it is definitely NOT their all time greatest hits. The record label ought to be sued for false advertising.

Refreshing!.......2004-12-31

I've just discovered this pair, and I'm so sorry I haven't heard them until now. Being a jazz vocalist, I'm always looking for challenging material. I have a few CDs in this genre, but the styling, and caliber of the musicians puts my other CDs to shame. I suspect k.d. lang has borrowed styling from the likes of Mary Ford, as their voices seem to lilt in the same fashion. Les Paul's ability makes me wonder if there are more than two or three guitars playing simultaneously. Many of these cuts are very subtle in their exhibition of complicated material. For those so inclined to listen, it's an auditory adventure.

What a great sound.......1999-08-25

I am so happy that Les Paul and Mary Ford records are available. I love this one.

Average customer rating:

Excellent
One of My favorites
Really takes me back!
For those who admire jazz
NOT disapointing...

Very Best Of Les Paul & Mary Ford
Les Paul & Mary Ford
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Les Paul & Mary Ford - All-Time Greatest Hits
The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition
Guitar Wizard
The Jazz Collector Edition: Les Paul Trio
Vaya Con Dios

ASIN: B0000087K3
Release Date: 1998-02-20

Tracks:

Brazil
Hip-Billy Boogie
Caravan
Sleep
Lady of Spain
Lover
Man on the Flying Trapeze
By the Light of the Silvery Moon
What Is This Thing Called Love?
Nola
South
Whispering
Tiger Rag
Running Wild
World Is Waiting for the Sunrise
Meet Mister Callaghan
Little Rock Getaway
Deep in the Blues
St. Louis Blues
Walkin' and Whistlin' Blues
I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles
Jazz Me Blues
Mockin' Bird Hill
Carioca
Goofus
Josephine
Bey Bye Blues
Vaya Con Dios (May God Be with You)
Jealous
How High the Moon

Album Description

1997 EMI reissue of 1990 Capitol compilation featuring 30 ofthe greatest tracks by American guitar hero & his singing partner, including 'Brazil', 'Hip Billy Boogie', 'Jealous', and 'How High The Moon'.

Album Details

Collection of songs by the then-husband & wife duo of guitar great Les Paul & country western singer Mary Ford. Features their biggest hits 'How High the Moon', 'Tiger Rag', 'Lover' & many, many others.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-03-25

I just received this in the mail; had ordered it
specifically for the tracks "Josephine" and "Little
Rock Getaway" which, among other titles, were in my
late dad's record collection. "Walkin' and Whistlin'
Blues" I had heard on an album about 20 years ago.
Talk about memories.

What's interesting about this collection, as other
reviewers have noted, is that it contains mostly
Les Paul instrumentals--not quite so much Mary Ford
(curiously, "Jealous" has been included, which was
not one of their hits, but was on the flip-side of
one of their better-known tracks--possibly "How High
The Moon", but I'm not sure). For those of you who
want more of Mary's vocals, I recommened that you bypass
this CD and get "The best of the Capitol masters--90th
birthday edition"(I have a previously-releaesd version
of this CD, which only contains the tracks from "Lover"
to "Hummingbird", plus some of the funniest liner notes
from Les himself that I've ever read! I don't know if
the liner notes were retained). I believe another reviewer
wrote about the sound quality. Personally, I believe
"Josephine" sounds EXACTLY as it did on my dad's 45.
Preserving artistic integrity is usually the goal when
reissuing analog-recorded music, and EMI/Capitol has
done a fabulous job here in my opinion. It's also noteworthy
that, with the exception of "The Kangaroo" and "Mandolino",
this CD contains all of Les's HIT instrumentals, plus other
good tunes, like his take on Duke Ellington's "Caravan", an
interesting version of "The Man On The Flying Trapeze", etc.
Many of his instrumentals were on flip-sides of the vocal
records with Mary. And how Les could play that guitar, not
to mention the overdubbing which STILL sounds state-of-the-
art to me! Thank you, Amazon.

One of My favorites.......2007-02-09

This is the Album for Les Paul And Mary Ford Fans.
Brilliant guitar solos and amazing harmony vocals.
Thirty songs each unique to the Les Paul and Mary Ford style.
One of my favorite albums.

Really takes me back!.......2005-10-07

I loved their music as a kid and I still love it. True that a little more singing from Mary would be good, but almost all the best is there now. Considering how many songs they both did, you can't expect to have it all on one CD. And yes, Waiting For The Sunrise and How High The Moon are their 2 all-time greatest and still beautiful to listen to. The jazz guitar is amazing. Les WAS a jazz guitarist, so if you don't like listening to superb guitar work, then I guess you wouldn't like this recording. For those of us who "remember when", it's THEM, and no doubt of it.

For those who admire jazz.......2005-04-01

I bought this CD mainly because I have enjoyed another collection CD, "16 Most Requested Songs (1958-1961)". But this collection left me a bit rather frustrated. True, there are 30 fantastic tracks on this CD covering the "golden" era of Les Paul and Mary Ford (1949-1955). Yet it means the quality of the remastered tracks is unsteady and stylistically it appeals to jazz listeners, rather than pop. But mostly I was disappointed because of these 30 tracks only 9 contain Mary's vocal. Also there's no information given on the tracks or anything.

If you admire the jazz side of Les Paul, then you would enjoy it very much. But I'm going to look for something more pop-orientated and with more vocal contribution from Mary, maybe more of their Columbia period (1957-1963).

NOT disapointing..........2004-03-14

If you are a looser, maybe you'd find thsi dissapointing. If you are smart and swingin' you will ove this 30 song compilation of ORIGINAL recordings!!! This is swingin' hillbilly jazz!!! If you like rockabilly you should be able to appreciate this.

Average customer rating:

RIpping it up with Les
Where's Les?
Deserves at least 4 stars
where's Jimmy?
One esxpects to hear Les Paul

American Made World Played
Les Paul & Friends
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Back Home
80
The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition
A Bigger Bang
Possibilities

ASIN: B000A9QKMI
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

Intro
Love Sneakin' Up On You - Sting & Joss Stone
Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo - Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Edgar Winter
Somebody Ease My Troublin' Mind - Eric Clapton & Sam Cooke
So Into You - Peter Frampton
How High The Moon - Les Paul & Alsou
Bad Case Of Lovin' You - Billy Gibbons (of ZZ Top)
I Wanna Know You - Neal Schon & Beth Hart
Good News - Jeff Beck & Sam Cooke
Let Me Roll It - Richie Sambora
Caravan - Les Paul
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl - Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Rick Derringer
All I Want Is You - Johnny Rzeznik (of Goo Goo Dolls)
69 Freedom Special - Les Paul & Friends All Star Jam
Fly Like An Eagle (2005) - Steve Miller
I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know - Joe Perry & Mick Hucknall (of Simply Red)

Amazon.com

The range of artists stepping up to pay tribute to the master electric guitarist as he turns ninety is staggering. From '50s and '60s guitar slingers like Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Steve Miller to stars of subsequent decades like Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Richie Sambora, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, they cross continents and generations. The songs celebrate the Les Paul guitar as well as the man. While he appears throughout, he's part of a generally raucous setting that leaves no volume knob unturned. The guests are often also the vocalists, but it's the guitars that carry the day. Purists may wag their fingers at the use of Sam Cooke's vocals in a contemporary recording, but Les Paul himself was never afraid of what new possibilities a tape recorder could unlock. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

RIpping it up with Les.......2007-06-14

Wow. Les at 90 going after it with Jeff, my favorite guitarist ever? I think "Ain't that Good News" is the best song on the album, but not simply because of Jeff, though I am biased. They do some cool scuttle-buttin' together. Most other tracks, though average to good, are crammed with too many and too much guitar work, making most cuts plain noise-makers. There are some good cuts, but as others have said, who chose these songs? Some aren't even Les-type songs, and the players have no real connection to Les. I agree with others who have voted for Dickey Betts, Jimmy Page and other true Les Pauler's. But, we have what we have and that' all that we have. I would recommend it to other guitarists/blues/rock affecinado's, but think the Les and Mary benefit misses the true nature of what Les was about, although there is a ton of electronic gizmos used on the album-hey, maybe that is what it was about, not what songs they played, but what gizmo's they used. They should have included that in the liner notes. Any way, I will plug once more for Jeff's participation, because I think it is the one song where there aren't 49 guitarists slinging away and you can't tell who is playing what solos or which rhythym chops. Go Jeff Go! As I read the song titles I half expected the players/singers whom we know and love and remember covering them to be on these covers. Guess not, so enjoy what it is, cuz we won't always have old Les to play around with.

BC

Where's Les?.......2007-02-02

Not enough of Les... I've been a fan of his for 40 years. He deserves a better tribute album than this! It would be nice if it were all people who played the guitar with his namesake during their careers also!! The one nice thing was Steve Miller being included. A little history I read years ago is Les taught Steve to play the guitar!! COOL!! If I remember correctly, Steve Miller's father worked at Capitol Records and that's how Steve got connected with Les. Miller being on the album is the only plus for me. I love Les's playing and just don't hear it on this album. Like other's have said, I'd like to hear some of his shows from his gig every Monday night in NYC. You want to really here Les?? Go find some old 78's like I did when I was a teenager!!
Being a guitar player myself I knew who he was when I was a kid. I didn't appreciate him until I was in my 20's and I think he deserves more than this!! He's a national treasure at the very least!!!!!!!

Deserves at least 4 stars.......2006-11-16

For all you folks [reviewers] who were disappointed by this cd: LIGHTEN UP! The album is simply not what you hoped/expected it might be. The presentation as "Les Paul and Friends" was misleading as the music does not focus on the guitar playing of Les in a polite easy going way. Instead what you get is a fresh and well recorded collection of some truly great rock and R&B. Les himself strongly approved of the result of this collaboration. Get this cd and crank it up!

where's Jimmy?.......2006-07-23

What?? A Les Paul tribute without Jimmy Page? You must be joking! If Jimmy were in on the sessions, he would've made sure there was more Les!

One esxpects to hear Les Paul.......2006-07-19

When one purchases a recording with Les Paul's name on it, one expects to hear Les Paul.

Except for one track, Caravan, Les Paul may as well be an indistinguishable background musician.

Shame because Caravan is brilliant. This 90 year old man has not lost his playing ability, and it would have been better off to play songs from his old trio or with Mary Ford, and having a guest vocalist, BUT NO EXTRA GUITAR PLAYERS, or have cd made similar to the recordings he made with Chet Atkins, where one can hear Paul.

The only pleasant surprise is hearing how well Neal Schon (of Journey) can play. Even Peter Frampton, a brillant player who sacrifices his guitar playing for his pop tune, is a dud on this session.

Perhaps any recordings made of Paul's current club dates will show up, as they will better represent him than this does.

Overall, the songs are good and the playing by others is very good, but it is not a Les Paul recording and, given other reviews, has deceived a number of people

Average customer rating:

Ever wondered what was before Bach, Lully, or Palestrina?

Madrigal History Tour
The King's Singers , The Consorte of Musicke , various/anonymous/traditional , and Anthony Rooley
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers
English and Italian Renaissance Madrigals
English Madrigals and Songs
Olde English Madrigals & Folk Songs at Ely Cathedral
The King"s Singers: English Renaissance

ASIN: B000246J7M
Release Date: 2004-01-01

Tracks:

Amor Vittorioso
Lirum Bililirum
Il Bianco E Dolce Cigno
La Bella Franceschina
Ultima Mei Sospiri
Alla Cazza
Or Si Rallegri Il Cielo
Fine Knacks For Ladies
Who Made Thee, Hob, Forsake The Plough
Of All The Birds That I Do Know
Too Much I Once Lamented
Fair Phyllis I Saw
The Silver Swan
Now Is The Month Of Maying
La Guerre
La, La, La, Je Ne L'ose Dire
Bon Jour: Et Puis, Quelles Nouvelles
Mignonne, Allons Voir Si La Rose
Il Est Bel Et Bon
Margot Labourez Les Vignes
Un Gentil Armoureux
Faulte D'Argent
La Tricotea Samartin La Vea
Triste Estaba El Rey David
Cucu, Cucu!
Tres Morillas M'enamoran
Fatal La Parte
La Bomba
Tanzen Und Springen
Vitrum Nostrum Gloriosum
Ach Elsein, Liebes Elselein
Ach, Weh Des Leiden
Das G'Laut Zu Speyer
Herzliebstes Bild

Customer Reviews:

Ever wondered what was before Bach, Lully, or Palestrina?.......2007-04-29

During the days of the Renaissance, the madrigal was one
of the most popular musical forms and outputs. The King's Singers, a modern-day all male vocal group, demonstrate the authentic sound of which these 34 chosen madrigals may have been performed. In the Renaissance, in place of sopranos and altos, there were countertenors (men who sang falsetto in a feminine range). That's what these guys do; just listen to the first few and you'll automatically be transported back to this magical and sort of other-worldly time. If you've been to Renaissance fairs, it will make you think of those, too.

The King's Singers offer 34 well-chosen madrigals from composers like John Dowland, Hans Leo Hassler, Clement Jannequin and some composers who wished to remain anonymous. They are grouped by the different languages to show that the madrigal wasn't just the rage in Italy where it had originated but at various other places all over Europe, the hub of the music world. The Italian ones come first, then in English, French, Spanish and German. The best one in the set is "La Guerre" which runs 6 minutes, and is an incredible vocal showpiece. It's even very funny at times.

If you want to hear exactly how Renaissance madrigals sound, this is the real deal.

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Jazz Music

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