Maxine Sullivan - The Chronological Classics, 2 Albums (1937-1941)

Tracks:



Maxine Sullivan - 1937-1938 {The Chronological Classics, 963}

The basic and pleasing vocals of Maxine Sullivan are quite enjoyable. This CD has her first 23 recordings, including three songs originally released under pianist Claude Thornhill's name; Thornhill (who helped discover the singer) is on all of the selections. The original version of "Loch Lomond" is among the highlights and became a huge hit, leading to Sullivan's lightly swinging renditions of other folk songs such as "Darling Nellie Gray" and "Dark Eyes." Joined by such fine musicians as trumpeters Manny Klein, Frank Newton, Charlie Shavers and Bobby Hackett (all of whom are heard from briefly), along with the future members of the John Kirby Sextet, Maxine Sullivan is heard throughout in her early prime (she was 26-27 years old during this period). Recommended.

01. Stop! You're Breaking My Heart (2:38)
02. Gone With The Wind (2:47)
03. Loch Lomond (2:54)
04. I'm Coming Virgina (2:23)
05. Annie Laurie (2:40)
06. Blue Skies (3:02)
07. Don't Save Your Love (For A Rainy Day) (2:33)
08. Easy To Love (3:00)
09. The Folks Who Live On The Hill (3:00)
10. Darling Nellie Gray (2:57)
11. Nice Work If You Can Get It (2:53)
12. It's Wonderful (2:56)
13. Dark Eyes (2:43)
14. A Brown Bird Singing (2:44)
15. You Went To My Head (2:41)
16. Moments Like This (3:03)
17. Please Be Kind (3:13)
18. It Was A Lover And His Lass (3:14)
19. Dark Eyes (3:05)
20. Spring Is Here (3:16)
21. Down The Old Ox Road (2:22)
22. St. Louis Blues (3:20)
23. L'amour, Toujours L'amour (2:49)




Maxine Sullivan - 1938-1941 {The Chronological Classics, 991}

The second Classics CD in their Maxine Sullivan series has all of the subtle singer's recordings from a 2½-year period. Since "Loch Lomond" had been such a big hit, Sullivan was persuaded to record quite a few Scottish folk songs in a similar light swing style. Included on this CD from that idiom are such numbers as "I Dream of Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair," "Drink to Me With Thine Eyes," "Turtle Dove," "If I Had a Ribbon Bow," "Molly Malone," and "Barbara Allen." Although those performances are enjoyable, the actual high points of this release are such tunes as "It Ain't Necessarily So," "Ill Wind," "The Hour of Parting" and "What a Difference a Day Made." Sullivan, who was in her early prime during this era, is accompanied by five different units, including the John Kirby Sextet, Benny Carter's big band (for two numbers), such players as Bobby Hackett and Bud Freeman, and an octet that includes two clarinets, a bass clarinet, bassoon and Mitch Miller on oboe. Recommended, if not as essential as Sullivan's previous 1937-38 Classics CD.

01. Night And Day (3:21)
02. Kinda Lonesome (2:29)
03. It Ain't Necessarily So (3:35)
04. Say It With A Kiss (3:04)
05. I Dream Of Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (3:28)
06. I'm Happy About The Whole Thing (2:39)
07. Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes (2:51)
08. Corn Pickin' (3:19)
09. Jackie Boy (2:44)
10. Turtle Dove (3:04)
11. Sing Something Simple (2:51)
12. Ill Wind (2:58)
13. St. Louis Blues (3:09)
14. The Hour Of Parting (2:50)
15. If I Had A Ribbon Bow (3:12)
16. Who Is Sylvia? (2:57)
17. Molly Malone (2:46)
18. Barbara Allen (2:56)
19. Midnight (3:21)
20. What A Difference A Day Made (3:04)