Customer Reviews

Steve Lawrence Sings Sinatra

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Unbelieveable. These are the original arrangements! I'm a huge fan of Frank's music, especially the versions done on Frank's own label (Reprise). This is the best you will ever hear these fabulous arrangements played - both from an orchastra performance and sound engineering standpoint. Then add to that sheer vocal perfection from Steve. His voice is in outstanding shape - better than ever - and just the right vocal phrasing for the great songs. "Where or When" I vote the best, but everyone is a winner. Buy this album! And Steve - make another one please!

This Cd is a must! Steve Lawrences phrasing is like Frank's yet it"s not..it's Steve Lawrence all the way. A perfect blend of two great talents! The arrangements are the best of the Sinatra era. Quincy Jones..Nelson Riddle..Don Costa. It doesn't get much better then that! It's almost like Frank is inside of Steve belting outthe finest songs in the Sinatra style. Warning ..better purchase two copies...you'll wear this one out.! I could not pick a favorite track..IMPOSSIBLE!! Steve Lawrence Sings Sinatra. What an understatment!

It was great to hear Steve Lawrence's tribute to the man and his music (of course, I'm speaking of Francis Albert Sinatra).

Steve chose wisely from the creme de la creme of Sinatra's songbook (adapting the original arrangements to his voice), and he is ably supported by the best studio musicians in Hollywood, as well as one of the best engineers in the business (Al Schmitt). He also made this project somewhat of a family affair by having his talented son, David, conduct the orchestra.

This is one singer who has been away from the recording studio far too long!!!

Steve Lawrence isn't out to fill Sinatra's shoes, no one can. But he certainly provides us with a beautiful gift in recorded music. I simply don't understand calling him a hack(if you can perform with an orchestra and do better, make your recording and sell it and go get your grammy, it's that simple!) or comparing him to Buble. Mr. Lawrence is a stand out among vocalists with an ORIGINAL style and stronger performance. I've seen him live many times, his control, strength, range and showmanship are first rate, and it shows in this CD. A lot of people tried to bring down Sinatra, so I expect you'll do the same to Mr. Lawrence. However if you want phenomenal singing, a crisp recording, an impeccable production, and a recorded treasure buy this CD. I did, and I bought other copies for friends. Jaime Smith the steve and eydie groupie.

I bought this CD with some trepidation, since I have the original versions of all the songs recorded by Mr. Sinatra himself. For that reason there's no thrill of discovering a new song or a fresh approach to an old ballad. I would have to say one of the primary delights I get from this album is the wonderful acoustic qualities. The music sounds considerably more fresh and alive than its original counterparts from the 1950's and 1960's. Steve Lawrence is in fine voice and is up to the challenges of the music. Although he has been around for decades, Mr. Lawrence sounds as if he still has another decade of first-rate singing in him. I hate to make comparisons, but, in all honesty, Steve Lawrence does not wring everything out of a song that Sinatra could. Nevertheless, this is a fine album and a most enjoyable listening experience.

Steve Lawrence croons delightfully on this CD tribute to an incredibly talented artist who influenced him profoundly--Frank Sinatra. In the liner notes Steve relates how wherever he and Eydie went when they toured with Frank, Frank was THE attraction. Steve writes that he and his wife Eydie could never come close to the immense talents and popularity that Sinatra so richly enjoyed. Despite Steve's modesty, however, Steve performs these numbers with panache, sensitivity and sophistication. Steve never sings a superfluous note. Sinatra would be proud.

The CD starts with the classic "I've Got You Under My Skin" by Cole Porter. Steve never misses a beat and we can tell by the energy in Steve's voice that he truly enjoys every minute of this tribute! The musical arrangement by Nelson Riddle shines brightly and beautifully complements the lyrics. I especially like the string section on this number! "You Make Me Feel So Young" displays masculine strength and romantic playfulness at the same time--excellent! The horns and percussion prove that Quincy Jones carefully sculpted the musical arrangement for this track. Steve does this number with great sensitivity; therefore his voice and the orchestration make you feel the same joy Sinatra sang of when he performed this number.

"Come Rain Or Come Shine" features a slow, pensive and romantic arrangement. The orchestra, which is conducted by Steve's own son David throughout this CD, performs masterfully on this track.

Other classic songs on this album include "The Lady Is A Tramp;" "Fly Me To The Moon" written by Bart Howard and arranged by Quincy Jones; the very romantic, slow paced ballad entitled "Where Or When;" the joyful and triumphant "For Once In My Life" arranged by Don Costa; and the masculine and joyful "My Kind Of Town."

One romantic song of particular note resonates particularly well with gentlemen: "The Summer Wind." Men wanted and still want to dance with their sweethearts when Sinatra performed this number. Steve does great justice to this Sinatra ballad; and Steve very ably uses his voice to express every nuance in this track--as he does throughout the CD.

The CD ends as Steve sings Sinatra's famous ballad entitled "Angel Eyes." The singer laments a love gone awry and there seems to be no quick solution for his angst and loneliness. The strength of Steve's voice very ably communicates the pain the man feels as he tries to deal with a lost love.

The liner notes include great pictures of Steve, Eydie and the people who worked the most to make this album a reality. Steve points out proudly that his son was the conductor for the orchestra on all of these numbers--and who could blame Steve for being proud? SMILES You get the song credits; and Steve himself contributes a brief essay reminiscing about touring with Sinatra in earlier years.

Frank Sinatra richly deserves the gratitude and credit he posthumously receives to this day. Steve Lawrence's CD tribute to Frank Sinatra helps us to remember a great man with extraordinary talents. Moreover, it takes an artist as polished and sophisticated as Steve Lawrence to do proper justice to Frank on a CD.

I highly recommend this CD for Sinatra fans and for Steve Lawrence fans alike. Fans of classic pop vocals will thrill to the sounds on this album. Great job, Steve!!!!

The previous reviewer said this CD was unbelieveable -- Hands down I agree. I've never bought a Steve Lawrence CD before and I loved it!! Anyone who loves Frank's records will enjoy the original Sinatra arrangements/music done with digital quality. Add a great sounding Steve Lawrence and this CD is a winner. "I've got you under my Skin" is awsome. I kept closing my eyes and thinking it was Frank singing. Steve is that good. You'll love this album. If Steve sings these songs at his concerts -- I'm hooked!!

I bought this CD with some trepidation, since I have the original versions of all the songs recorded by Mr. Sinatra himself. For that reason there's no thrill of discovering a new song or a fresh approach to an old ballad. I would have to say one of the primary delights I get from this album is the wonderful acoustic qualities. The music sounds considerably more fresh and alive than its original counterparts from the 1950's and 1960's. Steve Lawrence is in fine voice and is up to the challenges of the music. Although he has been around for decades, Mr. Lawrence sounds as if he still has another decade of first-rate singing in him. I hate to make comparisons, but, in all honesty, Steve Lawrence does not wring everything out of a song that Sinatra could. Nevertheless, this is a fine album and a most enjoyable listening experience.

Whatever happened to good music, why is it that all we hear is the junk the kids listen to today. Don't record produers know that there are still those of us out here that still like real music. NO, all they care about is who can make them millionairs and who they can sell and exploit. Well enough of that. This is a great cd, great songs, with the same wonderful arrangements as Sinatra with excellent sound. Wow the music comes alive, as Steve says in the liner notes, his son produced the album, Steve says that he produced his son and now his son is producing him. Being serious, yeah he has been around a long time, but boy you listen to this and you know why. Come on Steve lets hear more, and Eydie too, love to hear something new from you. ...

I am a HUGE Sinatra fan and one thing I don't like is someone trying to imitate him. Steve Lawrence uses Sinatra's arrangements but doesn't imitate the one and only Sinatra. Excellent recording for a Sinatra fan and by the way a Steve Lawrence fan.