Product Review

In conjunction with Turner Classic Movies Network Masterworks presents Fred Astaire The Early Years at RKO, a 2013 two CD set that showcases Astaire's vocal performances from the RKO films of the 1930s. If any performer symbolizes dapper spirit, sophisticated wit and suave romanticism, that performer is Fred Astaire. As a dancer, singer, and actor he was in a class by himself - and class is definitely the operative word where Astaire is concerned. In those early RKO movies, Astaire not only danced but sang, introducing now classic songs by the crÅ me de la crÅ me of American composers like Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and George and Ira Gershwin. The Early Years At RKO compiles together more than 30 musical numbers he performed in those movies, in bright studio recordings with backing from the orchestras led by Leo Reisman, Ray Noble, and Johnny Green. The collection includes liner notes by The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook, Michael Feinstein, as well as a rare alternate takes, and two performances by his most famous partner, Ginger Rogers. Like the star it celebrates, The Early Years at RKO is in a class by itself.