This
Audiophile
CD combines two
Dick Haymes
sessions made under the direction of
Loonis McGlohon
. The first was done in October 1976 and the second in May 1978 when
Haymes
was almost 60. (The latter turned out to be his final visit to a recording studio before his death in 1980.) And unlikely as it seems, his voice was at its strongest on the later date. The 1978 session was one of the most fulfilling of a recording career which started in the 1940s with
Harry James
when he replaced
Frank Sinatra
, who had moved to
Tommy Dorsey
's band. Along with
Bing Crosby
and
, he was one of the most popular male crooners of the 1940s and 1950s. Recurring public personal difficulties eventually became a drag on his career. This album features songs that
was associated with over that career, plus songs he just felt he wanted to do for this album. There's
"Little White Lies,"
added to a
Decca
record in 1947 as an afterthought and which became one of
' biggest hits. The album also offers a medley of songs from the movie
State Fair
, including
"It Might as Well Be Spring"
"That's for Me."
While these were big sellers for
, he did not introduce them in that 1945 film. The former was dubbed by
Louanne Hogan
for
Jeanne Crain
.
Vivian Blaine
sang the second. The second category of melodies is represented by
"That's All,"
written by
Dick
's brother
Bob Haymes
and the memorable
Jimmy Van Heusen
/
Johnny Burke
tune
"Here's that Rainy Day."
The length of each performance reflects
' professional roots in the 78-rpm days. Most of the tunes are done in under 2½ minutes. Bravo! There are some current-day male singers who would do well to emulate this time-management technique. Arguably the finest singer of ballads to grace the popular song scene, with the possible exception of
Johnny Hartman
, this album is a testimonial to a very unique talent and to a singing style that has practically become extinct. ~ Dave Nathan