Review by Reina Riley

Release Date: 1/25/2005
Producer: Michael Cuscuna
Arrangements: Billy May, Bob Florence, Richard Wess, Gerald Wilson
Format: CD (1 Disc)
Label: Capitol

It's a truth just about universally acknowledged that Bobby Darin was the greatest up-tempo, swinging singer of the past sixty years. He ranks alongside Al Jolson and Bing Crosby in this regard through his impeccable sense of syncopation and rhythm. This Darin compilation CD titled THE SWINGING SIDE OF BOBBY DARIN contains ample evidence that is testimony to that truth. His vaunted versatility comes forward via songs written by stylish composers from Gershwin and Ellington to Porter and Richard Rodgers. With the exception of the sides from his first Capitol LP "Oh Look At Me Now," most of these cuts were unreleased during his lifetime. As most of his recorded output has become available to the public, both fans and professional critics have caught on to the high quality of Bobby's lyric interpretations and the greatness of his singing. His crooner status has risen; he is no longer overlooked nor forgotten.

Darin always worked with the finest arrangers and musicians that were available to him in the Capitol studios. Many of the musicians were soloists with great bands such as Stan Kenton's. Represented here are excellent charts by Billy May, Bob Florence, Richard Wess and Gerald Wilson. Some of the treasured collaborations include the sly "I'm Beginning To See The Light," the exuberant "There's A Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder," a swinging "Hello Young Lovers," a surprising "Just In Time" which begins in the middle of the song before moving on to a loping swing, and the previously unreleased "Make Someone Happy" (a necessity for Darin completists). Of interest is Bobby's "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World." It was used as background music to advertise baseball's 2006 All-Star Game. Bobby Darin doesn't get stale. His singing sounds as fresh and contemporary as today's up-and-comers in the swinging tradition.

Enjoy this CD. Listening to Bobby Darin swing is part of living the good life.

Tracks:

1. I Got Rhythm
2. I'm Beginning To See The Light
3. I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
4. There's A Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder
5. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)
6. All Of You
7. Hello, Young Lovers
8. Just In Time
9. This Nearly Was Mine
10. Make Someone Happy (previously unreleased)
11. I Wanna Be Around
12. On The Street Where You Live
13. The Good Life