Arranger and conductor Joe Reisman (1924-1987) recorded a number of tracks in the 1970s that were packaged into easy listening box sets that Reader's Digest sold through mail order. Although Reisman did include a few standards among his recordings most were cover versions of recent easy listening hits.
Reisman's take on the Carpenters' 1970 hit (They Long to Be) Close to You turned up in the various artists set Sweet with a Beat, released in 1972.
(They Long to Be) Close to You
Generally speaking, the Reader's Digest LP boxes have not been transitioned directly into digital releases, but the individual tracks have been repackaged in a number of compilation CDs and downloads. Reisman's Close to You, for instance has turned up on both CD and download. Those vinyl box sets are also frequent visitors to the bins at thrift and record stores. Whatever format you choose you'll find that most Reader's Digest recordings are technically excellent.
Reisman was a producer and arranger at RCA Victor and Roulette Records from the 1950s to the '70s. After that he formed his own production company. Among the artists he worked with were Henry Mancini, Patti Page, Sarah Vaughan and Perry Como. As well, he recorded several LPs under his own name. And Reisman composed the instrumental Joey's Song, a hit for Bill Haley and the Comets in 1959.
Isle of Capri was recorded by Reisman for a Reader's Digest session on Jan. 7, 1971. It was included on the 1978 eight-LP box Thanks for the Memories, although it may well have been included in other sets as well.
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