Album Description
-
Personnel includes: Fred Astaire (vocals); Johnny Green And His Orchestra, Adele Astaire.
Compilation producer: Nedra Olds-Neal.
Recorded between 1926 & 1956. Includes liner notes by Andrew Velez.
This is part of Columbia's The Essential Collection series.
Personnel: George Gershwin (piano).
Liner Note Author: Andrew Velez.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Adolph Deutsch & The MGM Studio Orchestra; Johnny Green & His Orchestra; Leo Reisman & His Orchestra; Ray Noble & His Orchestra.
Fred Astaire has been anthologized many times and in many ways, befitting his status as a statesman of song -- if not vocal prowess. Columbia/Legacy fortunately found a different way to compile an Astaire collection with its 2004 disc The Essential Fred Astaire. Instead of a '30s collection with his commercial hits from the movies or a '50s collection charting his return to the studio for Verve, the compilers balanced material from several eras and sought out true movie recordings, many from his RKO classics of the mid-'30s. While not the equal -- for record fans, at least -- of The Cream of Fred Astaire (on Pearl Flapper), The Essential offers a much fuller portrait of Astaire's genius, including his duet with sister Adele on "Fascinating Rhythm," accompanied by George Gershwin on piano and more than six years before his movie debut; the film version of "Easter Parade" from 1948's As Thousands Cheer, a duet with Judy Garland; the title song to 1956's Funny Face with a few steps from Astaire; or "Nice Work if You Can Get It," from 1937's A Damsel in Distress, which rates a full tap solo. ~ John Bush
Known for his footwork more than his vocal ability, Fred Astaire nonetheless possessed a warm tenor and straight, charming delivery that evoked an iconic motion picture presence for millions. As an actor, choreographer, and brilliant dancer (borrowing from tap, ballet, and ballroom dancing, he invented his own dazzling and elegant form), Astaire delighted audiences throughout the 1930s, '40s and '50s with his performances. Astaire's singing was a crucial part of this package, and this collection brings together some of his finest recordings of the American songbook.
Featuring compositions by the likes of Gershwin, Berlin, and Kern--many of whom wrote their songs specifically with Astaire's voice in mind--THE ESSENTIAL FRED ASTAIRE features, in many cases, the first recordings of these tunes. Though his versions have been eclipsed by Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Billy Holiday, and others, Astaire's treatments of "Night and Day," "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and "A Foggy Day" are characterized by rhythmic precision and a smooth, spirited style. The rest of the disc--"Cheek to Cheek," "Funny Face," "Puttin' on the Ritz," "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," etc.--plays like a time capsule of a bygone era, and stands a testament to one of cinema's greatest performers.
