Complete Decca Recordings on Bonus Tracks - Beverly Kenney

Our review of Complete Decca Recordings on Bonus Tracks finds this two-CD set best suited to devoted jazz collectors and listeners who favor intimate vocal jazz. The collection gathers Beverly Kenney's Decca singles and session material with five bonus tracks plus rare Sesac recordings and a Playboy's Penthouse TV performance, all presented 24-bit digitally remastered. For those who value nuanced phrasing and a sweet, mezzo tone, this edition is the clearest way to hear the final years of Kenney's brief, haunting career.

Key Features

• Complete Decca sides: Brings together core Decca tracks including Sings for Playboys, Born to Be Blue and Like Yesterday for a coherent listening arc.
• Bonus material: Includes five Decca bonus tracks and additional Sesac recordings to expand beyond standard issues.
• Live and TV performances: Features a Playboy's Penthouse TV Show appearance and other live cuts that capture Kenney's stage presence.
• Remastered audio: 24 bit digitally remastered presentation provides improved clarity across both stereo and mono sources.
• Format and packaging: Three LPs-worth of material condensed onto two CDs for convenient playback and collection value.

Who It's For

This release is ideal for jazz aficionados who appreciate intimate vocal phrasing and collectors seeking a comprehensive Decca-era compilation of Beverly Kenney. Fans who already own scattered singles or earlier compilations will value the remastering and the inclusion of TV and Sesac material in one package.

Listeners looking for contemporary pop production or extensive liner notes with career essays should look elsewhere, as this set focuses on the recordings themselves and historical interest rather than modern bonus content like unreleased studio outtakes or extensive booklet essays.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-curated selection of Decca material that highlights Kenney's sweet mezzo voice and jazz phrasing.
• Remastering in 24 bit improves presence and tonal balance on both mono and stereo tracks.
• Good value by combining studio sides, Sesac recordings and a TV performance across two CDs.

Cons

• Limited additional contextual material for listeners seeking in-depth liner notes or biography.
• Those preferring modern production may find the vintage recording aesthetic uneven in places.

Specifications

Our Verdict

This two-CD compilation is a thoughtful, well-sequenced presentation of Beverly Kenney's Decca-era work that offers clear sonic improvement through remastering and valuable bonus material. Collectors and listeners who cherish intimate vocal jazz will find it a good value and an accessible way to experience Kenney's distinct voice and phrasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this set include rare tracks?
Yes, it includes five Decca bonus tracks plus Sesac recordings and a Playboy's Penthouse TV Show performance not always found on single releases.

Is the audio remastered?
The release is 24 bit digitally remastered and presents material in both stereo and mono where applicable.

How is the collection packaged?
The material spans the equivalent of three LPs consolidated onto two CDs for convenient listening.