Five Star Review!
In 1960, when Johnny Mathis was just beginning to establish himself, Columbia recognised his burgeoning talent by producing two concept albums as a 2-LP set. Both the vinyl version, and Sony's 1999 digital reissue, are highly sought after by Johnny's legion of fans. "Rhythms of Broadway" presents a dozen pulsating showstoppers, played con brio by Ralph Burns & his Orchestra, and delivered with gusto by Johnny, who seems fired up by the accompaniment, as well he should be. The mood changes with the smoother "Ballads of Broadway", and Glenn Osser's beautifully relaxed orchestral sound, against which Johnny's velvet voice glides like a caress.
Delta is to be congratulated for making this superb set available again at such an affordable price. Sound quality is superb, and the liner note albeit brief, nevertheless sets out the details of Johnny's early career, and lists the provenance of the two dozen songs on offer, most of which are classics of the musical stage. The set should be a must have for long-standing Mathis devotees who can replace their worn vinyl. It should appeal also to younger fans who've never heard it, and aficionados of songs from the musicals.
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