On the 50th anniversary of his first release,
Johnny Mathis personally assembled and notated this collection of hits from throughout his career. Beginning, as it should, with a baker's dozen of recordings from his prime era of the '50s,
Gold: A 50th Anniversary Celebration includes nearly all of his best work (although it skips his '60s and '70s material). Also, standing alongside his most popular songs -- "Chances Are," "Wonderful! Wonderful!," "It's Not for Me to Say," "When Sunny Gets Blue," and "Misty" -- the compilation includes a pair of previously unreleased items. The first, "So Many Stars," was recorded in 1989 with
Sergio Mendes behind the desk; it's a warm Brazilian ballad that betrays a few period touches. The second is a beautiful version of "The Shadow of Your Smile," recorded in 2006 with
Chris Botti and
Dave Koz.
