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Title: A wonderful collection!
Review: This marvelous CD presents bandleader Paul Whiteman's number-one hits from 1920-1933, and to say that there are gems scattered liberally throughout is the understatement of the new century. The earliest arrangements (typically by Ferde Grofe) are the most charming--antique in style but with an ageless sophistication that sets them apart from most other popular recordings of their time. I would single out "The Japanese Sandman," "Hot Lips" (with its great "hot" solo by the usually square Henry Busse), "Linger Awhile," and the wildly imaginative Grofe arrangemnt of "Birth of the Blues," dressed up with musical quotes from "Rhapsody in Blue." But these are merely personal preferences--all of the sides are worth hearing over and over. I've been lucky enough to own most of these titles on 78, and the sound--while not state of the art--sure beats listening to the originals. As the cliche goes, this is the one Paul Whiteman CD to own. A delight!!
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