A famous pairing of talents from the early 60s – Columbia Records giants Dave Brubeck and Tony Bennett, both recorded at a time when that label was at the forefront of jazz in the US – joined up for a special performance at the end of the set! The special performance was done at the Kennedy-era White House – and features an initial instrumental set from the Dave Brubeck Quartet – with completely amazing alto from Paul Desmond, especially on the album's long reading of "Nomad" – one of our favorite overlooked tunes by the the group at the time – plus versions of "Take Five", "Castillian Blues", and "Thank You". Tony Bennett then takes the stage with backings by the Ralph Sharon trio – on titles that include "Make Someone Happy", "One For My Baby", "I Left My Heart In San Francisco", and "Just In Time". But the real highlight of the set is when Bennett sings with backings from the Dave Brubeck Trio – in a mode that's both different from Tony's work with Bill Evans or Basie, and from Brubeck's work with singers like Jimmy Rushing or Carmen McRae! Titles from the Brubeck/Bennett lineup include "That Old Black Magic", "There Will Never Be Another You", "Lullaby Of Broadway", and "Chicago". CD

A great collection that compiles Billie's famous sides for the Commodore label in New York – recorded in 1939 and 1944, with accompaniment by the Eddy Heywood group and/or orchestra, plus additional sides led by pianist Sonny White. Titles include "Strange Fruit" (the original 1939 version), "How Am I To Know", "Fine & Mellow", "I'll Get By", "My Old Flame", "Lover Come Back To Me", "As Time Goes By", and "Billie's Blues" – with lots of alternate takes. You can't get any more classic than this! CD