As is often true of Columbia's early-'90s CD series titled
Best of the Big Bands, the music is more rewarding than the packaging, illogical programming, or vacuous liner notes. The recording dates and personnel of the 16
Les Brown recordings on this disc are inexcusably left off. However, most of Brown's biggest hits are here (including his theme "Leap Frog," "Sentimental Journey," "Bizet Has His Day," "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," and "My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time") and the program (although not in chronological order) is consistently satisfying. This is the
Les Brown CD to get, at least until a better reissue series comes along. ~ Scott Yanow