Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2 (1935-1936)

For completists, specialists, and academics, 's is invaluable, offering an exhaustive overview of 's early recordings. For less-dedicated listeners, the disc is a mixed blessing. There are some absolutely wonderful, classic performances on the collection -- and to name just two -- but the long running time, exacting chronological sequencing, and poor fidelity (all cuts are transferred from original acetates and 78s) are hard to digest. The serious listener will find all these factors to be positive, but casual listeners will find the collection of marginal interest for the very same reasons. ~ Thom Owens