The Great Jazz And Pop Vocal Albums Dept.

Will Friedwald's book of that title is a wonderful read. His knowledge and enthusiasm are a winning combination of fan worship and critical smarts. Of course, we may not agree with his choices ("it's all subjective, innit?" - The Internet, yesterday) but that's part of the fun.

Fred Astaire [left - Ed.] cut one of the very first albums, back when an album was just that - a bound book containing pockets to hold the discs - and it's one of the first albums Friedwald talks about. Fred was the last to claim any merit as a singer, and he has my wholehearted support in this, although Friedwald elevates him to the ranks of the greats (he also rates Chet Baker, another no-voice vocalist - who's next? Claudine Longet?).

Still and all, if you're in the mood for some very sophisticated light and cool combo jazz, which this surely is, you'll dig this. There's an added-value bonus in the download!

Can't think of anything to type here - maybe later.