Thanks to executive producer Helge Westbye and the good people at Odin Records, the extraordinary depth and breadth of vocalist Karin Krog's half century in music is laid bare in this astonishingly varied and lovingly put together 6CD collection. Released to celebrate Krog's 80th birthday in May this year, the 59 tracks are arranged thematically, ranging from The Art of Duo (CD1) to From the Songbooks (CD6). They encompass everything from ragtime, bebop and standards to self-penned songs, free jazz and even the elaborate graphic notation of John Cage, whose ‘Aria’ is a highlight of CD4 (New Paths). In addition to classic Krog performances such as ‘Shiny Stockings’, featuring the stellar line-up of Dexter Gordon, Kenny Drew, NHØP and Espen Rud, there are previously unreleased gems such as John Surman's beautiful ‘Tomorrow's Yesterday’, a duo with guitarist Bjørn Klakegg, plus the radio cut ‘I Want a Little Girl’ with Clark Terry, Per Husby and the Bodega Band. Krog just about keeps it together in the face of Clark Terry's uproarious vocal asides. Framed by a brief introduction from the singer, plus an equally brief closing note from John Surman, the 44-page CD booklet includes numerous photos, a detailed essay on the music by Duncan Heining, plus complete track listings accompanied by notes on all the pieces by Krog. Remastered by the talismanic Jan Erik Kongshaug, this magnificent anthology confirms Krog's position as one of Europe's greatest jazz vocalists. For anyone with even the vaguest interest in vocal jazz, this is an absolutely essential collection.