Search - Patrick Williams :: Sinatraland

Extraordinary Ensemble

Alan S. Fitz | Branford, Connecticut USA | 01/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In addition to the great selection of songs, this album is a fabulous recording of perhaps the finest 'Big Band' I have ever heard. In the tradition of the Les & Larry Elgart bands of the fifties/sixties, and Rob McConnell more recently, this is the tightest, most disciplined ensemble in memory. The arrangements are inventive and beguiling. The band, whether at triple piano or fortissimo, plays absolutely as one. Completely absent is the cacophany of 10 or 12 guys all blowing their brains out in a screaming mess. Instead, you have this tight, controlled ensemble, punctuated from time to time with a brilliant solo in perfect counterpoint with the band. The best individual musicians available, playing as one voice together, regardless of the tempo. It's a stunning recording. If you like a well-disciplined big band sound, you gotta hear it. You'll love it."

A 10-star tribute to the Chairman...

B. J. Lane | Levittown, PA United States | 06/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Patrick Williams is one of the best arrangers/composers on this planet...and this tribute to Sinatra is a prime example. He has surrounded himself with some of the best musicians in Hollywood to create this fantastic masterpiece.All twelve tracks are superb (I have to say that "I've Got You Under My Skin" is my personal favorite, thanks to Tom Scott's scorching solo), and Patrick's own liner note tribute to the Chairman is touching. Patrick, keep on making great big band masterpieces like this one!!!"

This Disc Is One of My Favorites..Of ANYTHING...Ever...

Greta Brannan | Southeast TX, USA | 12/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is one, I can truly say, in my collection, that I completely adore. I recommend this to people every chance I get!



I was introduced to this album by my college jazz band director the year after this came out - we were able to secure the charts and performed them at spring concert, it was an absolute blast, these were some of the most fun and well-written arrangements I have ever played.



The fantastic arranger/composer Patrick Williams wrote these arrangements originally for another Sinatra "Duets" album...but sadly Frank died before they could be recorded, so they were turned into this set of instrumental big band charts, featuring outstanding solos by an all-star lineup of great musicians such Eddie Daniels, Phil Woods, David Sanborn, Bill Watrous...and the list goes on.



Just as important as the solos, and soloists, is the dream big band assembled here, who play this music like they were born to - very tight and 'in-the-pocket'. The personnel include such names as: Dan Higgins, Gary Foster (saxophone); Warren Leuning, Rick Baptist, Wayne Bergeron (trumpet); Charlie Loper, George Bohanon (trombone) and Peter Erskine(!) on drums - literally, these are performances that are "as good as it gets".



Patrick Williams, with these fine arrangements, truly captured the spirit of 'Ole Blue Eyes, also putting some hot new twists on these timeless classics, and this CD is one of the finest examples of solid big band arranging, great ensemble, stunning soloists, and wonderful music converging together to create that "perfect" CD. One of the most cherished of my collection...and I think now it's OOP, so if you see it, snap it up ASAP. ;)"