In Come Away with Me, it is not just the timbre of Norah Jones's voice that is mature beyond her years. Her assured phrasing and precise time are more often found in older singers as well. She is instantly recognisable, blending intimations of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone without sounding like anyone but herself. Any way you slice it, she is a singer to be reckoned with. Her readings of the Hank Williams classic, "Cold Cold Heart" and Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" are worth the price of the CD. Jones's own material, while not bad, pales a bit next to masterpieces such as these. They might have fared better had she and producer Arif Mardin opted for some livelier arrangements, taking better advantage of brilliant sidemen such as Bill Frisell, Kevin Breit and Brian Blade; or if the tunes had simply been given less laconic performances. Jones has all the tools; what will come with experience, and some careful listening to artists like JJ Cale and Shirley Horn, is the knack of remaining low-key without being sleepy--sometimes less is not, in fact, more. --Michael Ross

NORAH JONES - come away with me, 10 Aug 2008
The album was fantastic! The selection of songs was good. The songs are beautifully sung; I especially enjoyed `Don't Know Why' and `Nightingale'. Norah has a great voice, her music is soothing. NORAH JONES - come away with me, is definitely a good buy!


Nightingale!!!, 28 May 2008
Well, I have just worked my way through 70 reviews of this wonderful album, and did not see a single mention of what, to me, is the best track on here, so I thought I would try to redress the balance.
The song in question is the magnificent Nightingale, one of Norah's own compositions. I can remember the first time I listened to this album, it was on in the background whilst we were cooking or something, and the album slipped by beautifully in the background, but when it came to Nightingale, my ears really pricked up and I had to go back and listen to it again.
To me, everything about the song is fantastic, from the vocals to the unusual drumming to the absolute highlight of the song - the guitar solo. I am a bit of a guitar solo nut, and enjoy all genres of music from the heaviest metal, to jazz to country and plain old rock, and to me, the solo in this song is as good as any I have heard. The tone of the guitar is amazing, and the solo is composed beautifully, perfectly fitting into the song, which is what a good solo should do.
Anyway, I am glad I have got that off my chest now.
The rest of the album is marvellous, too, especially Come Away With Me, one of the most relaxing songs ever.

Seduction on a silver platter, 18 Jun 2007
Norah has the most seductive vocal delivery I have ever heard in all my years of buying recorded music. The first time I noticed such things was when I heard the Supremes, led by the voluptuously skinny Dianna Ross, doing "Baby Love" on TOTP half a century ago. Since then, I have moved on to Julie London, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and sundry other sultries but none of them is a patch on Norah in the seductivenesss stakes. Female crooning just doesn't come any more breathily appealing than this.

I'm listening to the album right now and I'm going to sign off so I can immerse myself in her version of Hoagy Carmichael's superb "Nearness of You" again. Although he wrote it seventy years ago, it now belongs to Norah... and to me and to every other bloke on the planet who cares to give it a listen. I'm sure that would include Hoagy as well, if he were still around to hear it.

this album is absolutely fantastic, 20 Jul 2006
I don't usually listen to laid-back-take-it-easy music like this,but I have to say this cd is wonderful.Its classy mix of country,pop and jazz are a powerful cocktail and highly addictive.By the time Norah got to the title track Come Away with Me I found myself thinking "just tell me where we're going honey!" By the time the next track Shoot the Moon arrived I felt as though I could.For me this album is summed up by The Nearness of You.But it's Norah who's near:you really feel that she's singing to you.

Be moved, 28 Nov 2005
There will always be some fans of any genre that isn't pop who will instantly hate something for its popularity and desperately try and shout about how this isn't rock/metal/jazz etc.

Forget the genre. Forget the popularity and forget the adverts on telly and just listen.

This album has stolen my heart, thrown it on top of its piano and sauntered off into a lazy sunset. It is superb. Probably one of the best albums I have heard in a LONG time (and I work with music).

Norah's voice, which is a beautiful sound on the ear, takes you through a fantastic series of songs each as beautiful as the last. The power in her voice is distinct and obvious, but she does not belt out the sounds needlessly, with only a hint at what she can do. She takes us gently, and its unutterably beautiful.

Just buy the album. Outstanding

NORAH JONES - come away with me, 10 Aug 2008
The album was fantastic! The selection of songs was good. The songs are beautifully sung; I especially enjoyed `Don't Know Why' and `Nightingale'. Norah has a great voice, her music is soothing. NORAH JONES - come away with me, is definitely a good buy!


Nightingale!!!, 28 May 2008
Well, I have just worked my way through 70 reviews of this wonderful album, and did not see a single mention of what, to me, is the best track on here, so I thought I would try to redress the balance.
The song in question is the magnificent Nightingale, one of Norah's own compositions. I can remember the first time I listened to this album, it was on in the background whilst we were cooking or something, and the album slipped by beautifully in the background, but when it came to Nightingale, my ears really pricked up and I had to go back and listen to it again.
To me, everything about the song is fantastic, from the vocals to the unusual drumming to the absolute highlight of the song - the guitar solo. I am a bit of a guitar solo nut, and enjoy all genres of music from the heaviest metal, to jazz to country and plain old rock, and to me, the solo in this song is as good as any I have heard. The tone of the guitar is amazing, and the solo is composed beautifully, perfectly fitting into the song, which is what a good solo should do.
Anyway, I am glad I have got that off my chest now.
The rest of the album is marvellous, too, especially Come Away With Me, one of the most relaxing songs ever.

Seduction on a silver platter, 18 Jun 2007
Norah has the most seductive vocal delivery I have ever heard in all my years of buying recorded music. The first time I noticed such things was when I heard the Supremes, led by the voluptuously skinny Dianna Ross, doing "Baby Love" on TOTP half a century ago. Since then, I have moved on to Julie London, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and sundry other sultries but none of them is a patch on Norah in the seductivenesss stakes. Female crooning just doesn't come any more breathily appealing than this.

I'm listening to the album right now and I'm going to sign off so I can immerse myself in her version of Hoagy Carmichael's superb "Nearness of You" again. Although he wrote it seventy years ago, it now belongs to Norah... and to me and to every other bloke on the planet who cares to give it a listen. I'm sure that would include Hoagy as well, if he were still around to hear it.

this album is absolutely fantastic, 20 Jul 2006
I don't usually listen to laid-back-take-it-easy music like this,but I have to say this cd is wonderful.Its classy mix of country,pop and jazz are a powerful cocktail and highly addictive.By the time Norah got to the title track Come Away with Me I found myself thinking "just tell me where we're going honey!" By the time the next track Shoot the Moon arrived I felt as though I could.For me this album is summed up by The Nearness of You.But it's Norah who's near:you really feel that she's singing to you.

Be moved, 28 Nov 2005
There will always be some fans of any genre that isn't pop who will instantly hate something for its popularity and desperately try and shout about how this isn't rock/metal/jazz etc.

Forget the genre. Forget the popularity and forget the adverts on telly and just listen.

This album has stolen my heart, thrown it on top of its piano and sauntered off into a lazy sunset. It is superb. Probably one of the best albums I have heard in a LONG time (and I work with music).

Norah's voice, which is a beautiful sound on the ear, takes you through a fantastic series of songs each as beautiful as the last. The power in her voice is distinct and obvious, but she does not belt out the sounds needlessly, with only a hint at what she can do. She takes us gently, and its unutterably beautiful.

Just buy the album. Outstanding

The return of Mr.Benson!, 18 Nov 2008
I once had Bensons'Greatest Hits and listened to the album over and over again..Then I gave it to a man I loved, cause he loved him aswell.
That love is gone now, but my love for Mr.Benson is as srong as ever.
This cd holds all the songs I've once had,eccept one(Living inside your love)That's fair enough.
Beautiful,don't hesitate to buy it if you want a complete album!
Miranda

Yet another 'best of' album..., 17 Feb 2006
There have been numerous 'Best Of George Benson' compilations over recent years, none of which have been all-inclusive (that is a probable marketing ploy). This re-packaged selection continues the trend; having said that, it does serve as a pleasing introduction to the superb fusion jazz/R&B/pop that Mr Benson serves up masterfully.

Beware, edited tracks, 27 Aug 2004
"The Greatest Love Of All", one of Benson's greatest performances, has an entire verse edited out on this CD, a shameful fact which degrades an otherwise attractive collection of songs, representing the best of George Benson. A fine artist, at his best when singing songs written by Micheal Masser I feel, "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" "In Your Eyes" "You Are The Love Of My Life" "Greatest Love Of All" all of which are presented on this CD.

The Greatest Album of All, 27 Mar 2004
I am glad I bought this album. The songs are lively and lightened my spirits to hear. There are 20 songs, and the CD itself has a cover over it for protection. I love track 1) Give me the night, 5) Nothing's gonna change my love for you, and 11) You are the love of my life. My favourite since childhood is track 6) The greatest love of all, and since last year 10) In your eyes. All very lovely songs by a talented artist named George Benson, who has a good voice. Buy this cd if you like love songs or good pop and jazz music. It's an album that is definitely one of my favourites, and currently my most favourite.

Brilliant album from a brilliant artist., 28 Jul 2003
This album from start to finish is one of brilliance. Provides excellent background music for any occasion. But was there ever any doubt that this would be a great album when it's George Benson.

NORAH JONES - come away with me, 10 Aug 2008
The album was fantastic! The selection of songs was good. The songs are beautifully sung; I especially enjoyed `Don't Know Why' and `Nightingale'. Norah has a great voice, her music is soothing. NORAH JONES - come away with me, is definitely a good buy!


Nightingale!!!, 28 May 2008
Well, I have just worked my way through 70 reviews of this wonderful album, and did not see a single mention of what, to me, is the best track on here, so I thought I would try to redress the balance.
The song in question is the magnificent Nightingale, one of Norah's own compositions. I can remember the first time I listened to this album, it was on in the background whilst we were cooking or something, and the album slipped by beautifully in the background, but when it came to Nightingale, my ears really pricked up and I had to go back and listen to it again.
To me, everything about the song is fantastic, from the vocals to the unusual drumming to the absolute highlight of the song - the guitar solo. I am a bit of a guitar solo nut, and enjoy all genres of music from the heaviest metal, to jazz to country and plain old rock, and to me, the solo in this song is as good as any I have heard. The tone of the guitar is amazing, and the solo is composed beautifully, perfectly fitting into the song, which is what a good solo should do.
Anyway, I am glad I have got that off my chest now.
The rest of the album is marvellous, too, especially Come Away With Me, one of the most relaxing songs ever.

Seduction on a silver platter, 18 Jun 2007
Norah has the most seductive vocal delivery I have ever heard in all my years of buying recorded music. The first time I noticed such things was when I heard the Supremes, led by the voluptuously skinny Dianna Ross, doing "Baby Love" on TOTP half a century ago. Since then, I have moved on to Julie London, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and sundry other sultries but none of them is a patch on Norah in the seductivenesss stakes. Female crooning just doesn't come any more breathily appealing than this.

I'm listening to the album right now and I'm going to sign off so I can immerse myself in her version of Hoagy Carmichael's superb "Nearness of You" again. Although he wrote it seventy years ago, it now belongs to Norah... and to me and to every other bloke on the planet who cares to give it a listen. I'm sure that would include Hoagy as well, if he were still around to hear it.

this album is absolutely fantastic, 20 Jul 2006
I don't usually listen to laid-back-take-it-easy music like this,but I have to say this cd is wonderful.Its classy mix of country,pop and jazz are a powerful cocktail and highly addictive.By the time Norah got to the title track Come Away with Me I found myself thinking "just tell me where we're going honey!" By the time the next track Shoot the Moon arrived I felt as though I could.For me this album is summed up by The Nearness of You.But it's Norah who's near:you really feel that she's singing to you.

Be moved, 28 Nov 2005
There will always be some fans of any genre that isn't pop who will instantly hate something for its popularity and desperately try and shout about how this isn't rock/metal/jazz etc.

Forget the genre. Forget the popularity and forget the adverts on telly and just listen.

This album has stolen my heart, thrown it on top of its piano and sauntered off into a lazy sunset. It is superb. Probably one of the best albums I have heard in a LONG time (and I work with music).

Norah's voice, which is a beautiful sound on the ear, takes you through a fantastic series of songs each as beautiful as the last. The power in her voice is distinct and obvious, but she does not belt out the sounds needlessly, with only a hint at what she can do. She takes us gently, and its unutterably beautiful.

Just buy the album. Outstanding

The return of Mr.Benson!, 18 Nov 2008
I once had Bensons'Greatest Hits and listened to the album over and over again..Then I gave it to a man I loved, cause he loved him aswell.
That love is gone now, but my love for Mr.Benson is as srong as ever.
This cd holds all the songs I've once had,eccept one(Living inside your love)That's fair enough.
Beautiful,don't hesitate to buy it if you want a complete album!
Miranda

Yet another 'best of' album..., 17 Feb 2006
There have been numerous 'Best Of George Benson' compilations over recent years, none of which have been all-inclusive (that is a probable marketing ploy). This re-packaged selection continues the trend; having said that, it does serve as a pleasing introduction to the superb fusion jazz/R&B/pop that Mr Benson serves up masterfully.

Beware, edited tracks, 27 Aug 2004
"The Greatest Love Of All", one of Benson's greatest performances, has an entire verse edited out on this CD, a shameful fact which degrades an otherwise attractive collection of songs, representing the best of George Benson. A fine artist, at his best when singing songs written by Micheal Masser I feel, "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" "In Your Eyes" "You Are The Love Of My Life" "Greatest Love Of All" all of which are presented on this CD.

The Greatest Album of All, 27 Mar 2004
I am glad I bought this album. The songs are lively and lightened my spirits to hear. There are 20 songs, and the CD itself has a cover over it for protection. I love track 1) Give me the night, 5) Nothing's gonna change my love for you, and 11) You are the love of my life. My favourite since childhood is track 6) The greatest love of all, and since last year 10) In your eyes. All very lovely songs by a talented artist named George Benson, who has a good voice. Buy this cd if you like love songs or good pop and jazz music. It's an album that is definitely one of my favourites, and currently my most favourite.

Brilliant album from a brilliant artist., 28 Jul 2003
This album from start to finish is one of brilliance. Provides excellent background music for any occasion. But was there ever any doubt that this would be a great album when it's George Benson.

Great Collection Of A Forgotten Era, 20 Sep 2008
The name Frank Sinatra is synonymous with with Jazz, Swing and Orchestral sound of music. He had an unmatched vocal talent and his music will always be viewed as legendary. It's hard to believe it's just over 10 years since we unfortunately lost this musical great. The Platinum collection compiles all of his classic greats that anyone and everyone would recognise instantly. His music wasn't made in the same way as todays standards. It wasn't released album by album, and you didn't need crazy looking music videos in order to get people to pay attention. It was music created solely to be performed in front of small audiences at such places like the legendary Copacabana night club. It wasn't music created with cheap gimmicks or a fancy look, it was music. Music from the heart and soul. This is what makes Sinatra the greatest vocalist in history.

Since the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack, music has slowly gone down hill in regards to vocal ability. With the odd exceptions of course. We needn't fret though, as the Platinum collection gives us the opportunity to relive the Sinatra sound whenever we need to relax.

This is the definitive collection with the classics like "Come Fly With Me" "Love and Marriage" "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "Witchcraft." There's no denying the talent of Sinatra and there's no way you can dismiss this album. If you have even an ounce of respect for Sinatra or that generation of music you will all buy it.

The Voice, 09 Jul 2008
I have been listening to Sinatra for about 50 years and I still LISTEN to him and I still occasionally find something new in the way he treats a song. I saw him in concert four times! His phrasing and his ability to sing so much with a single breath ( he swam underwater to improve this )were tools that he used with such effect.There have been many people who emulated him but no-one who came anywhere near him, as this collection shows very plainly.

Masterly Compilation, 02 Jul 2006
A superb compilation. I have a good few Sinatra albums but none of the other compilations I have comes near this.
It has some of the finest records he ever made,across three, truly marvellous CDs. If you buy this, I cannot see how you could not love it.
Get this, then treat yourself to "Songs For Swinging Lovers " & "In The Wee Small Hours" (two superbly crafted records) & you'll be sorted.
A truly far reaching & expansive compilation. Excellent value, considering the quality of the music.
They really don't make them like this any more - let's face it, there was only one Frank Sinatra - buy this & you'll see why.

Definitive Frank, 25 Feb 2005
The best Frank collection ever. They're all here - "I've got you under my skin", "Chicago", "It was just one of those things".

How Capitol managed to get the best from Frank at a time when his career appeared to be over is one of popular musics great stories.

The absolute and essential definitve Frank Sinatra collection.

The Best Sinatra Album Ever, 21 Jan 2005
If you could collect sinatra's best works and put them in an album, you'd end up with the platinum collection. I can't stress enough how good this album is. Can't stop listening (and singing along) to it regardless of how many times I hear it. A must have for all sinatra fans.

Long considered a jewel in Verve Records' very impressive crown, Fitzgerald's songbook collections of various composers--a series that was started by the success of this set--are all wonderful, but her natural wit and intelligence was at its most perfect with Cole Porter's erudite, urbane songs. While not as scat-oriented as her small group outings, these Porter sets offer her most realized pop performances. Also, the gold remastering does a fine job of bringing out the nuances in the arrangements, making this a treasure for the serious collector and the casual listener alike. A true American music gem. --Skip Heller

NORAH JONES - come away with me, 10 Aug 2008
The album was fantastic! The selection of songs was good. The songs are beautifully sung; I especially enjoyed `Don't Know Why' and `Nightingale'. Norah has a great voice, her music is soothing. NORAH JONES - come away with me, is definitely a good buy!


Nightingale!!!, 28 May 2008
Well, I have just worked my way through 70 reviews of this wonderful album, and did not see a single mention of what, to me, is the best track on here, so I thought I would try to redress the balance.
The song in question is the magnificent Nightingale, one of Norah's own compositions. I can remember the first time I listened to this album, it was on in the background whilst we were cooking or something, and the album slipped by beautifully in the background, but when it came to Nightingale, my ears really pricked up and I had to go back and listen to it again.
To me, everything about the song is fantastic, from the vocals to the unusual drumming to the absolute highlight of the song - the guitar solo. I am a bit of a guitar solo nut, and enjoy all genres of music from the heaviest metal, to jazz to country and plain old rock, and to me, the solo in this song is as good as any I have heard. The tone of the guitar is amazing, and the solo is composed beautifully, perfectly fitting into the song, which is what a good solo should do.
Anyway, I am glad I have got that off my chest now.
The rest of the album is marvellous, too, especially Come Away With Me, one of the most relaxing songs ever.

Seduction on a silver platter, 18 Jun 2007
Norah has the most seductive vocal delivery I have ever heard in all my years of buying recorded music. The first time I noticed such things was when I heard the Supremes, led by the voluptuously skinny Dianna Ross, doing "Baby Love" on TOTP half a century ago. Since then, I have moved on to Julie London, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and sundry other sultries but none of them is a patch on Norah in the seductivenesss stakes. Female crooning just doesn't come any more breathily appealing than this.

I'm listening to the album right now and I'm going to sign off so I can immerse myself in her version of Hoagy Carmichael's superb "Nearness of You" again. Although he wrote it seventy years ago, it now belongs to Norah... and to me and to every other bloke on the planet who cares to give it a listen. I'm sure that would include Hoagy as well, if he were still around to hear it.

this album is absolutely fantastic, 20 Jul 2006
I don't usually listen to laid-back-take-it-easy music like this,but I have to say this cd is wonderful.Its classy mix of country,pop and jazz are a powerful cocktail and highly addictive.By the time Norah got to the title track Come Away with Me I found myself thinking "just tell me where we're going honey!" By the time the next track Shoot the Moon arrived I felt as though I could.For me this album is summed up by The Nearness of You.But it's Norah who's near:you really feel that she's singing to you.

Be moved, 28 Nov 2005
There will always be some fans of any genre that isn't pop who will instantly hate something for its popularity and desperately try and shout about how this isn't rock/metal/jazz etc.

Forget the genre. Forget the popularity and forget the adverts on telly and just listen.

This album has stolen my heart, thrown it on top of its piano and sauntered off into a lazy sunset. It is superb. Probably one of the best albums I have heard in a LONG time (and I work with music).

Norah's voice, which is a beautiful sound on the ear, takes you through a fantastic series of songs each as beautiful as the last. The power in her voice is distinct and obvious, but she does not belt out the sounds needlessly, with only a hint at what she can do. She takes us gently, and its unutterably beautiful.

Just buy the album. Outstanding

The return of Mr.Benson!, 18 Nov 2008
I once had Bensons'Greatest Hits and listened to the album over and over again..Then I gave it to a man I loved, cause he loved him aswell.
That love is gone now, but my love for Mr.Benson is as srong as ever.
This cd holds all the songs I've once had,eccept one(Living inside your love)That's fair enough.
Beautiful,don't hesitate to buy it if you want a complete album!
Miranda

Yet another 'best of' album..., 17 Feb 2006
There have been numerous 'Best Of George Benson' compilations over recent years, none of which have been all-inclusive (that is a probable marketing ploy). This re-packaged selection continues the trend; having said that, it does serve as a pleasing introduction to the superb fusion jazz/R&B/pop that Mr Benson serves up masterfully.

Beware, edited tracks, 27 Aug 2004
"The Greatest Love Of All", one of Benson's greatest performances, has an entire verse edited out on this CD, a shameful fact which degrades an otherwise attractive collection of songs, representing the best of George Benson. A fine artist, at his best when singing songs written by Micheal Masser I feel, "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" "In Your Eyes" "You Are The Love Of My Life" "Greatest Love Of All" all of which are presented on this CD.

The Greatest Album of All, 27 Mar 2004
I am glad I bought this album. The songs are lively and lightened my spirits to hear. There are 20 songs, and the CD itself has a cover over it for protection. I love track 1) Give me the night, 5) Nothing's gonna change my love for you, and 11) You are the love of my life. My favourite since childhood is track 6) The greatest love of all, and since last year 10) In your eyes. All very lovely songs by a talented artist named George Benson, who has a good voice. Buy this cd if you like love songs or good pop and jazz music. It's an album that is definitely one of my favourites, and currently my most favourite.

Brilliant album from a brilliant artist., 28 Jul 2003
This album from start to finish is one of brilliance. Provides excellent background music for any occasion. But was there ever any doubt that this would be a great album when it's George Benson.

Great Collection Of A Forgotten Era, 20 Sep 2008
The name Frank Sinatra is synonymous with with Jazz, Swing and Orchestral sound of music. He had an unmatched vocal talent and his music will always be viewed as legendary. It's hard to believe it's just over 10 years since we unfortunately lost this musical great. The Platinum collection compiles all of his classic greats that anyone and everyone would recognise instantly. His music wasn't made in the same way as todays standards. It wasn't released album by album, and you didn't need crazy looking music videos in order to get people to pay attention. It was music created solely to be performed in front of small audiences at such places like the legendary Copacabana night club. It wasn't music created with cheap gimmicks or a fancy look, it was music. Music from the heart and soul. This is what makes Sinatra the greatest vocalist in history.

Since the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack, music has slowly gone down hill in regards to vocal ability. With the odd exceptions of course. We needn't fret though, as the Platinum collection gives us the opportunity to relive the Sinatra sound whenever we need to relax.

This is the definitive collection with the classics like "Come Fly With Me" "Love and Marriage" "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "Witchcraft." There's no denying the talent of Sinatra and there's no way you can dismiss this album. If you have even an ounce of respect for Sinatra or that generation of music you will all buy it.

The Voice, 09 Jul 2008
I have been listening to Sinatra for about 50 years and I still LISTEN to him and I still occasionally find something new in the way he treats a song. I saw him in concert four times! His phrasing and his ability to sing so much with a single breath ( he swam underwater to improve this )were tools that he used with such effect.There have been many people who emulated him but no-one who came anywhere near him, as this collection shows very plainly.

Masterly Compilation, 02 Jul 2006
A superb compilation. I have a good few Sinatra albums but none of the other compilations I have comes near this.
It has some of the finest records he ever made,across three, truly marvellous CDs. If you buy this, I cannot see how you could not love it.
Get this, then treat yourself to "Songs For Swinging Lovers " & "In The Wee Small Hours" (two superbly crafted records) & you'll be sorted.
A truly far reaching & expansive compilation. Excellent value, considering the quality of the music.
They really don't make them like this any more - let's face it, there was only one Frank Sinatra - buy this & you'll see why.

Definitive Frank, 25 Feb 2005
The best Frank collection ever. They're all here - "I've got you under my skin", "Chicago", "It was just one of those things".

How Capitol managed to get the best from Frank at a time when his career appeared to be over is one of popular musics great stories.

The absolute and essential definitve Frank Sinatra collection.

The Best Sinatra Album Ever, 21 Jan 2005
If you could collect sinatra's best works and put them in an album, you'd end up with the platinum collection. I can't stress enough how good this album is. Can't stop listening (and singing along) to it regardless of how many times I hear it. A must have for all sinatra fans.

Exquisite Ella: Perfect Porter, 12 Apr 2006
In any rational list of the 20th-century's top song-stylists, Ella Fitzgerald would have to rank in the Top 5. Ella had a wonderful, distinct voice and style. Many singers have great skills. Many have perfect pitch and great intonation. But very few singers can use their voice like a fine instrument. Ella was one of those select few.

Apart from having a wonderful voice, Ella was next to incomparable when it came to interpreting lyrics. It is no wonder that lyricists loved her and were ecstatic when she covered one of their songs. It is also no wonder that during the course of her career Ella recorded various "Song Books" in which she took the work of a great composer/lyricist and dedicated an album or two to their work. Ella did Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins', and Jerome Kern song books among others. They are all wonderful to listen to, all 5-star performances (with the possible exception of the Gershwin song book) but my favorite of all her song books is this one: "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book".

Although the first half of the 20th century had a surplus of great songwriters (see the above) there was something about Cole Porter's that has kept those lyrics fresh and even edgy in the 21st-century. The pairing of Fitzgerald and Porter then is the equivalent of the perfect. A lyricist whose lyrics are funny, witty, charming and, yes, poetic and a singer capable of doing justice to those great lyrics makes for a memorable CD.

This is a 2-CD set (the product description lists it incorrectly as 4). It contains an awful lot of Porter's great songs. Anything Goes, Too Darn Hot, Let's Do it, and I'm Always True to You in My Fashion are my highlights for CD-1. Night and Day, I've Got You Under My Skin, Love for Sale, and You're the Top, top off CD-2. Ella recorded these in 1956, exactly half a century ago under the auspices of the wonderful producer Norman Granz. Verve Records has restored the masters and the sound quality is excellent for a re-mastered recording.

Cole Porter once said that "In olden days a glimpse of stockings, was looked on as something shocking, Now heaven knows, anything goes." Well, all these decades later these songs go great with anything. You can enjoy them "in the still of the night" or "all through the night". These songs "do something to me" and I can say nothing more than this CD is the tops, it's the Tower of Pisa, it's the smile on the Mona Lisa.

If you can find this available, do yourself a favor and buy it, then sit back and enjoy.

Back to basics, 19 Feb 2005
If you are a jazz fan, you've heard most of the songs on this album a hundred times in a thousand different versions, mostly as instrumentals. Now is your chance to hear them as Cole Porter wrote them and, in particular, to pay attention to the lyrics. Porter's powerful poetry would often be banned in today's politcally correct world. Thank god we still have these recordings.

We all have a tendency to think that Sinatra put down the official american songbook soundtrack (please **** off, Rod Stewart, Jaimie whatsit, Bubley and all the rest of you new converts) but Ella's recordings sit side by side with the Chairman of the Board's.

None of Ella's fantastic scat here. Just plain straight forward singing of the songs of one of the 20th century's greatest composers with wonderful arrangements and a fantastic diction which makes printed lyrics unnecessary.

We can all complain about the Cole Porter songs that are missing from this set, but it is wonderful. A couple of tracks with 1950s latin feel have aged enormously, but the majority is just plain brilliant.

If you are a musician you will agree tha Cole Porter's are amongst the most difficult standards to play. Ella will give you a lesson in simplicity that you will never forget.
Just listen to Miss Otis Regrets. This is clearly a desert island disc.

Ella & Cole Porter - Need I say more, 06 Feb 2005
Ella is always a pleasure to listen to, but Ella with classy material is something special. This is what you get on this double album. The "Song Book" series is renown and this is arguably the best.

I own the earlier CD releases as well as this later double album. There is a difference in the sound as a result of the re-mastering but I would not like to say which sounds the better. I do wonder why Verve bothered to re-master when the originals still sound wonderful but do not let this consideration of fine judgement prevent you from buying a great album.

A great collection messed up by an engineer, 02 May 2001
This was one of the great recordings of all time showing off the range, depth and expression of Ella's astonishing voice. Unfortunately this re-master has lost all the warmth and subtlety that could be found on the original CD. (Yes, I do know it was originally on record.) It has brought Ella's voice forward and thinned it out. The whole balance has been tilted upwards with the brass sounding sharp and the violins almost without timbre. Most tragically of all, the unequalled expressive qualities of her voice, that knowingness, have been largely stripped away leaving only a singer with an astonishing ability to hit the right note.

Such a failing draws one towards the conclusion that the engineer was either not a fan of Ella or simply didn't understand her qualities. In short, the collection has been ruined. Because this is an album that should be in every record collection, my advice is to scour the secondhand record shops for the individual CDs. That suggestion becomes an imperative if you have spent money on your hi-fi system and are expecting more rather than less from this re-master.

Vintage Ella at its very best - a must for jazz romantics!, 29 Mar 2001
The lightness and joy with which she sings Cole Porter is effortless and exquisite with just a slight swing. Buddy Bregman's orchestra provides just the right balance of backdrop. A comprehensive set which includes all of the major tracks (I get a kick out of you, Let's do it, I love Paris, Easy to Love, You're the Top, Love for Sale, etc), plus the special bonus of previously unissued alternative takes - including Ella's comments when recording 'Let's do it'.

Beautifully remastered, this set of disks has great sound quality on an average system.

A must for all jazz fans and romantics alike.

If you like Nat King Cole and haven't discovered Ella yet, you could do worse than to start with this set.

One of the finest singers of his--or any--age, Nat "King" Cole performed the definitive versions of many vocal standards. This collection gathers 22 of the velvety-voiced crooner's most popular favourites: "Let There Be Love", "Mona Lisa", "Unforgettable", "Let's Face The Music And Dance", to name a few. The choice of songs, as well as the superb quality of these recordings, both make The Ultimate Collection one of the better Nat "King" Cole compilations available. --Ted Kord

NORAH JONES - come away with me, 10 Aug 2008
The album was fantastic! The selection of songs was good. The songs are beautifully sung; I especially enjoyed `Don't Know Why' and `Nightingale'. Norah has a great voice, her music is soothing. NORAH JONES - come away with me, is definitely a good buy!


Nightingale!!!, 28 May 2008
Well, I have just worked my way through 70 reviews of this wonderful album, and did not see a single mention of what, to me, is the best track on here, so I thought I would try to redress the balance.
The song in question is the magnificent Nightingale, one of Norah's own compositions. I can remember the first time I listened to this album, it was on in the background whilst we were cooking or something, and the album slipped by beautifully in the background, but when it came to Nightingale, my ears really pricked up and I had to go back and listen to it again.
To me, everything about the song is fantastic, from the vocals to the unusual drumming to the absolute highlight of the song - the guitar solo. I am a bit of a guitar solo nut, and enjoy all genres of music from the heaviest metal, to jazz to country and plain old rock, and to me, the solo in this song is as good as any I have heard. The tone of the guitar is amazing, and the solo is composed beautifully, perfectly fitting into the song, which is what a good solo should do.
Anyway, I am glad I have got that off my chest now.
The rest of the album is marvellous, too, especially Come Away With Me, one of the most relaxing songs ever.

Seduction on a silver platter, 18 Jun 2007
Norah has the most seductive vocal delivery I have ever heard in all my years of buying recorded music. The first time I noticed such things was when I heard the Supremes, led by the voluptuously skinny Dianna Ross, doing "Baby Love" on TOTP half a century ago. Since then, I have moved on to Julie London, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and sundry other sultries but none of them is a patch on Norah in the seductivenesss stakes. Female crooning just doesn't come any more breathily appealing than this.

I'm listening to the album right now and I'm going to sign off so I can immerse myself in her version of Hoagy Carmichael's superb "Nearness of You" again. Although he wrote it seventy years ago, it now belongs to Norah... and to me and to every other bloke on the planet who cares to give it a listen. I'm sure that would include Hoagy as well, if he were still around to hear it.

this album is absolutely fantastic, 20 Jul 2006
I don't usually listen to laid-back-take-it-easy music like this,but I have to say this cd is wonderful.Its classy mix of country,pop and jazz are a powerful cocktail and highly addictive.By the time Norah got to the title track Come Away with Me I found myself thinking "just tell me where we're going honey!" By the time the next track Shoot the Moon arrived I felt as though I could.For me this album is summed up by The Nearness of You.But it's Norah who's near:you really feel that she's singing to you.

Be moved, 28 Nov 2005
There will always be some fans of any genre that isn't pop who will instantly hate something for its popularity and desperately try and shout about how this isn't rock/metal/jazz etc.

Forget the genre. Forget the popularity and forget the adverts on telly and just listen.

This album has stolen my heart, thrown it on top of its piano and sauntered off into a lazy sunset. It is superb. Probably one of the best albums I have heard in a LONG time (and I work with music).

Norah's voice, which is a beautiful sound on the ear, takes you through a fantastic series of songs each as beautiful as the last. The power in her voice is distinct and obvious, but she does not belt out the sounds needlessly, with only a hint at what she can do. She takes us gently, and its unutterably beautiful.

Just buy the album. Outstanding

The return of Mr.Benson!, 18 Nov 2008
I once had Bensons'Greatest Hits and listened to the album over and over again..Then I gave it to a man I loved, cause he loved him aswell.
That love is gone now, but my love for Mr.Benson is as srong as ever.
This cd holds all the songs I've once had,eccept one(Living inside your love)That's fair enough.
Beautiful,don't hesitate to buy it if you want a complete album!
Miranda

Yet another 'best of' album..., 17 Feb 2006
There have been numerous 'Best Of George Benson' compilations over recent years, none of which have been all-inclusive (that is a probable marketing ploy). This re-packaged selection continues the trend; having said that, it does serve as a pleasing introduction to the superb fusion jazz/R&B/pop that Mr Benson serves up masterfully.

Beware, edited tracks, 27 Aug 2004
"The Greatest Love Of All", one of Benson's greatest performances, has an entire verse edited out on this CD, a shameful fact which degrades an otherwise attractive collection of songs, representing the best of George Benson. A fine artist, at his best when singing songs written by Micheal Masser I feel, "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" "In Your Eyes" "You Are The Love Of My Life" "Greatest Love Of All" all of which are presented on this CD.

The Greatest Album of All, 27 Mar 2004
I am glad I bought this album. The songs are lively and lightened my spirits to hear. There are 20 songs, and the CD itself has a cover over it for protection. I love track 1) Give me the night, 5) Nothing's gonna change my love for you, and 11) You are the love of my life. My favourite since childhood is track 6) The greatest love of all, and since last year 10) In your eyes. All very lovely songs by a talented artist named George Benson, who has a good voice. Buy this cd if you like love songs or good pop and jazz music. It's an album that is definitely one of my favourites, and currently my most favourite.

Brilliant album from a brilliant artist., 28 Jul 2003
This album from start to finish is one of brilliance. Provides excellent background music for any occasion. But was there ever any doubt that this would be a great album when it's George Benson.

Great Collection Of A Forgotten Era, 20 Sep 2008
The name Frank Sinatra is synonymous with with Jazz, Swing and Orchestral sound of music. He had an unmatched vocal talent and his music will always be viewed as legendary. It's hard to believe it's just over 10 years since we unfortunately lost this musical great. The Platinum collection compiles all of his classic greats that anyone and everyone would recognise instantly. His music wasn't made in the same way as todays standards. It wasn't released album by album, and you didn't need crazy looking music videos in order to get people to pay attention. It was music created solely to be performed in front of small audiences at such places like the legendary Copacabana night club. It wasn't music created with cheap gimmicks or a fancy look, it was music. Music from the heart and soul. This is what makes Sinatra the greatest vocalist in history.

Since the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack, music has slowly gone down hill in regards to vocal ability. With the odd exceptions of course. We needn't fret though, as the Platinum collection gives us the opportunity to relive the Sinatra sound whenever we need to relax.

This is the definitive collection with the classics like "Come Fly With Me" "Love and Marriage" "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "Witchcraft." There's no denying the talent of Sinatra and there's no way you can dismiss this album. If you have even an ounce of respect for Sinatra or that generation of music you will all buy it.

The Voice, 09 Jul 2008
I have been listening to Sinatra for about 50 years and I still LISTEN to him and I still occasionally find something new in the way he treats a song. I saw him in concert four times! His phrasing and his ability to sing so much with a single breath ( he swam underwater to improve this )were tools that he used with such effect.There have been many people who emulated him but no-one who came anywhere near him, as this collection shows very plainly.

Masterly Compilation, 02 Jul 2006
A superb compilation. I have a good few Sinatra albums but none of the other compilations I have comes near this.
It has some of the finest records he ever made,across three, truly marvellous CDs. If you buy this, I cannot see how you could not love it.
Get this, then treat yourself to "Songs For Swinging Lovers " & "In The Wee Small Hours" (two superbly crafted records) & you'll be sorted.
A truly far reaching & expansive compilation. Excellent value, considering the quality of the music.
They really don't make them like this any more - let's face it, there was only one Frank Sinatra - buy this & you'll see why.

Definitive Frank, 25 Feb 2005
The best Frank collection ever. They're all here - "I've got you under my skin", "Chicago", "It was just one of those things".

How Capitol managed to get the best from Frank at a time when his career appeared to be over is one of popular musics great stories.

The absolute and essential definitve Frank Sinatra collection.

The Best Sinatra Album Ever, 21 Jan 2005
If you could collect sinatra's best works and put them in an album, you'd end up with the platinum collection. I can't stress enough how good this album is. Can't stop listening (and singing along) to it regardless of how many times I hear it. A must have for all sinatra fans.

Exquisite Ella: Perfect Porter, 12 Apr 2006
In any rational list of the 20th-century's top song-stylists, Ella Fitzgerald would have to rank in the Top 5. Ella had a wonderful, distinct voice and style. Many singers have great skills. Many have perfect pitch and great intonation. But very few singers can use their voice like a fine instrument. Ella was one of those select few.

Apart from having a wonderful voice, Ella was next to incomparable when it came to interpreting lyrics. It is no wonder that lyricists loved her and were ecstatic when she covered one of their songs. It is also no wonder that during the course of her career Ella recorded various "Song Books" in which she took the work of a great composer/lyricist and dedicated an album or two to their work. Ella did Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins', and Jerome Kern song books among others. They are all wonderful to listen to, all 5-star performances (with the possible exception of the Gershwin song book) but my favorite of all her song books is this one: "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book".

Although the first half of the 20th century had a surplus of great songwriters (see the above) there was something about Cole Porter's that has kept those lyrics fresh and even edgy in the 21st-century. The pairing of Fitzgerald and Porter then is the equivalent of the perfect. A lyricist whose lyrics are funny, witty, charming and, yes, poetic and a singer capable of doing justice to those great lyrics makes for a memorable CD.

This is a 2-CD set (the product description lists it incorrectly as 4). It contains an awful lot of Porter's great songs. Anything Goes, Too Darn Hot, Let's Do it, and I'm Always True to You in My Fashion are my highlights for CD-1. Night and Day, I've Got You Under My Skin, Love for Sale, and You're the Top, top off CD-2. Ella recorded these in 1956, exactly half a century ago under the auspices of the wonderful producer Norman Granz. Verve Records has restored the masters and the sound quality is excellent for a re-mastered recording.

Cole Porter once said that "In olden days a glimpse of stockings, was looked on as something shocking, Now heaven knows, anything goes." Well, all these decades later these songs go great with anything. You can enjoy them "in the still of the night" or "all through the night". These songs "do something to me" and I can say nothing more than this CD is the tops, it's the Tower of Pisa, it's the smile on the Mona Lisa.

If you can find this available, do yourself a favor and buy it, then sit back and enjoy.

Back to basics, 19 Feb 2005
If you are a jazz fan, you've heard most of the songs on this album a hundred times in a thousand different versions, mostly as instrumentals. Now is your chance to hear them as Cole Porter wrote them and, in particular, to pay attention to the lyrics. Porter's powerful poetry would often be banned in today's politcally correct world. Thank god we still have these recordings.

We all have a tendency to think that Sinatra put down the official american songbook soundtrack (please **** off, Rod Stewart, Jaimie whatsit, Bubley and all the rest of you new converts) but Ella's recordings sit side by side with the Chairman of the Board's.

None of Ella's fantastic scat here. Just plain straight forward singing of the songs of one of the 20th century's greatest composers with wonderful arrangements and a fantastic diction which makes printed lyrics unnecessary.

We can all complain about the Cole Porter songs that are missing from this set, but it is wonderful. A couple of tracks with 1950s latin feel have aged enormously, but the majority is just plain brilliant.

If you are a musician you will agree tha Cole Porter's are amongst the most difficult standards to play. Ella will give you a lesson in simplicity that you will never forget.
Just listen to Miss Otis Regrets. This is clearly a desert island disc.

Ella & Cole Porter - Need I say more, 06 Feb 2005
Ella is always a pleasure to listen to, but Ella with classy material is something special. This is what you get on this double album. The "Song Book" series is renown and this is arguably the best.

I own the earlier CD releases as well as this later double album. There is a difference in the sound as a result of the re-mastering but I would not like to say which sounds the better. I do wonder why Verve bothered to re-master when the originals still sound wonderful but do not let this consideration of fine judgement prevent you from buying a great album.

A great collection messed up by an engineer, 02 May 2001
This was one of the great recordings of all time showing off the range, depth and expression of Ella's astonishing voice. Unfortunately this re-master has lost all the warmth and subtlety that could be found on the original CD. (Yes, I do know it was originally on record.) It has brought Ella's voice forward and thinned it out. The whole balance has been tilted upwards with the brass sounding sharp and the violins almost without timbre. Most tragically of all, the unequalled expressive qualities of her voice, that knowingness, have been largely stripped away leaving only a singer with an astonishing ability to hit the right note.

Such a failing draws one towards the conclusion that the engineer was either not a fan of Ella or simply didn't understand her qualities. In short, the collection has been ruined. Because this is an album that should be in every record collection, my advice is to scour the secondhand record shops for the individual CDs. That suggestion becomes an imperative if you have spent money on your hi-fi system and are expecting more rather than less from this re-master.

Vintage Ella at its very best - a must for jazz romantics!, 29 Mar 2001
The lightness and joy with which she sings Cole Porter is effortless and exquisite with just a slight swing. Buddy Bregman's orchestra provides just the right balance of backdrop. A comprehensive set which includes all of the major tracks (I get a kick out of you, Let's do it, I love Paris, Easy to Love, You're the Top, Love for Sale, etc), plus the special bonus of previously unissued alternative takes - including Ella's comments when recording 'Let's do it'.

Beautifully remastered, this set of disks has great sound quality on an average system.

A must for all jazz fans and romantics alike.

If you like Nat King Cole and haven't discovered Ella yet, you could do worse than to start with this set.

Natural Romantic!, 30 Jan 2006
This man speaks love and better than that,sings love like the air he breaths.This particular collection is so breathtaking especially Mona Lisa.It makes one wonder what's happened to all the realy good music these days.Nat was able to turn a simple story into something like a masterpiece and these lyrics will always remain unforgotten and live on forever......

A timeless easy listening classic!, 28 May 2003
A brillant album, timeless of the era and is perfect bliss. From the perfectly mellow "Christmas Song" to the perfectly jazz infused "Let there be Love", my personal favourite. And probably his best known due to its inclusion in many jazz albums. His appeal is still far reaching today with his tracks used for commercials such Quality Street and British Meat. If you like "Let there be love" you won't be disappointed by the album.

Ultimate..with the "e" missing, 09 Nov 2002
"Around The World" and "There Will Never Be Another You", would truly have made this album the "Ultimate",the solution of course is easy nowadays,put all these on a blank cd and add the other2 yourself (is this illegal).The compilers of these important artiste studies,usually come up short somewhere,even though there are scant examples of Nat ever coming up "short". This is a wonderful compilation of feet up eyes closed music,administered by an Artiste who deserves never to have an under par effort from a compiler. Nevertheless,you will love this even without the 2 missing gems.Enjoy

The greatest songs by the greatest voice of all time., 28 May 2000
Nat King Cole remains the greatest singer to ever record a song so one should be happy to listen to any album of his. However, this has to be the best Nat King Cole album one could ask for. Filled with some of the most romantic songs ever written, such as Unforgettable, When I Fall in Love and On The Street Where You Live, I can recommend this to any enthusiast of the jazz legend.

A CD to set the mood for relaxation or romance, 16 Dec 1999
The warmth and atmosphere, created by voice and music in this collection, provide a wonderfully serene listening experience. As a backdrop for a romantic evening or just pure relaxation this CD must be one of the best around.

NORAH JONES - come away with me, 10 Aug 2008
The album was fantastic! The selection of songs was good. The songs are beautifully sung; I especially enjoyed `Don't Know Why' and `Nightingale'. Norah has a great voice, her music is soothing. NORAH JONES - come away with me, is definitely a good buy!


Nightingale!!!, 28 May 2008
Well, I have just worked my way through 70 reviews of this wonderful album, and did not see a single mention of what, to me, is the best track on here, so I thought I would try to redress the balance.
The song in question is the magnificent Nightingale, one of Norah's own compositions. I can remember the first time I listened to this album, it was on in the background whilst we were cooking or something, and the album slipped by beautifully in the background, but when it came to Nightingale, my ears really pricked up and I had to go back and listen to it again.
To me, everything about the song is fantastic, from the vocals to the unusual drumming to the absolute highlight of the song - the guitar solo. I am a bit of a guitar solo nut, and enjoy all genres of music from the heaviest metal, to jazz to country and plain old rock, and to me, the solo in this song is as good as any I have heard. The tone of the guitar is amazing, and the solo is composed beautifully, perfectly fitting into the song, which is what a good solo should do.
Anyway, I am glad I have got that off my chest now.
The rest of the album is marvellous, too, especially Come Away With Me, one of the most relaxing songs ever.

Seduction on a silver platter, 18 Jun 2007
Norah has the most seductive vocal delivery I have ever heard in all my years of buying recorded music. The first time I noticed such things was when I heard the Supremes, led by the voluptuously skinny Dianna Ross, doing "Baby Love" on TOTP half a century ago. Since then, I have moved on to Julie London, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and sundry other sultries but none of them is a patch on Norah in the seductivenesss stakes. Female crooning just doesn't come any more breathily appealing than this.

I'm listening to the album right now and I'm going to sign off so I can immerse myself in her version of Hoagy Carmichael's superb "Nearness of You" again. Although he wrote it seventy years ago, it now belongs to Norah... and to me and to every other bloke on the planet who cares to give it a listen. I'm sure that would include Hoagy as well, if he were still around to hear it.

this album is absolutely fantastic, 20 Jul 2006
I don't usually listen to laid-back-take-it-easy music like this,but I have to say this cd is wonderful.Its classy mix of country,pop and jazz are a powerful cocktail and highly addictive.By the time Norah got to the title track Come Away with Me I found myself thinking "just tell me where we're going honey!" By the time the next track Shoot the Moon arrived I felt as though I could.For me this album is summed up by The Nearness of You.But it's Norah who's near:you really feel that she's singing to you.

Be moved, 28 Nov 2005
There will always be some fans of any genre that isn't pop who will instantly hate something for its popularity and desperately try and shout about how this isn't rock/metal/jazz etc.

Forget the genre. Forget the popularity and forget the adverts on telly and just listen.

This album has stolen my heart, thrown it on top of its piano and sauntered off into a lazy sunset. It is superb. Probably one of the best albums I have heard in a LONG time (and I work with music).

Norah's voice, which is a beautiful sound on the ear, takes you through a fantastic series of songs each as beautiful as the last. The power in her voice is distinct and obvious, but she does not belt out the sounds needlessly, with only a hint at what she can do. She takes us gently, and its unutterably beautiful.

Just buy the album. Outstanding

The return of Mr.Benson!, 18 Nov 2008
I once had Bensons'Greatest Hits and listened to the album over and over again..Then I gave it to a man I loved, cause he loved him aswell.
That love is gone now, but my love for Mr.Benson is as srong as ever.
This cd holds all the songs I've once had,eccept one(Living inside your love)That's fair enough.
Beautiful,don't hesitate to buy it if you want a complete album!
Miranda

Yet another 'best of' album..., 17 Feb 2006
There have been numerous 'Best Of George Benson' compilations over recent years, none of which have been all-inclusive (that is a probable marketing ploy). This re-packaged selection continues the trend; having said that, it does serve as a pleasing introduction to the superb fusion jazz/R&B/pop that Mr Benson serves up masterfully.

Beware, edited tracks, 27 Aug 2004
"The Greatest Love Of All", one of Benson's greatest performances, has an entire verse edited out on this CD, a shameful fact which degrades an otherwise attractive collection of songs, representing the best of George Benson. A fine artist, at his best when singing songs written by Micheal Masser I feel, "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" "In Your Eyes" "You Are The Love Of My Life" "Greatest Love Of All" all of which are presented on this CD.

The Greatest Album of All, 27 Mar 2004
I am glad I bought this album. The songs are lively and lightened my spirits to hear. There are 20 songs, and the CD itself has a cover over it for protection. I love track 1) Give me the night, 5) Nothing's gonna change my love for you, and 11) You are the love of my life. My favourite since childhood is track 6) The greatest love of all, and since last year 10) In your eyes. All very lovely songs by a talented artist named George Benson, who has a good voice. Buy this cd if you like love songs or good pop and jazz music. It's an album that is definitely one of my favourites, and currently my most favourite.

Brilliant album from a brilliant artist., 28 Jul 2003
This album from start to finish is one of brilliance. Provides excellent background music for any occasion. But was there ever any doubt that this would be a great album when it's George Benson.

Great Collection Of A Forgotten Era, 20 Sep 2008
The name Frank Sinatra is synonymous with with Jazz, Swing and Orchestral sound of music. He had an unmatched vocal talent and his music will always be viewed as legendary. It's hard to believe it's just over 10 years since we unfortunately lost this musical great. The Platinum collection compiles all of his classic greats that anyone and everyone would recognise instantly. His music wasn't made in the same way as todays standards. It wasn't released album by album, and you didn't need crazy looking music videos in order to get people to pay attention. It was music created solely to be performed in front of small audiences at such places like the legendary Copacabana night club. It wasn't music created with cheap gimmicks or a fancy look, it was music. Music from the heart and soul. This is what makes Sinatra the greatest vocalist in history.

Since the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack, music has slowly gone down hill in regards to vocal ability. With the odd exceptions of course. We needn't fret though, as the Platinum collection gives us the opportunity to relive the Sinatra sound whenever we need to relax.

This is the definitive collection with the classics like "Come Fly With Me" "Love and Marriage" "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "Witchcraft." There's no denying the talent of Sinatra and there's no way you can dismiss this album. If you have even an ounce of respect for Sinatra or that generation of music you will all buy it.

The Voice, 09 Jul 2008
I have been listening to Sinatra for about 50 years and I still LISTEN to him and I still occasionally find something new in the way he treats a song. I saw him in concert four times! His phrasing and his ability to sing so much with a single breath ( he swam underwater to improve this )were tools that he used with such effect.There have been many people who emulated him but no-one who came anywhere near him, as this collection shows very plainly.

Masterly Compilation, 02 Jul 2006
A superb compilation. I have a good few Sinatra albums but none of the other compilations I have comes near this.
It has some of the finest records he ever made,across three, truly marvellous CDs. If you buy this, I cannot see how you could not love it.
Get this, then treat yourself to "Songs For Swinging Lovers " & "In The Wee Small Hours" (two superbly crafted records) & you'll be sorted.
A truly far reaching & expansive compilation. Excellent value, considering the quality of the music.
They really don't make them like this any more - let's face it, there was only one Frank Sinatra - buy this & you'll see why.

Definitive Frank, 25 Feb 2005
The best Frank collection ever. They're all here - "I've got you under my skin", "Chicago", "It was just one of those things".

How Capitol managed to get the best from Frank at a time when his career appeared to be over is one of popular musics great stories.

The absolute and essential definitve Frank Sinatra collection.

The Best Sinatra Album Ever, 21 Jan 2005
If you could collect sinatra's best works and put them in an album, you'd end up with the platinum collection. I can't stress enough how good this album is. Can't stop listening (and singing along) to it regardless of how many times I hear it. A must have for all sinatra fans.

Exquisite Ella: Perfect Porter, 12 Apr 2006
In any rational list of the 20th-century's top song-stylists, Ella Fitzgerald would have to rank in the Top 5. Ella had a wonderful, distinct voice and style. Many singers have great skills. Many have perfect pitch and great intonation. But very few singers can use their voice like a fine instrument. Ella was one of those select few.

Apart from having a wonderful voice, Ella was next to incomparable when it came to interpreting lyrics. It is no wonder that lyricists loved her and were ecstatic when she covered one of their songs. It is also no wonder that during the course of her career Ella recorded various "Song Books" in which she took the work of a great composer/lyricist and dedicated an album or two to their work. Ella did Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins', and Jerome Kern song books among others. They are all wonderful to listen to, all 5-star performances (with the possible exception of the Gershwin song book) but my favorite of all her song books is this one: "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book".

Although the first half of the 20th century had a surplus of great songwriters (see the above) there was something about Cole Porter's that has kept those lyrics fresh and even edgy in the 21st-century. The pairing of Fitzgerald and Porter then is the equivalent of the perfect. A lyricist whose lyrics are funny, witty, charming and, yes, poetic and a singer capable of doing justice to those great lyrics makes for a memorable CD.

This is a 2-CD set (the product description lists it incorrectly as 4). It contains an awful lot of Porter's great songs. Anything Goes, Too Darn Hot, Let's Do it, and I'm Always True to You in My Fashion are my highlights for CD-1. Night and Day, I've Got You Under My Skin, Love for Sale, and You're the Top, top off CD-2. Ella recorded these in 1956, exactly half a century ago under the auspices of the wonderful producer Norman Granz. Verve Records has restored the masters and the sound quality is excellent for a re-mastered recording.

Cole Porter once said that "In olden days a glimpse of stockings, was looked on as something shocking, Now heaven knows, anything goes." Well, all these decades later these songs go great with anything. You can enjoy them "in the still of the night" or "all through the night". These songs "do something to me" and I can say nothing more than this CD is the tops, it's the Tower of Pisa, it's the smile on the Mona Lisa.

If you can find this available, do yourself a favor and buy it, then sit back and enjoy.

Back to basics, 19 Feb 2005
If you are a jazz fan, you've heard most of the songs on this album a hundred times in a thousand different versions, mostly as instrumentals. Now is your chance to hear them as Cole Porter wrote them and, in particular, to pay attention to the lyrics. Porter's powerful poetry would often be banned in today's politcally correct world. Thank god we still have these recordings.

We all have a tendency to think that Sinatra put down the official american songbook soundtrack (please **** off, Rod Stewart, Jaimie whatsit, Bubley and all the rest of you new converts) but Ella's recordings sit side by side with the Chairman of the Board's.

None of Ella's fantastic scat here. Just plain straight forward singing of the songs of one of the 20th century's greatest composers with wonderful arrangements and a fantastic diction which makes printed lyrics unnecessary.

We can all complain about the Cole Porter songs that are missing from this set, but it is wonderful. A couple of tracks with 1950s latin feel have aged enormously, but the majority is just plain brilliant.

If you are a musician you will agree tha Cole Porter's are amongst the most difficult standards to play. Ella will give you a lesson in simplicity that you will never forget.
Just listen to Miss Otis Regrets. This is clearly a desert island disc.

Ella & Cole Porter - Need I say more, 06 Feb 2005
Ella is always a pleasure to listen to, but Ella with classy material is something special. This is what you get on this double album. The "Song Book" series is renown and this is arguably the best.

I own the earlier CD releases as well as this later double album. There is a difference in the sound as a result of the re-mastering but I would not like to say which sounds the better. I do wonder why Verve bothered to re-master when the originals still sound wonderful but do not let this consideration of fine judgement prevent you from buying a great album.

A great collection messed up by an engineer, 02 May 2001
This was one of the great recordings of all time showing off the range, depth and expression of Ella's astonishing voice. Unfortunately this re-master has lost all the warmth and subtlety that could be found on the original CD. (Yes, I do know it was originally on record.) It has brought Ella's voice forward and thinned it out. The whole balance has been tilted upwards with the brass sounding sharp and the violins almost without timbre. Most tragically of all, the unequalled expressive qualities of her voice, that knowingness, have been largely stripped away leaving only a singer with an astonishing ability to hit the right note.

Such a failing draws one towards the conclusion that the engineer was either not a fan of Ella or simply didn't understand her qualities. In short, the collection has been ruined. Because this is an album that should be in every record collection, my advice is to scour the secondhand record shops for the individual CDs. That suggestion becomes an imperative if you have spent money on your hi-fi system and are expecting more rather than less from this re-master.

Vintage Ella at its very best - a must for jazz romantics!, 29 Mar 2001
The lightness and joy with which she sings Cole Porter is effortless and exquisite with just a slight swing. Buddy Bregman's orchestra provides just the right balance of backdrop. A comprehensive set which includes all of the major tracks (I get a kick out of you, Let's do it, I love Paris, Easy to Love, You're the Top, Love for Sale, etc), plus the special bonus of previously unissued alternative takes - including Ella's comments when recording 'Let's do it'.

Beautifully remastered, this set of disks has great sound quality on an average system.

A must for all jazz fans and romantics alike.

If you like Nat King Cole and haven't discovered Ella yet, you could do worse than to start with this set.

Natural Romantic!, 30 Jan 2006
This man speaks love and better than that,sings love like the air he breaths.This particular collection is so breathtaking especially Mona Lisa.It makes one wonder what's happened to all the realy good music these days.Nat was able to turn a simple story into something like a masterpiece and these lyrics will always remain unforgotten and live on forever......

A timeless easy listening classic!, 28 May 2003
A brillant album, timeless of the era and is perfect bliss. From the perfectly mellow "Christmas Song" to the perfectly jazz infused "Let there be Love", my personal favourite. And probably his best known due to its inclusion in many jazz albums. His appeal is still far reaching today with his tracks used for commercials such Quality Street and British Meat. If you like "Let there be love" you won't be disappointed by the album.

Ultimate..with the "e" missing, 09 Nov 2002
"Around The World" and "There Will Never Be Another You", would truly have made this album the "Ultimate",the solution of course is easy nowadays,put all these on a blank cd and add the other2 yourself (is this illegal).The compilers of these important artiste studies,usually come up short somewhere,even though there are scant examples of Nat ever coming up "short". This is a wonderful compilation of feet up eyes closed music,administered by an Artiste who deserves never to have an under par effort from a compiler. Nevertheless,you will love this even without the 2 missing gems.Enjoy

The greatest songs by the greatest voice of all time., 28 May 2000
Nat King Cole remains the greatest singer to ever record a song so one should be happy to listen to any album of his. However, this has to be the best Nat King Cole album one could ask for. Filled with some of the most romantic songs ever written, such as Unforgettable, When I Fall in Love and On The Street Where You Live, I can recommend this to any enthusiast of the jazz legend.

A CD to set the mood for relaxation or romance, 16 Dec 1999
The warmth and atmosphere, created by voice and music in this collection, provide a wonderfully serene listening experience. As a backdrop for a romantic evening or just pure relaxation this CD must be one of the best around.

She Had It All, 07 Oct 2007
Some rave about Ella Fitzgerald, her tonal purity and mirth, but say she could lack emotional depth (not sure I agree). Some rave about Billie Holliday, but have to cede that she had a narrow range, although she was a groundbreaking stylist. Sarah Vaughan was the third great female voice of jazz, and believe you me, she lacked nothing!

This album is a wonderful budget introduction to one of the most remarkable voices of all time. Her range and her sheer musical intelligence are unsurpassable.

Sarah Vaughan- the Ultimate Voice, 09 Dec 2003
This CD is a selection of some of Sarah Vaughan's more recognised and most beautiful material. her rich, brown contralo voice is finely represented on this CD which includes tracks such as Summertime, Aint Misbehavin', and Time after Time.
A must for all Sarah Vaughan lovers.

Just as irony is being pronounced dead, along comes the boozy holiday compilation Christmas with the Rat Pack, suggesting that rumours of its demise may be premature. Given the culture's simmering lounge mania, this collection (with its cheesy homage/rip-off Oceans 11 art direction) may be belated--but hey, punctuality was never these swingin' cats' bag, Jack.

The novelty of having three of the 20th century's most notorious sinners belt, whoop and sing the praises of sleigh bells, roasting chestnuts and the virgin birth would be enough to recommend this dizzy 21-track delight, but there's actually some rewarding pop archaeology here as well.

Two of the best tracks--Sammy Davis's ring-a-ding-ding romp through "Jingle Bells" and Dino's dreamy "Peace on Earth/Silent Night"--hail from a vintage, ultra-rare Reprise sampler. Sammy's typically over-the-top "Christmastime All Over the World" and Nat Cole tribute, "The Christmas Song" also make their CD debut.

Dino's holiday TV specials yield more unreleased rarities: Sinatra-Martin duets of the loopy "Marshmallow World" and a touchingly tipsy take on "Auld Lang Syne" that suggests the boys have shared more than one cup of kindness. --Jerry McCulley

NORAH JONES - come away with me, 10 Aug 2008
The album was fantastic! The selection of songs was good. The songs are beautifully sung; I especially enjoyed `Don't Know Why' and `Nightingale'. Norah has a great voice, her music is soothing. NORAH JONES - come away with me, is definitely a good buy!


Nightingale!!!, 28 May 2008
Well, I have just worked my way through 70 reviews of this wonderful album, and did not see a single mention of what, to me, is the best track on here, so I thought I would try to redress the balance.
The song in question is the magnificent Nightingale, one of Norah's own compositions. I can remember the first time I listened to this album, it was on in the background whilst we were cooking or something, and the album slipped by beautifully in the background, but when it came to Nightingale, my ears really pricked up and I had to go back and listen to it again.
To me, everything about the song is fantastic, from the vocals to the unusual drumming to the absolute highlight of the song - the guitar solo. I am a bit of a guitar solo nut, and enjoy all genres of music from the heaviest metal, to jazz to country and plain old rock, and to me, the solo in this song is as good as any I have heard. The tone of the guitar is amazing, and the solo is composed beautifully, perfectly fitting into the song, which is what a good solo should do.
Anyway, I am glad I have got that off my chest now.
The rest of the album is marvellous, too, especially Come Away With Me, one of the most relaxing songs ever.

Seduction on a silver platter, 18 Jun 2007
Norah has the most seductive vocal delivery I have ever heard in all my years of buying recorded music. The first time I noticed such things was when I heard the Supremes, led by the voluptuously skinny Dianna Ross, doing "Baby Love" on TOTP half a century ago. Since then, I have moved on to Julie London, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and sundry other sultries but none of them is a patch on Norah in the seductivenesss stakes. Female crooning just doesn't come any more breathily appealing than this.

I'm listening to the album right now and I'm going to sign off so I can immerse myself in her version of Hoagy Carmichael's superb "Nearness of You" again. Although he wrote it seventy years ago, it now belongs to Norah... and to me and to every other bloke on the planet who cares to give it a listen. I'm sure that would include Hoagy as well, if he were still around to hear it.

this album is absolutely fantastic, 20 Jul 2006
I don't usually listen to laid-back-take-it-easy music like this,but I have to say this cd is wonderful.Its classy mix of country,pop and jazz are a powerful cocktail and highly addictive.By the time Norah got to the title track Come Away with Me I found myself thinking "just tell me where we're going honey!" By the time the next track Shoot the Moon arrived I felt as though I could.For me this album is summed up by The Nearness of You.But it's Norah who's near:you really feel that she's singing to you.

Be moved, 28 Nov 2005
There will always be some fans of any genre that isn't pop who will instantly hate something for its popularity and desperately try and shout about how this isn't rock/metal/jazz etc.

Forget the genre. Forget the popularity and forget the adverts on telly and just listen.

This album has stolen my heart, thrown it on top of its piano and sauntered off into a lazy sunset. It is superb. Probably one of the best albums I have heard in a LONG time (and I work with music).

Norah's voice, which is a beautiful sound on the ear, takes you through a fantastic series of songs each as beautiful as the last. The power in her voice is distinct and obvious, but she does not belt out the sounds needlessly, with only a hint at what she can do. She takes us gently, and its unutterably beautiful.

Just buy the album. Outstanding

The return of Mr.Benson!, 18 Nov 2008
I once had Bensons'Greatest Hits and listened to the album over and over again..Then I gave it to a man I loved, cause he loved him aswell.
That love is gone now, but my love for Mr.Benson is as srong as ever.
This cd holds all the songs I've once had,eccept one(Living inside your love)That's fair enough.
Beautiful,don't hesitate to buy it if you want a complete album!
Miranda

Yet another 'best of' album..., 17 Feb 2006
There have been numerous 'Best Of George Benson' compilations over recent years, none of which have been all-inclusive (that is a probable marketing ploy). This re-packaged selection continues the trend; having said that, it does serve as a pleasing introduction to the superb fusion jazz/R&B/pop that Mr Benson serves up masterfully.

Beware, edited tracks, 27 Aug 2004
"The Greatest Love Of All", one of Benson's greatest performances, has an entire verse edited out on this CD, a shameful fact which degrades an otherwise attractive collection of songs, representing the best of George Benson. A fine artist, at his best when singing songs written by Micheal Masser I feel, "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" "In Your Eyes" "You Are The Love Of My Life" "Greatest Love Of All" all of which are presented on this CD.

The Greatest Album of All, 27 Mar 2004
I am glad I bought this album. The songs are lively and lightened my spirits to hear. There are 20 songs, and the CD itself has a cover over it for protection. I love track 1) Give me the night, 5) Nothing's gonna change my love for you, and 11) You are the love of my life. My favourite since childhood is track 6) The greatest love of all, and since last year 10) In your eyes. All very lovely songs by a talented artist named George Benson, who has a good voice. Buy this cd if you like love songs or good pop and jazz music. It's an album that is definitely one of my favourites, and currently my most favourite.

Brilliant album from a brilliant artist., 28 Jul 2003
This album from start to finish is one of brilliance. Provides excellent background music for any occasion. But was there ever any doubt that this would be a great album when it's George Benson.

Great Collection Of A Forgotten Era, 20 Sep 2008
The name Frank Sinatra is synonymous with with Jazz, Swing and Orchestral sound of music. He had an unmatched vocal talent and his music will always be viewed as legendary. It's hard to believe it's just over 10 years since we unfortunately lost this musical great. The Platinum collection compiles all of his classic greats that anyone and everyone would recognise instantly. His music wasn't made in the same way as todays standards. It wasn't released album by album, and you didn't need crazy looking music videos in order to get people to pay attention. It was music created solely to be performed in front of small audiences at such places like the legendary Copacabana night club. It wasn't music created with cheap gimmicks or a fancy look, it was music. Music from the heart and soul. This is what makes Sinatra the greatest vocalist in history.

Since the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack, music has slowly gone down hill in regards to vocal ability. With the odd exceptions of course. We needn't fret though, as the Platinum collection gives us the opportunity to relive the Sinatra sound whenever we need to relax.

This is the definitive collection with the classics like "Come Fly With Me" "Love and Marriage" "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "Witchcraft." There's no denying the talent of Sinatra and there's no way you can dismiss this album. If you have even an ounce of respect for Sinatra or that generation of music you will all buy it.

The Voice, 09 Jul 2008
I have been listening to Sinatra for about 50 years and I still LISTEN to him and I still occasionally find something new in the way he treats a song. I saw him in concert four times! His phrasing and his ability to sing so much with a single breath ( he swam underwater to improve this )were tools that he used with such effect.There have been many people who emulated him but no-one who came anywhere near him, as this collection shows very plainly.

Masterly Compilation, 02 Jul 2006
A superb compilation. I have a good few Sinatra albums but none of the other compilations I have comes near this.
It has some of the finest records he ever made,across three, truly marvellous CDs. If you buy this, I cannot see how you could not love it.
Get this, then treat yourself to "Songs For Swinging Lovers " & "In The Wee Small Hours" (two superbly crafted records) & you'll be sorted.
A truly far reaching & expansive compilation. Excellent value, considering the quality of the music.
They really don't make them like this any more - let's face it, there was only one Frank Sinatra - buy this & you'll see why.

Definitive Frank, 25 Feb 2005
The best Frank collection ever. They're all here - "I've got you under my skin", "Chicago", "It was just one of those things".

How Capitol managed to get the best from Frank at a time when his career appeared to be over is one of popular musics great stories.

The absolute and essential definitve Frank Sinatra collection.

The Best Sinatra Album Ever, 21 Jan 2005
If you could collect sinatra's best works and put them in an album, you'd end up with the platinum collection. I can't stress enough how good this album is. Can't stop listening (and singing along) to it regardless of how many times I hear it. A must have for all sinatra fans.

Exquisite Ella: Perfect Porter, 12 Apr 2006
In any rational list of the 20th-century's top song-stylists, Ella Fitzgerald would have to rank in the Top 5. Ella had a wonderful, distinct voice and style. Many singers have great skills. Many have perfect pitch and great intonation. But very few singers can use their voice like a fine instrument. Ella was one of those select few.

Apart from having a wonderful voice, Ella was next to incomparable when it came to interpreting lyrics. It is no wonder that lyricists loved her and were ecstatic when she covered one of their songs. It is also no wonder that during the course of her career Ella recorded various "Song Books" in which she took the work of a great composer/lyricist and dedicated an album or two to their work. Ella did Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins', and Jerome Kern song books among others. They are all wonderful to listen to, all 5-star performances (with the possible exception of the Gershwin song book) but my favorite of all her song books is this one: "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book".

Although the first half of the 20th century had a surplus of great songwriters (see the above) there was something about Cole Porter's that has kept those lyrics fresh and even edgy in the 21st-century. The pairing of Fitzgerald and Porter then is the equivalent of the perfect. A lyricist whose lyrics are funny, witty, charming and, yes, poetic and a singer capable of doing justice to those great lyrics makes for a memorable CD.

This is a 2-CD set (the product description lists it incorrectly as 4). It contains an awful lot of Porter's great songs. Anything Goes, Too Darn Hot, Let's Do it, and I'm Always True to You in My Fashion are my highlights for CD-1. Night and Day, I've Got You Under My Skin, Love for Sale, and You're the Top, top off CD-2. Ella recorded these in 1956, exactly half a century ago under the auspices of the wonderful producer Norman Granz. Verve Records has restored the masters and the sound quality is excellent for a re-mastered recording.

Cole Porter once said that "In olden days a glimpse of stockings, was looked on as something shocking, Now heaven knows, anything goes." Well, all these decades later these songs go great with anything. You can enjoy them "in the still of the night" or "all through the night". These songs "do something to me" and I can say nothing more than this CD is the tops, it's the Tower of Pisa, it's the smile on the Mona Lisa.

If you can find this available, do yourself a favor and buy it, then sit back and enjoy.

Back to basics, 19 Feb 2005
If you are a jazz fan, you've heard most of the songs on this album a hundred times in a thousand different versions, mostly as instrumentals. Now is your chance to hear them as Cole Porter wrote them and, in particular, to pay attention to the lyrics. Porter's powerful poetry would often be banned in today's politcally correct world. Thank god we still have these recordings.

We all have a tendency to think that Sinatra put down the official american songbook soundtrack (please **** off, Rod Stewart, Jaimie whatsit, Bubley and all the rest of you new converts) but Ella's recordings sit side by side with the Chairman of the Board's.

None of Ella's fantastic scat here. Just plain straight forward singing of the songs of one of the 20th century's greatest composers with wonderful arrangements and a fantastic diction which makes printed lyrics unnecessary.

We can all complain about the Cole Porter songs that are missing from this set, but it is wonderful. A couple of tracks with 1950s latin feel have aged enormously, but the majority is just plain brilliant.

If you are a musician you will agree tha Cole Porter's are amongst the most difficult standards to play. Ella will give you a lesson in simplicity that you will never forget.
Just listen to Miss Otis Regrets. This is clearly a desert island disc.

Ella & Cole Porter - Need I say more, 06 Feb 2005
Ella is always a pleasure to listen to, but Ella with classy material is something special. This is what you get on this double album. The "Song Book" series is renown and this is arguably the best.

I own the earlier CD releases as well as this later double album. There is a difference in the sound as a result of the re-mastering but I would not like to say which sounds the better. I do wonder why Verve bothered to re-master when the originals still sound wonderful but do not let this consideration of fine judgement prevent you from buying a great album.

A great collection messed up by an engineer, 02 May 2001
This was one of the great recordings of all time showing off the range, depth and expression of Ella's astonishing voice. Unfortunately this re-master has lost all the warmth and subtlety that could be found on the original CD. (Yes, I do know it was originally on record.) It has brought Ella's voice forward and thinned it out. The whole balance has been tilted upwards with the brass sounding sharp and the violins almost without timbre. Most tragically of all, the unequalled expressive qualities of her voice, that knowingness, have been largely stripped away leaving only a singer with an astonishing ability to hit the right note.

Such a failing draws one towards the conclusion that the engineer was either not a fan of Ella or simply didn't understand her qualities. In short, the collection has been ruined. Because this is an album that should be in every record collection, my advice is to scour the secondhand record shops for the individual CDs. That suggestion becomes an imperative if you have spent money on your hi-fi system and are expecting more rather than less from this re-master.

Vintage Ella at its very best - a must for jazz romantics!, 29 Mar 2001
The lightness and joy with which she sings Cole Porter is effortless and exquisite with just a slight swing. Buddy Bregman's orchestra provides just the right balance of backdrop. A comprehensive set which includes all of the major tracks (I get a kick out of you, Let's do it, I love Paris, Easy to Love, You're the Top, Love for Sale, etc), plus the special bonus of previously unissued alternative takes - including Ella's comments when recording 'Let's do it'.

Beautifully remastered, this set of disks has great sound quality on an average system.

A must for all jazz fans and romantics alike.

If you like Nat King Cole and haven't discovered Ella yet, you could do worse than to start with this set.

Natural Romantic!, 30 Jan 2006
This man speaks love and better than that,sings love like the air he breaths.This particular collection is so breathtaking especially Mona Lisa.It makes one wonder what's happened to all the realy good music these days.Nat was able to turn a simple story into something like a masterpiece and these lyrics will always remain unforgotten and live on forever......

A timeless easy listening classic!, 28 May 2003
A brillant album, timeless of the era and is perfect bliss. From the perfectly mellow "Christmas Song" to the perfectly jazz infused "Let there be Love", my personal favourite. And probably his best known due to its inclusion in many jazz albums. His appeal is still far reaching today with his tracks used for commercials such Quality Street and British Meat. If you like "Let there be love" you won't be disappointed by the album.

Ultimate..with the "e" missing, 09 Nov 2002
"Around The World" and "There Will Never Be Another You", would truly have made this album the "Ultimate",the solution of course is easy nowadays,put all these on a blank cd and add the other2 yourself (is this illegal).The compilers of these important artiste studies,usually come up short somewhere,even though there are scant examples of Nat ever coming up "short". This is a wonderful compilation of feet up eyes closed music,administered by an Artiste who deserves never to have an under par effort from a compiler. Nevertheless,you will love this even without the 2 missing gems.Enjoy

The greatest songs by the grea