The Pathbreaking Walden Records Sessions, 1952-55: Songs by Cole Porter and Rodgers & Hart

In the 1950s, Walden Records—founded by our friend and Gershwin/Arlen/Berlin/Lerner biographer, the late Edward Jablonski—was a highly respected independent label specializing in the work of the finest American songwriters for theater and film. TMTP/Harbinger has remastered and reissued nearly all of the Walden albums, with expert packaging, informative liner notes and the original cover art by Al Hirschfeld, who donated his talent because he so admired Walden’s mission.

That mission was unusual: to document great songs by the great songwriters, yes, but to pay special attention to lesser-known material. One star headlined the Ira Gershwin collection (Nancy Walker) and one star composer performed on the Harold Arlen disc (Arlen himself), but the rest of the albums featured young, first-rate singers making names for themselves in New York musical theater. Musical direction was by John Morris, David Baker or Peter Matz, not long before Matz catapulted to fame on Barbra Streisand’s early discs.

To be frank, you should treat yourself to all five of these CDs—they are that special...Gershwin Rarities, Lyrics by Ira Gershwin, The Music of Harold Arlen, Melodies of Jerome Kern and Cole Porter/Rodgers & Hart.

Track List 

1    Get Out of Town - Louise Carlyle
2    I've Got You on My Mind - Bob Shaver
3    Why Shouldn't I? - Louise Carlyle
4    Rap Tap on Wood - David Baker and John Morris
5    Where Have You Been? - Louise Carlyle
6    After You, Who? - Bob Shaver
7    I Love You - Louise Carlyle
8    You Irritate Me So - Louise Carlyle and Bob Shaver
9    In the Still of the Night - David Baker and John Morris
10    Ridin' High - Louise Carlyle
11    Did You Ever Get Stung? - Louise Carlyle
12    A Tree in the Park - Bob Shaver
13    Nobody's Heart - Louise Carlyle
14    Sentimental Me - Louise Carlyle and Bob Shaver
15    To Keep My Love Alive - Louise Carlyle
16    Wait Till You See Her - Bob Shaver
17    A Ship Without a Sail - Louise Carlyle
18    Any Old Place with You - Bob Shaver
19    Easy to Remember - Louise Carlyle
20    I've Got Five Dollars - Louise Carlyle