The Very Best of Al Jolson [Pearl] (2002)

While some may with good reason prefer his earliest recorded performances (a mysterious body of work comprising the true and magical heart of the Jolson legacy), Al Jolson's Decca recordings from 1945-1949 represent the mature culmination of decades spent perfecting one of the best-known acts in all of show business. Listening through 28 tracks one might marvel at the sheer pungency of the man's voice and the forceful nature of his dramatic delivery. Putting aside all preconceived reservations, this cedar chest packed with ... Read More

While some may with good reason prefer his earliest recorded performances (a mysterious body of work comprising the true and magical heart of the Jolson legacy), Al Jolson's Decca recordings from 1945-1949 represent the mature culmination of decades spent perfecting one of the best-known acts in all of show business. Listening through 28 tracks one might marvel at the sheer pungency of the man's voice and the forceful nature of his dramatic delivery. Putting aside all preconceived reservations, this cedar chest packed with great apple pie melodies is a striking testament to a gifted performer who staunchly adhered to old-fashioned sensibilities during a period of rapid social change. "Swanee," originally backed with "April Showers," in some ways represents the artistic high point of this "best-of" compilation. A handful of guests crop up here and there, including Bing Crosby, the Mills Brothers, and the great Jimmy Durante. All giggles and gags aside, Jolson had a beautiful lower register hidden behind that showy nasality so cheerfully lampooned by Mel Blanc and subsequent teams of comedic impersonators. Jolson's early synagogue cantor training provided him with a passionate resonance that formed the basis for his greatest performances, perfectly and proportionately counterbalancing the corn. Maximum listener enjoyment requires the cancellation of his acquired reputation as a whining, bellowing ham covered in greasepaint. There's so much more to Jolson than the specter of one ethnic minority masquerading as another. ~ arwulf arwulf, Rovi Read Less

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• CD, Fair 2002, Pearl UPC: 727031785620 See Item Details ▾

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  	Edition: 2002, Pearl CD, Fair	Details: UPC: 727031785620 Discs: 1 Label: Pearl Released: 2002 Alibris ID: 18068601754	Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: $3.43 Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
  Seller's Description: Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
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2002, Pearl UPC: 727031785620 CD See All from $23.99