<< 2 LPs on 1 CD >>  << Plus 7 bonus tracks>>

4 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE: The Band and I
4 1/2 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE: Better Than Anything

This release contains two complete albums by the great Irene Kral, both of which present the vocalist accompanied by illustrious jazzmen. On The Band and I (United Artists UAL4016) she sings with a big band arranged by Al Cohn and Ernie Wilkins, and featuring Herb Pomeroy and Charlie Mariano. On Better Than Anything (Ava A33) she’s accompanied by a rhythm section consisting of Junior Mance on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Mickey Roker on drums. All of the songs from a rare radio transcription featuring Irene Kral with the Buddy Collette quintet, as well as the only Kral vocal from an equally rare Shelly Manne broadcast (presenting her only existing version of Forgetful), have been added here as a bonus.

PERSONNEL:

IRENE KRAL, vocals on all tracks, plus
:
[1-12] The Band and I
Herb Pomeroy, Lennie Johnson, Augie Ferretti, Nick Capezuto, Bill Berry (tp),
Gene DiStasio, Joe Ciavardone, Bill Legan (tb), Dave Chapman, Charlie Mariano (as),
Varty Haroutunian, Joe Caruso (ts), Jimmy Mosher (bar), Ray Santisi (p), John Neves (b),
Jimmy Zitano (d). Arrangements by Al Cohn (2-5, 8 & 12) and Ernie Wilkins (1, 6-7 & 9-11).
New York, November 1958.

[13-23] Better Than Anything
Junior Mance (p), Bob Cranshaw (b), Mickey Roker (d).
Hollywood, June 17 & 18, 1963.

* [24-30] Bonus tracks
(24-29) Buddy Collette (fl, cl, ts, as), Al Viola (g), Jack Wilson (p), Jimmy Bond (b)
Bill Goodwin (d). “The Navy Swings” radio transcriptions, Hollywood, 1962.
(30) Russ Freeman (p), Monty Budwig (b), Shelly Manne (d).
Frankly Jazz Tv Show, Los Angeles, 1962.

INCLUDES 12-PAGE BOOKLET

TRACKS:

01 I’d Know You Anywhere
02 Detour Ahead
03 Comes Love
04 Everybody Knew But Me
05 Lazy Afternoon
06 What’s Right For You
07 I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
08 Memphis In June
09 This Little Love
10 The Night We Called It A Day
11 It Isn’t So Good
12 Something To Remember You
13 Better Than Anything
14 The Touch Of Your Lips
15 The Meaning of The Blues
16 Rock Me To Sleep
17 No More
18 Passing By
19 It’s A Wonderful World
20 This Is Always
21 Just Friends
22 Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry
23 Nobody Else But Me
24 The Meaning of The Blues *
25 Just Friends *
26 Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most *
27 Nobody Else But Me *
28 Detour Ahead *
29 It’s A Wonderful World *
30 Forgetful

TOTAL TIME : 77:30