CD: Mosaic Bing Crosby CBS Radio Recordings 7CD box MD7-245, OOP!

A copy of the 7 CD Mosaic Records limited edition box set devoted to the wonderful, relaxed small-group sessions vocalist Bing Crosby recorded for his weekly radio show on the CBS network between 1954 and 1956. If you're under 80, my guess is that the name "Bing Crosby" might make you roll your eyes. You think: "so-called comedy routines with Bob Hope that for some reason my parents - or grandparents - found amusing," "that Christmas Album," "that guy on TV who always smoked a pipe and wore pastel-colored polyester golf pants." And yet! This is another story altogether: fantastic, nonchalant jazz singing - and I mean JAZZ singing - tossed off with a notable lack of sentimentality and plenty of panache. The effect is similar to "rat pack" records (Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Junior), only with far less self-indulgence and no extra coating of treacly strings. Crosby is featured with a combo of piano, bass, drums and guitar (plus occasional horns on a few tracks), and he gives a master class in popular musicality as it existed in the heyday of the American Songbook.

Condition is as shown in the photos, which depict the actual set the winning bidder will receive. Overall condition is superb, with the discs, booklet and inlays in mint and only very light shelf wear to the outer box.

I'm happy to do combined shipping if you'd like to bid on multiple lots, and media mail is available for bidders who prefer a cheaper shipping option.