AVID Jazz continues with its Four Classic Album series with a re-mastered 2CD release from Fred Astaire, complete with original artwork, liner notes and personnel details.
"The Astaire Story" (original 1953 Four LP Box set)
Fred Astaire presents his jazz interpretations of the Great American Songbook accompanied by Oscar Peterson & The Jazz at the Philharmonic concert group. Includes song introductions by Fred and a bit of tap dancing!
Yes, you did read correctly, Fred Astaire joins the illustrious ranks of the AVID Jazz Hall of Fame with this wonderfully unexpected classic jazz album from 1953. Fred is joined by famed producer Norman Granz with Oscar Peterson on piano and celesta and the Jazz at the Philharmonic concert group, Barney Kessel-guitar, Flip Phillips-tenor sax, Charlie Shavers-trumpet, Ray Brown-bass and Alvin Stoller on drums This is most definitely a jazz album and one of the highest calibre. The original Astaire recordings from the 1930s and 40s are of course legendary and untouchable. But if you give Fred's new jazz interpretations a chance, you will be delighted and astounded at how Fred adapts his vocal style to the accompaniment of one of the finest jazz line ups of the time assembled especially for the recording by producer Norman Granz. Here's some quotes from Mr Granz taken from the liner notes to give you an insight into his thoughts about the project:- ".the best way to do this album was to take a group of jazz musicians and combine their improvising talents with those of Mr. Astaire", "…achieving the perfect blend so as to exhibit Mr Astaire's personality in the best possible fashion", "…these seem to be the finest things that Mr. Astaire has ever done on record". Also included in the liner notes are Fred Astaire's thoughts on the whole project.
As with all AVID releases, we hope you enjoy this classic set and check out our extensive catalogue for more great music across Jazz, R&B, Blues, Folk, Country, Easy Listening and many other musical genres
Check out: Oscar Peterson (AMSC1109); Barney Kessel (AMSC921); Johnny Hartman (AMSC1409); Mark Murphy (AMSC1411); Mel Torme (AMSC1317); Tony Bennett (AMSC1391); Joe Williams (AMSC1389); Ray Charles (AMSC1233); Lambert, Hendricks & Ross (AMSC1320); Jon Hendricks (AMSC1342); Nat King Cole (AMSC1303); Peggy Lee (AMSC1290); Nancy Wilson (AMSC1349); Lee Wiley (AMSC1113); Dinah Washington (AMSC1367); Sarah Vaughan (AMSC1352); Dakota Staton (AMSC1259); Jeri Southern (AMSC1291); Nina Simone (AMSC1268); Helen Merrill (AMSC1337); Annie Ross (AMSC1015); Ann Richards (AMSC1239).
CD1
1-9: 'The Astaire Story: First Volume'
1. Isn't This A Lovely Day
2. Puttin' On The Ritz
3. I Used To Be Color Blind
4. The Continental
5. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
6. Change Partners
7. 'S Wonderful
8. Lovely To Look At
9. They All Laughed
10-19: 'The Astaire Story: Second Volume'
10. Cheek To Cheek
11. Steppin' Out With My Baby
12. The Way You Look Tonight
13. I've Got My Eyes On You
14. Dancing In The Dark
15. The Carioca
16. Nice Work If You Can Get It
17. New Sun In The Sky
18. I Won't Dance
19. (Ad Lib) Fast Dances
CD2
1-10: 'The Astaire Story: Third Volume'
1. Top Hat, White Tie And Tails
2. No Strings
3. I Concentrate On You
4. I'm Putting My Eggs All In One Basket
5. A Fine Romance
6. Night And Day
7. Fascinating Rhythm
8. I Love Louisa
9. (Ad Lib) Slow Dances
10. (Ad Lib) Medium Dances
11-19: 'The Astaire Story: Fourth Volume'
11. They Can't Take That Away From Me
12. You're Easy To Dance With
13. A Needle In A Haystack
14. So Near And Yet So Far
15. A Foggy Day
16. Oh Lady, Be Good
17. I'm Building Up To An Awful Let Down
18. Not My Girl
19. Jam Session For A Dancer
