Bing Crosby's period at Columbia represents just a tiny slice of his entire career, but it was definitely an important one. Early-'30s material "Dinah," "Love in Bloom," "Temptation," and especially "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" not only introduced him to a wide audience, but perfectly illustrated
Crosby's gradual transition from humming, rhythmic jazz singer to darkly persuasive crooner.
The Essential Bing Crosby (fortunately subtitled "The Columbia Years" in case anyone should accuse it of overly lofty aims) reissues 16 sides, recorded from 1931 to 1934, with a similar track listing to 1992's
16 Most Requested Songs but several important substitutions. Though a bare few of his best from the era are notably missing ("How Deep Is the Ocean?," "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You"), the exclusions allow for some intriguing material to see the light, like "Young and Healthy," featuring a buoyant scat routine, and the melancholic "Blue Prelude." Of course, Columbia could have done fans a true favor and released a compilation breaking the 45-minute mark. ~ John Bush