Billy Eckstine - Love Songs

Love Songs

By Billy Eckstine

Very Good Condition

Mr. B, from the beginning of his solo career, post-Earl Hines. His voice was still fresh-sounding and free of the affectations of his later years. As Billy Vera says in his liner notes, Eckstine was one of the first to plumb the Great American Songbook because, as a new guy on the scene, he and his producer, future Atlantic Records co-founder Herb Abramson, were unable to get access to the best new tunes of the period.

On the first few songs here "B" is backed by his own groundbreaking big bebop band which featured future modern jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Gene Ammons and Art Blakey. The backing on the remaining tunes is excellent as well.

Five stars for historical value and for just plain good romantic vocalizing at its best!

Track List

1.   A COTTAGE FOR SALE

2.   PRISONER OF LOVE

3.   YOU CALL IT MADNESS (BUT I CALL IT LOVE)

4.   DON'T TAKE YOUR LOVE FROM ME

5.   IN MY SOLITUDE

6.   SOPHISTICATED LADY

7.   IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD

8.   TIME ON MY HANDS

9.   MY SILENT LOVE

10.  I SURRENDER, DEAR

11.  MEMORIES OF YOU

12.  SAY IT ISN'T SO