Sinatraland with Patrick Williams and His Big Band

Pat was a great writer and he put together a monster band for this one. All Big Band fans should hear it.

Patrick Williams' writing is impeccable on this recording. It is reenforced by the power and facility of the assembled players. My only disappointment is that one track will not play.

It simply doesn't get better than this. Anyone who is truly into music (I'm a classical musician), and I mean any kind of music, will hear this album and say "Where have you been all my life". If you don't, then you just aren't really into music.

great arrangements, great playing, beautiful

I was disappointed with the writing. I was expecting high level big jazz band arrangements. To me the writing smacks of film scores and commercial television background music. The band is loaded with top level musicians and they played the charts well; but apparently I just don't like Williams' writing. When I compare the writing on this CD with, for example, the writing on the Carl Saunders "Big Bebop Band" CD there is no comparison.The Saunders CD charts are swinging and tasteful and hold up under repeated listening. I'll probably give this CD to a non-jazz fan who likes tunes Sinatra recorded.

Ten stars.

Picking up the Nelson Riddle tradition, Williams leads his powerful band in his own arrangements of twelve Sinatra classics. Each track offers a blend of the straight melody intertwined with fresh, energetic interpretations that appeal to listeners of any generation. Williams provided the arrangements for the two Duets CDs, and here he gives his band center stage, showing off their discipline as an ensemble, while giving ample time to soloists. A great recording packed with swing!

This album is an unknown gem! I can't say enough about the musicianship that is heard here when you listen to this recording. At the risk of insulting Frank fans, it has to be known that these are some of the best songs composed during the big band era of the late 30's. This music NEEDS to be heard by itself, without Frank or anyone else singing. ITS THAT GOOD! These are some of the greatest songs in the American songbook played by some of the very best talent ever to pick up an instrument. This album is worth it just to hear some tremendous drumming by Peter Erskine; he especially shines on "The Song is You" and "Just One of Those Things". Patrick Williams excels here as an arranger and conductor. This group plays as tight as a miser's fist, and the credit for that has to go to Patrick Williams; for his selection of musicians and his attention to every detail. I can just imagine how Frank would have sounded if he could have this incredible group behind him and the recording technology that he never could take advantage of in his prime. Sadly this CD seems to be out of print, and my copy is VERY VERY WORN!!! Good thing it never comes out of the CD player anymore- it should stay playable until they re-issue this amazing recording!! With every listen, it gets better....and better.....and better!!!!

前に持っていました。中華積み木遊びの負けしろ代わりに友人に差し出して、随分月日が経ちました。ともかくかっこいい！