Since the approach to arranging was often capable of blowing all but the strongest vocalists out of the room, a collection of his studio orchestra's unaccompanied recordings is welcome indeed. The two-disc set reissues 50 sides, most of them closer to than the type of churned out by or . 's arranging chops were unparalleled, and he compensates for the lack of vocals by adding plenty of parts for the more lyrical of his orchestra voices. from the American songbook, such as and make for most of the highlights, though originals like illustrate that 's composer skills were impressive as well. ~ John Bush