This CD sampler features a variety of vocalists singing the tunes of
Irving Berlin. With the exception of a song apiece featuring
Cassandra Wilson ("Blue Skies") and
Shirley Horn from 1988, the music dates from 1952-58. Also heard from are
Billie Holiday,
Fred Astaire, (who has three appearances from 1952), a couple of duets by
Billy Eckstine and
Sarah Vaughan (
Vaughan also takes "They Say It's Wonderful" solo),
Ernestine Anderson,
Bing Crosby ("Cheek To Cheek"),
Blossom Seeley,
Ella Fitzgerald (twice plus a duet with
Louis Armstrong) and
Anita O'Day. With the exception of the obscure
Seeley, all of the performances are also available elsewhere on CD.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi