AMG Review of Chronological Bing Crosby, Vol. 9: 1931

William Ruhlmann
All Music Guide

The ninth volume of Jonzo Records' The Chronological Bing Crosby series chronicles the period from the 28-year-old Crosby's August 1931 arrival in New York (to start his first radio program) to the end of the year. The radio opportunity came about because of Crosby's sudden emergence as a recording star following his signing as a solo artist to Brunswick Records in March, after years with the Rhythm Boys trio. Crosby's first four Brunswick singles (heard in Vol. 8) produced three number one hits, making him the most important new singer to break through since the start of the Depression. It was a measure of Crosby's new stature that he was able to score hits with songs that were already familiar; listeners simply wanted to hear the new singer's versions. In total, the 21 tracks here include 15 studio recordings, ten of which became chart hits (the other five being B-sides), four alternate takes, and two airchecks. The quality of material varies wildly, from classics to minor songs doubtlessly chosen for their similarity to previous hits. For the most part, Crosby sings enthusiastically and well; you can hear the triumph of his recent upward career path in his voice, and he displays a wide register while tackling many different kinds of material. His singing is occasionally mannered to modern ears, but one need only compare him to Frank Munn, heard in the #George White's Scandals medleys, to see how much more natural a singer he is than a typical vocalist of the day. By being complete, the Chronological Bing Crosby series necessarily combines great recordings with ones that are only good, but there is enough great stuff here to make for a worthwhile album, while Crosby collectors (at whom the set is primarily aimed) will find rarities to add to their collections.