Route 66: That Nelson Riddle Sound

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The "Riddle sound" was a launching pad for the most popular singers of the 1950s and early 60s--Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, and Nat "King" Cole. Like the Eisenhower era from whence it came, Riddle's arrangements were brash but breezy, brimming with an amiable optimism and sense of adventure. Though they were considered music for "swingers," they remained a bit square and sweetly string driven for maximum commercial viability. On Route 66, with horn solos replacing the vocal parts, Riddle's charts fit nicely with the middlebrow savoir faire of Erich Kunzel's Cincinnati Pops. Shiny melodies like "Night and Day" and "Let's Face the Music and Dance" billow and compress with good-natured gusto, while Riddle's dynamic treatments of "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Get Happy" are given their full range of expression. Listeners familiar with the material will inevitably miss the singers (particularly Sinatra on "Summer Wind"), but the horns nearly compensate, led by former Woody Herman trombonist Jim Pugh and supple tenor saxophonist Ken Peplowski. Finally, Will Friedwald's liner notes eloquently state the case for Riddle's mostly unsung artistry. --Britt Robson

Tracks:

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 'N' Easy
The Lady Is A Tramp
Get Happy
What's New
I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)
Let Yourself Go!
You Are My Lucky Star
Lisbon Antigua (In Old Lisbon)
Brother John
Route 66

Amazon.com

The "Riddle sound" was a launching pad for the most popular singers of the 1950s and early 60s--Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, and Nat "King" Cole. Like the Eisenhower era from whence it came, Riddle's arrangements were brash but breezy, brimming with an amiable optimism and sense of adventure. Though they were considered music for "swingers," they remained a bit square and sweetly string driven for maximum commercial viability. On Route 66, with horn solos replacing the vocal parts, Riddle's charts fit nicely with the middlebrow savoir faire of Erich Kunzel's Cincinnati Pops. Shiny melodies like "Night and Day" and "Let's Face the Music and Dance" billow and compress with good-natured gusto, while Riddle's dynamic treatments of "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Get Happy" are given their full range of expression. Listeners familiar with the material will inevitably miss the singers (particularly Sinatra on "Summer Wind"), but the horns nearly compensate, led by former Woody Herman trombonist Jim Pugh and supple tenor saxophonist Ken Peplowski. Finally, Will Friedwald's liner notes eloquently state the case for Riddle's mostly unsung artistry. --Britt Robson

Customer Reviews:

I think Nelson would be proud of this cd.......2001-10-26

When I read of this project, I was very excited about buying this cd and listening to an updated version of the Nelson Riddle sound. I must say that I have not been disappointed. I feel like who ever did the re-arranging did a good job of remaing as close as possible to Nelsons' sound.

I feel like Nelson, where ever he might be, is looking down with a giant smile on his face and saying BRAVO, you did a good job in paying a tribute to me and my music. THANKS A MILLION!

Recommendation: Any fan of Nelsons' will have to have this cd, so go on and buy it.

All Star Performance.......2001-02-28

The Cincinnati Pops provides a wonderful presentaion of Nelson Riddle's work. If you are desiring a "Frank Sinatra" style of arranging you'll probably be disappointed; however, if you seek a large orchestra's presentation on Riddle's most popular works, you'll love it. I especially enjoy listening to it while working. Makes the work day seem a whole lot brighter!!!!!

Finger snapping, hum along fun.......2000-06-01

Kunzel and Cincinnati Pops have made a terrific CD. They have put an new twist on the swing music of Nelson Riddle, using instrumentals in place of the vocals. I have listened to this one over and over. This is a fun CD.

How to murder the Riddle SOund.......2000-05-30

This is probably the worst example of an orchestral re-work of a popular arranger. In fact, it's probably the worst CD I have ever bought. Clearly no one on the arrangement staff, nor Kunzel, have ever heard or understood Nelson Riddle's charts, licks or vibe. It's an embarrasement to Telarc and they should pull it from their catalogue. Sorry guys, but this is really awfull!

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