Search - Nelson Riddle :: Nelson Riddle - Best of the Capitol Years

Wonderful Arrangements!

Andrew Stevenson | Union Springs, New York | 01/03/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is proof (as if any is needed) of Nelson Riddle's enormous talents as an arranger. Here he takes 24 songs, old warhorses that have been played and sung over and over again, and makes them sound fresh and interesting. He also uses outstanding musicians, including Harry "Sweets" Edison & Juan Tizol, to bring the arrangments to life. In lesser hands such recordings have resulted in mere background music. Riddle makes you want to listen to each and every note!"

Arranged by Nelson Riddle

Rosemary A. Acerra | Red Bank, NJ USA | 03/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a gem of an accomplishment for the greatest arranger of our century to have completed before he died. His legacy will live on and his book will help that goal. The interesting anecdotes he adds to the book besides his tutorials on the craft of arranging make this book a "must have" for anyone who lived in this era of music and past it."

The editorial review is incorrect--no '60s recordings here

Smiley | Back home | 01/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nelson Riddle's "Best of the Capitol Years" isn't a best-of in the usual sense--none of his hit singles is included. The track list is exactly the same as the Collector's Choice two-fer CD "Hey...Let Yourself Go!/C'mon...Get Happy!" In other words, "Best of the Capitol Years" isn't a greatest hits collection, it is a reissue of two complete albums from 1957-58. To be fair, these were Riddle's two most commercially successful albums, but if you're looking for "Lisbon, Antigua," "Route 66 Theme" or any of Riddle's best, you won't find them on this "best-of.""