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Synopsis
Amazon.comAwash in enough echo to swallow the band, Barry Manilow does what he can to honor the memory of Frank in a (commercially) timely manner. Unfortunately, his abilities are limited to straight renditions of 13 Sinatra-associated standards over karaoke-worthy string- and brass-laden arrangements. Not surprisingly, there's slim acknowledgment of the Chairman's improvisational sense and the sly humor that marks many of his greatest efforts. And the less said about Manilow's weak upper-register big finishes, the better. He's made poor homages to the past before this, but this one verges on the offensive. --Rickey Wright
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CD Reviews
Fine Sinatra tribute album Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/17/2010 (5 out of 5 stars) "Barry Manilow has earned his stardom by entertaining millions of people; and his tribute album to Frank Sinatra is very well done. Barry is in excellent form here; his sophisticated phrasing enhances his singing all the more and that's grand. The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and I like the artwork as well.
"One Man In a Spotlight" starts the track set off with a lush musical accompaniment to Barry's flawless singing; and it sets the tone for the entire album as well. Barry never lets go of a single superfluous note, either! "I've Got the World on a String" is absolutely gorgeous; Barry makes this shine and that music fits in perfectly with Barry's vocals. "I've Got the World on a String" is a true classic that Frank always sang with panache; and Barry's rendition is very good. I love that percussion--and the horns sound wonderful, too. Listen also for "The Second Time Around;" what a fine piano arrangement! Barry delivers this very well and it all holds its own very well. I really like the upbeat flavor of the medley of "Come Dance with Me" and "Come Fly with Me;" Barry aces this as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing!
"All The Way" was a number Frank performed wonderfully; and Barry sings it with genuine passion. Barry's singing, which comes straight from the heart, proves his appreciation for Sinatra! "You Make Me Feel So Young" sparkles brighter than silver and gold combined; Barry sings this with enough positive energy to lighten up an entire city. I love it! That classic Vegas, big band style arrangement works wonders for "You Make Me Feel So Young," too. "Strangers in the Night" is splendid without a doubt; and Barry infuses the melancholy torch song "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" with true passion. It's memorable, to say the least!
"The Summer Wind," a most romantic number, gets the royal treatment from Barry and the music is lovely. The remarkably upbeat melody of "Saturday Night (Is the Loneliest Night of the Week)" belies the somewhat mixed emotions message in the lyrics; and "Angel Eyes" is brilliantly performed by Barry who never skips a beat. "My Kind of Town" is another glowing tune in Barry's capable hands; Sinatra would certainly have approved of Barry's singing this ballad! The piano and more provides fine music for "My Kind of Town;" but wisely the musicians never try to steal the spotlight from Barry. "Put Your Dreams Away (For Another Day)" is very well done; and the album ends fittingly with Barry Manilow performing a song to honor Frank Sinatra specifically, "Here's to the Man."
Frank would have loved this charming tribute; Barry's singing from the heart touches me and this is a fine album for Barry Manilow fans everywhere. Sinatra fans may also want this CD; and it makes it great album for anyone who loves classic pop vocals in general."
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