Backgrounder: Nelson Riddle - Changing Colors

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
July 6, 2023
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Yesterday, I posted on Nelson Riddle's little-known Communication album in 1971 for MPS Records. Two years later, Riddle recorded a second album for MPS that was equally excellent—Changing Colors. The song list on this album was a fresh mixed bag, including three originals, a George Harrison song and standards:

• My Life (composed by Claus Ogerman)
• My Sweet Lord (George Harrison)
• Sao Paulo (Nelson Riddle)
• (They Long to Be) Close to You (David, Bacharach)
• My One and Only Love (Wood, Mellin)
• Lamento (Jobim, DeMoraes)
• When the World Was Young (Philippe/Gérard)
• Naomi (Nelson Riddle)
• Just a Little Lovin' (Arnold, Clements)
• Changing Colors (Nelson Riddle)

Love that Up, Up and Away opening on My Life, a playful jab at Marty Paich, who arranged the brass for The 5th Dimension on their hit. The song could easily have been an early 1970s opening theme for a TV sitcom or drama.

Here's Nelson Riddle's Changing Colors without the interruption of ads...

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Track Listing

My Life (composed by Claus Ogerman); My Sweet Lord (George Harrison); Sao Paulo (Nelson Riddle); (They Long to Be) Close to You (David, Bacharach); My One and Only Love (Wood, Mellin); Lamento (Jobim, DeMoraes); When the World Was Young (Philippe/Gérard); Naomi (Nelson Riddle); Just a Little Lovin' (Arnold, Clements); Changing Colors (Nelson Riddle).

Personnel

Nelson Riddle

arranger

Album information

Title: Changing Colors | Year Released: 1971 | Record Label: MPS

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About Nelson Riddle

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Instrument: Arranger

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