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Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops "Big Band" Orchestra: Route 66/That Nelson Riddle Sound
ByRoute 66 is once again open to all vestibular traffic, thanks to this new release on the Telarc label by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops "Big Band"Orchestra. Entitled Route 66/That Nelson Riddle Sound , this CD is an inspired and swinging tribute to this master of orchestration whose tailored arrangements for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland , and Johnny Mathis., made Riddle a much in demand arranger/composer in radio, television and movies throughout much of the ‘50's and ‘60's. Kunzel, who has been affiliated with the Cincinnati Pops since 1965, has been the most successful crossover arranger and conductor of the last 25 years, contributing his talents to over thirty discs for the Telarc label alone.
On this disc, Kunzel recreates the trademark Nelson Riddle sound by utilizing some of the most talented soloists in jazz, including Ken Peplowski, Jim Pugh, and Randy Sandke. Orchestrations were taken from the original Nelson Riddle arrangements; the delicate balance between brass and woodwinds, the slightly understated backdrop which pushed along the soloist without overwhelming him, the accentuating syncopation of swing throughout. These are the signatures of Nelson Riddle, faithfully carried forth by Kunzel and orchestra. Some of the songs on this disc, namely "Night and Day", "The Lady Is A Tramp", "Nice 'n' Easy", and "What's New", recall Riddle's collaboration with Frank Sinatra. There are also two Irving Berlin songs, and of course, the title tune Route 66 , which Riddle composed himself for the TV show of the same name.
The music on this disc harks back to an era when America was experiencing an unprecedented level of creativity, ingenuity, and originality in art, popular culture, and technology. Nelson Riddle is a contributor to that era, and Erich Kunzel sustains that contribution by giving us robust, vibrant music that simply makes you feel good about yourself, and the world around you....especially on those days when you get stuck doing the dishes.
Track Listing
Night And Day; Zing Went The Strings (Of My Heart); September In The Rain; You And The Night And The Music; I've Got You Under My skin; Let's Face The Music And Dance; Summer Wind; I Get Along Without You Very Well; Nice
Personnel
Erich Kunzel (conducting); The Cincinnati Pops "Big Band" Orchestra; Rick Baptist(trumpet); Randy Sandke (trumpet); David Edwards(alto sax); Ken Peplowski(tenor sax) Jim Pugh(trombone); Julie Spangler(piano); Timothy Berens(guitar); Don Baldini(bass); Richard Jensen(vibes); Michael Berkowitz(drums)
Album information
Title: Route 66/That Nelson Riddle Sound | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Telarc Records
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