This two-CD set improves upon the original two-LP package by adding 14 more songs. The pop side of
Billy Eckstine was emphasized during his period with MGM and many of these selections (including hit versions of "Everything I Have Is Yours," "Blue Moon," "Caravan," "My Foolish Heart," and "I Apologize") feature his warm baritone backed by string sections. There are some exceptions, including "Mr. B's Blues" (which gives
Eckstine a chance to solo on valve trombone), dates with
Woody Herman and
George Shearing, eight numbers on which the singer is accompanied by
the Bobby Tucker Quartet, and a pair of wonderful performances with
the Metronome All-Stars in 1953 (a group that includes trumpeter
Roy Eldridge, both
Lester Young and
Warne Marsh on tenors, and vibraphonist
Terry Gibbs). Although not as essential from the jazz standpoint as
Billy Eckstine's earlier big-band dates, this two-fer features the singer at the peak of his powers; five ballad duets with
Sarah Vaughan are a highlight. ~ Scott Yanow