Did Bing Crosby ever have an artistic nadir? These three latest releases that are part of a retrospective of Der Bingster would indicate NO! NO! NO!
The double disc So Rare is the most intriguing, as it is almost literally a beginning to end summary of the most influential white singer in the 20th Century. It opens with a 1931 radio broadcast of “Just One More Chance” that features Crosby at a stage where, although there are hints of his signature style, essentially sounds like every other histrionic vocalist of the time-stiff and overly dramatic. He gets his style down pretty quickly and the rest of the sessions include radio broadcasts 
ranging from Spanish Paramount Pictures to some incredible Kraft Music Hall performances. By the time of the 1976 concert at the LA Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, where he summarizes his world view on “That’s What Life is All About,” you’ve gone through a time travel of some of the most important, beautiful and swingingly joyful singing you’ll ever run across. This is America!
Return to Paradise was recorded in 1963 and it could have been an unbelievably hokey session of Hawaiian kitsch, but it turns out to be a wonderful exotic affair. Nelson Riddle earned his money on these arrangements, as they are some of his best charts ever, with wonderful strings and horns swaying like a breeze on “Adventures in Paradise,” “Lovely Hula Hands” and the title track. Crosby sounds impressively warm and the bonus tracks with a small combo that includes Vince Terri on ukulele is as cozy as a Luau. Surprisingly satisfying!
Southern Memoir was recorded late in Crosby’s life and career, being completed in 1975. Bing could still swing, though and he’s as hot as his pipe on this collection of big band chart. Pianist Paul Smith leads the all star team that includes Frank Capp/dr, Monty Budwig/b, Dick Nash/tb and Vic Feldman, while Crosby croons through Mason-Dixon material like “Alabamy Bound” and “Where the Morning Glories Grow” with a youthful verve. The bonus tracks include a very hip reading of “Mack The Knife” that will raise a few eyebrows. Crosby definitely left the world swinging!
Universal Music