Some of the songs on here have inferior sound quality to the official issues, but even then that's not always the case (first time I noticed Bing's head cold in Easter Parade.) A few of the Christmas songs (Adeste Fideles, Silent Night, Faith Of Our Fathers, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen) sound a little bit better on the official releases, but overall I'm quite happy, and can't believe these were off of 78s. The only other track I'm slightly disappointed in was Be Careful, It's My Heart as it has better sounding commercial releases. Despite these tracks I am very happy, and I'm not trying to bash the Jonzo series in any way, this is just my honest opinions, Personally though some of these tracks sound way better on here than anywhere else, like the "B" take of White Christmas for instance. Overall I am very happy to be receiving this release. 

Re: JONZO - THE CHRONOLOGICAL BING CROSBY CDs

About 12 years ago, I contacted an American seller of these CDs, who very kindly referred me to a gentleman in Harrow, Middlesex. I believe that this was John McNicholas who produced The Chronological Bing Crosby CD volumes (presumably re-mastered from good quality 78 rps records).

At the time, I was (voluntarily) assisting some residents in Stanmore (L.B.Harrow) who were opposing a developer making unwelcome planning applications next door and near to their rear gardens and windows and when I spoke to Mr McNicholas, I told him that I would be visiting Stanmore shortly and asked if I could meet him in Aylmer Drive at the home of the main objectors.  Mr McNicholas duly came over and kindly brought me Volumes JZCD - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 that I had asked for and he also brought an early Volume but I had most of the early songs on many assorted CDs so I didn't purchase the earlier Volumes or other later ones.

When I joined this Forum, it was because I noticed it when I was searching the Web to see if Volume 29 was on sale. The song I wanted was "You're Dangerous" because the version I have has been "CEDAR" processed with a slight reverberation effect. Mr Richard Baker kindly explained to me that Mr McNicholas had retired due to failing health several years ago and moved into a care home (not always the safest of places to be in these days!) and that all his stock had been sold to a dealer who advertised them on the Web.  I wonder what happened to all the many valuable 78 rps records used for re-mastering?

I noticed someone had mentioned obtaining duplicates now and then, so if by any chance someone might possess a duplicate of Volume 29, I'd be very glad to hear.  The Volume includes Bing singing Dorothy Lamour's romantic song "You're Dangerous" (composed by Jimmy Van Heusen & Johnny Burke) which was originally flirtatiously sung by guitar-playing Dorothy to Bob Hope in the "Road to Zanzibar" (1940).  

Regards, Victor (W.London). 17th May 2020

Last edited by VictorM (17/5/2020 1:19 am)

I have just re-listened to the 16th volume, and was astounded by the quality on the tracks from “Two For Tonight.” I also love Bing’s takes of “Maybe I’m Wrong Again” and I wish the recording was more known. I think out of the 2 volumes O have this one is my favorite. Volume 33 is good though.

I am still on my quest to complete the set, I am presently 3 issues in, 48 to go haha. I also have 3 issues of the SEPIA continuation I've yet to get.

It would be great if Sepia were to be able to reissue the 51 Jonzo CDS but unfortunately i can't see that happening.

Just seen that set sold with the exception of cd 41 the other day for £911 crazy would not pay anything for any set that had even one disc missing hope the person that bought it already had cd 41 but i doubt it as that one is not easy to track down..