Search - 101 Strings Orchestra :: Nelson Riddle

Good music, but with reservations

Scott Vaughn | Tennessee | 11/20/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The 101 Strings recorded many, many albums and their catalog has been bought out a few times resulting resulting in some shifts in marketing strategy that can be very confusing. This specific album was first introduced in the early 70s and this CD is a re-issue of that album, so if you buy this, you're getting a CD that was likely made in the late 80s. It doesn't appear to be in print now, the company owning the masters preferring instead to issue a some of the selections in their many, many compilations.



Although it is listed as a tribute to Nelson Riddle, the music is actually conducted by him and the sound is very easy and quite 70s, if you know I mean. Standout cuts are "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Meandering," and "Freeway Fantasy."



The 101 Strings were formed in the 1950s in response to orchestra leaders like Mantovani and Jackie Gleason. The idea was to give the public the lush orchestrations without the "personality" conductors that drove up costs. There was no 101 Strings Orchestra per se, just various musicians contracted based on availability to fulfill the record company's wishes on the recording. Most were recorded in Europe. Having a conductor like Nelson Riddle is a departure, but it does result in interesting music.



Of course, one generally expects a certain swing associated with Nelson Riddle. Generally, Riddle adapts to the Strings style and avoids any jagged swinging or jazzy tones. This music is at home in the doctor's office, dentists chair or retail store.



While I love the music here, the recording is a bit boxy sounding and that's the reason for this rating. Some gentle remastering and re-equalizing would have benefited the project for CD re-issue.



But if elevator music is your thing--and it is MY thing--you will want this album.

"