KEELY SMITH - Keely Sings Sinatra (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Ol' Blue Eyes is always ripe for a top-notch, big-band-flavored tribute, but how many who take on the daunting task knew him as well as his contemporary, whom Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. once dubbed "the female Sinatra"? And in case you don't know the history, Frank Sinatra Jr.'s liner notes and numerous archival photos of Smith with Sinatra fill you in. Smith recorded this prior to the legend's passing in 1998 and even had his thumbs up on the project, but held back its release so as not to appear to be capitalizing on the Sinatramania which followed his death. With the ample and energetic backing of the Frankie Capp Orchestra, Smith does him proud on 18 chestnuts from his catalog, her voice clear and honest, her phrasing sharp and emotional. The arrangers don't bombard you with too much brass where it's not welcome; Smith does the verses of "All the Way" with mostly a subtle string accompaniment, then the brass builds slowly with the emotion of the piece. Ditto "My Way." And Sinatra Jr. notes as you can that certain turns of phrase bring out a touch of humor. The set is bookended with a spoken intro and outro by Sinatra Jr. over an instrumental passage of Smith's signature song "I Wish You Love." First rate, but then again, it had to be. by Jonathan Widran  
Tracklist :
1    Intro 0:33
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Voice – Frank Sinatra Jr.
2    South Of The Border 4:17
Arranged By, Conductor, Tenor Saxophone – Don Menza
3    I've Got A Crush On You 4:27
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Trumpet – Wayne Bergeron
Violin – Gerald Vinci
4    Night And Day 3:53
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
5    A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening 2:44
Arranged By, Conductor – Billy May
6    Come Rain Or Come Shine 3:26
Arranged By, Conductor – Frank Collett
7    The Music Stopped 2:47
Arranged By, Conductor – Billy May
8    I'll Never Smile Again / Dream 5:19
Arranged By, Conductor – Frank Collett
9    I've Got You Under My Skin 3:36
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Trombone – Andy Martin
10    Angel Eyes 4:48
Arranged By, Tenor Saxophone, Conductor – Don Menza
11    Happy Birthday, Frank 0:50
Piano – Dennis Michaels
12    New York, New York 4:04
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
13    Without A Song 3:33
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
14    All The Way 3:17
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
15    This Love Of Mine 2:37
Arranged By, Conductor – Billy May
16    Until The Real Thing Comes Along 2:39
Arranged By, Conductor – Billy May
17    Goodbye 6:05
Arranged By, Conductor – Don Menza
18    It Was A Very Good Year 3:59
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Tenor Saxophone – Don Menza, Pete Christlieb
19    My Way 5:09
Arranged By, Conductor – Frank Collett
20    Closing Tribute 0:45
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Voice – Frank Sinatra Jr.
Credits :
Performer – The Frankie Capp Orchestra
Vocals, Producer – Keely Smith