Nelson Riddle Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
The first of two LPs Nelson Riddle recorded for the German label MPS remains a singular entry in his catalog. An intoxicating mosaic of jazz, pop, and Latin elements, Communication stands as a monumental testament to Riddle's consummate skill as an arranger and his almost alchemical faculty for creating a seamless whole from disparate parts. Emphasizing deep, tight rhythms and alluringly hazy washes of sound, the album boasts an overwhelming funkiness even more surprising given Riddle's roots in the big-band era. Its grooves are loose and spontaneous, yet plainly the work of a master craftsman. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
'The Wonder of You'
Release Date 6/21/2000
Tracks 10
Label Direct Source
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
"You are the solo star," reads a legend on the cover of this LP, adding, "with big orchestral backgrounds by Nelson Riddle." The idea is that Riddle provides arrangements for pop songs like those he writes and conducts for such clients as Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Dinah Shore, and Frank Sinatra, and the listener is to take it from there. Of course, the singer is expected to supply both the lyrics and the melodies, which should give an idea of just how much those professional singers bring to their recordings. As mere listening experiences, many of these tracks are not actually recognizable as the songs listed on the LP jacket, but no doubt they would be if Sinatra was singing over them. Sometimes, Riddle uses a bit of the melody, but much of the time this remains background music that needs to be completed by someone else. It's a clever gimmick and a bit of joke, and it shows how far Riddle's treatments can stray from the lead sheets on occasion. But unless the buyer is standing by with the sheet music ready and a good voice to add on top, Sing a Song with Riddle an incomplete experience. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The liner notes speak of Nelson Riddle's "restful yet zestful style" as an arranger-conductor, which is perhaps a way of saying that the material here is mid-tempo, with the frequently familiar tunes ("Makin' Whoopee!," "June in January") dressed up in attractive charts that never get too lively or somber. Perhaps Riddle, who was being used less often by Frank Sinatra as the singer turned to Billy May for his swing albums and Gordon Jenkins for his ballad albums, was asserting the importance of a middle ground. If so, he got his point across, returning to work with Sinatra the following year on the appropriately named Nice 'n' Easy. In a sense, this album is the precursor to that one, an easygoing collection of small tonal joys. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
