I do think the vocal performances and accompaniment of "A Touch of the Blues" are better than most reviewers rate them. As of July 2011 I count six different Amazon.com listings for this album. The one I purchased was a BMG Spain reissue, in monophonic sound. The original 1958 LP recorded in stereo probably was available in both mono and stereo versions, as was the custom in the early years of stereo recording when very few people had equipment to play stereo records. So I can't say I was cheated, but certainly feel disappointed. I don't see how one would determine which, if any, of the six Amazon listings is in stereo sound. If you want to be sure of getting a stereo version, the 1991 Bluebird CD "As Time Goes By" contains most of the tracks from "A Touch of the Blues," in stereo sound. Or you could hunt up a copy of the original LP. Final note: Amazon reviews of a reissue CD tend to get propagated to listings of other reissues of that same album. Be aware of this if you are reading a review and it doesn't quite match up with the details of the listing.
