In 2006, Collectables Records released a modest 12-rack sampler of Al Jolson's early recorded works, some of which predate the First World War. Unlike his incessantly reissued comeback recordings from the '40s, these historic performances are gilded with the magical ambience of the acoustic recording studio, the mysterious presence of anonymous and long-gone backing instrumentalists, and a repertoire that was essentially new rather than lifted out of mothballs and conspicuously trundled out to feed a latter-day nostalgia ...
Read More
In 2006, Collectables Records released a modest 12-rack sampler of Al Jolson's early recorded works, some of which predate the First World War. Unlike his incessantly reissued comeback recordings from the '40s, these historic performances are gilded with the magical ambience of the acoustic recording studio, the mysterious presence of anonymous and long-gone backing instrumentalists, and a repertoire that was essentially new rather than lifted out of mothballs and conspicuously trundled out to feed a latter-day nostalgia market. The younger Jolson was full of unusual humor and a theatrical edginess that was quite different from the shrill antics that would characterize his later persona. These fascinating cultural artifacts are rooted in minstrelsy, vaudeville, and early Tin Pan Alley. The playlist includes British music hall comedian Billy Merson's "The Spaniard That Blighted My Life"; Arthur Schwartz's "Yellow Jacket Girl" (which contains the line "I eat chop suey for you"); and George M. Cohan's "That Haunting Melody" during which Jolson engages in some tidy scat singing. "That Lovin' Traumerei" is built around the well-known theme from Robert Schumann's Kinderszenen, and a profoundly humorous send-up of Arthur J. Lamb's "Asleep in the Deep" (by far the strangest and one of the most memorable recordings Jolson ever made) contains the warning: "Many brave cops fall asleep on their feet, so beware!" "Sister Susie's Sewing Shirts for Soldiers" combines WWI patriotism with the challenge of the tongue-twister, which seems harmless enough until Jolson invites an audience member to try it out alone, then jeers at him when he messes it up. This disc is an exact reissue of a handy budget-line Olympic LP that came out in 1973, and of Snap Your Fingers, its first CD reissue, which appeared in a flashy "flapper" edition presented by the Columbia River Entertainment Group in 2000. Jolson's early recordings have been reissued in more comprehensive editions by a number of labels, including Stash, Acrobat, Pearl, and Naxos Nostalgia. ~ arwulf arwulf, Rovi
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Providing great vinyl and media since 1972. All used records are inspected and guaranteed. May have wear and minor issues from previous owner. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Providing great vinyl and media since 1972. All used records are inspected and guaranteed. May have wear and minor issues from previous owner. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
![Let Me Sing and I'm Happy [Prism]](https://www4.alibris-static.com/let-me-sing-and-im-happy-prism/cover/f14537oehi4.jpg)
