Celebrating Sinatra

It's unusual for an instrumentalist to record a tribute album to a singer, but Sinatra was such a distinctive stylist and so much of a musical innovator that there's plenty for saxophonist Lovano to sink his teeth into as he tackles the Sinatra repertoire. Instead of trying to imitate the singer's phrasing and timing, Lovano puts a personal stamp on the music by following his own improvisatory muse.
Backed by such jazz luminaries as violinist Mark Feldman and firebrand pianist Kenny Werner, Lovano takes apart Sinatra standards like "I've Got The World On A String" and "One For My Baby", illuminating the compositions with his musical insights. Revered big-band arranger Manny Albam provides the subtle but complex charts that allow the musicians to strut their stuff without grandstanding. Throughout CELEBRATING SINATRA, Lovano's warm, Dexter Gordon-esque tone is soulful and earthy enough to draw you in, while his creative spark makes for some gritty, idiosyncratic touches that keep you on your toes.|