Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 07/18/2006
Frank Sinatra, though not a
jazz singer, was long respected by
jazz musicians for his natural ability to get the best out of a song while developing a trademark approach to singing that had great appeal. While many recorded tributes to
Sinatra since his death have been abysmal at best, vocalist and guitarist
John Pizzarelli knows a little something about swinging and finding the essence of each song. Backed by the
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, with whom
Pizzarelli toured prior to the making of this CD, along with arrangements by
John Clayton,
Don Sebesky,
Dick Lieb, and
Quincy Jones, he sought to focus primarily on songs written with
Sinatra in mind, though taking new approaches to each of them.
Dear Mr. Sinatra opens with an over-the-top rendition of
"Ring-A-Ding-Ding." Clayton's sensitive writing for reeds provides the perfect backdrop for
Pizzarelli's warm vocals in
"If I Had You." The singer works magic in another fine
Clayton chart,
"I've Got You Under My Skin," delivering the goods in a sensitive interpretation.
Pizzarelli is backed only by pianist
Tamir Hendelman in the miniature scoring of
"The Last Dance," which serves as a perfect finale. Only three of the tracks clock in at over four minutes, so there's not much of a focus upon instrumental solos, though
Pizzarelli's guitar is featured in
"Witchcraft." With a total time just under 40 minutes, the program is a little short by CD standards, but the performances by
John Pizzarelli and the
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra in this warm tribute to Old Blue Eyes are consistently of high caliber and hit the mark every time.
~Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
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