The Sinatra Project

I'm a real Sinatra fan and I was intrigued by this CD's concept primarily because I know that Micheal Feinstein is a serious historical music scholar. I thought that it would be educational about Sinatra in some way. But it wasn't education I got; it was wonderful entertainment. This is an exceptional work -- not because of a connection to Frank Sinatra but because of the quality of all the remarkable creative work displayed. Feinstein's voice is excellent and most of all his unique vocal interpretation of some of the best songs every recorded make this CD a true gem. Feinstein has restored lyrics to some songs: The additional lines in "At Long Last Love" are a real treat and were never song by any Sinatra recording I've heard. The piano work (by Feinstein?) is great and the orchestra is fantastic; sounds like the old Count Basie Band but with a full symphonic orchestra: woodwinds, strings, and horns. What superb arrangements! Another positive element which greately contributes is the extremely high technical quality of the recording. Beyond crystal clear and perfectly mixed. I don't know what they did in the studio but it works! This CD should not be compared with any of Sinatra's work. Feinstein makes the songs his own. The only connection is in the choice of songs and the overall big band style. I will always be a Sinatra fan -- and now I'm also a Feinstein fan. BTW: Why can't Amazon include the liner notes?

When I first saw the playlist for this recording, I was very disappointed. While I realized one record could not begin to cover the songs associated with Sinatra, why were so many of his big hits not covered?? After reading the liner notes, I found out this wasn't Michael's intent. So I gave it a listen, and boy is it a winner! Recorded at the famed Capitol recording studios with a live orchestra, the sound will blow you away. It's hard to pick out favorites as every cut is first rate, but The Song Is You; All My Tomorrows/All the Way and At Long Last Love really stand out for me. "Love" is the final cut and ends the set on a really high note. Congrats to all involved. Love it! Weather you are a Sinatra fan, a Feinstein fan or just love the American Songbook, you cant go wrong here. (Yeah I know he doesnt have Sinatra's voice, but then who does? I can live with it!) Can we hope for a follow up?

I bought this for my mother, who is a real die-hard Sinatra fan. She really loved Fienstien's cover versions. Fienstien didn't try to emulate Sinatra, but performed each song with respect and admiration for the original versions. I think the tune on this collection, was "Begin the Beguine". Fienstien is a true vocal artist. I gave this 5 stars because of the joy it gave my mother and for a wonderfully produced piece of art that it is.

Feinstein's voice has improved over the years. This is a nice album for fans of Sinatra and Feinstein.

Michael Feinstein has taken some wonderful old standards originally recorded by Frank Sinatra, and a couple that were written for him but not recorded, and rendered them memorably. His enunciation and phrasing are outstanding, he has a gentle voice, tender in the romantic songs, strong where it needs to be, but melodic. He does not belt out his songs. What a relief. This is truly enjoyable listening, and may he do more of it in this style.

I listen to Michael Feinstein during the very late nights when I'm on my computer. His voice is a wonderful companion.

Michael Feinstein has taken on the mantle of THE current expert on American Popular Song. As such he continues to explore the idiom from many aspects. From his earlier efforts with solo piano and a quiet cocktail lounge approach, he has progressed to the current effort involving a large talented orchestra and arrangements that are "authentic Sinatra". So, then, what exactly is the problem? Well, in a nut shell, Michael Feinstein is Not Frank Sinatra. Whereas Sinatra had a unique and characteristic vocal "attack' with phrasing that was at once rhythmic and idiosyncratic, Feinstein's voice sounds forced, and without depth. His phrasing is akward, and completely without the recognizable sustained noted on the consonants that made Sinatra so recognizable. The treble notes ( listen to Begin the Beguine and parts of It's All Right With Me ) ) are simply awful as Feinstein struggles to be heard above the band. Indeed, his range is much more applicable to musical arrangements on solo piano wherein the more intimate setting can play to his strengths, i.e., a softer voice in which the lack of range can be hidden by strategic "whispers", better phrasing, heart felt sighs, and well executed "falsettos" in the high range. Simply listen to All My Tomorrows/All The Way to hear how much better Feinstein sings with solo piano; the difference is amazing. A decided positive is the orchestration and the sound of the recording which are first rate. Feinstein's stated goal was to pay tribute to Sinatra by presenting songs that Sinatra didn't record, or recorded once or twice in sessions that might have not been optimal. Such selections were to be in the "style" of Sinatra's time. I will let others decide if Feinstein succeeded in that aspect of the present recording. Unfortunately, Feinstein's previous vocal successes are not evident in the Sinatra Project. Stick with Frank, and save your money.

Michael Feinstein has a great voice and a great orchestra behind him. The arrangements are fantastic and the choices of his songs are just wonderful. I recommend this to any Frank Sinatra/Michael Feinstein enthusiasts.

Parfait

An Sinatra scheinen sich alle heutigen Sänger versuchen zu wollen. Wobei das "Projekt" von Michael Feinstein noch das gelungenste ist. Das hat mehrere Gründe: (1) Feinstein vermeidet es, den typischen Sinatra-Gesangsstil (schlampige Phrasierung um den Ton herum, Akzentuierung leicht vor dem Beat) zu imitieren. Auf allen Liedern klingt er wie Michael Feinstein. (Andererseits: einen unverwechselbaren Feinstein-Stil gibt es eigentlich gar nicht...) (2) Es werden nicht die großen Klassiker zum hundertsten Mal abgekupfert ("Fly Me to the Moon" kann keiner so gut wie OlŽ Blue Eyes), sondern eine intelligente Auswahl aus verschiedenen Stadien von Sinatra's Karriere vorgenommen: z.b. "Exactly Like You" und "Begin the Beguine" aus den 40ern, "How Long Will It Last?", das Sinatra 1947/48 unvollständig eingespielt und nie veröffentlicht hat, "The Same Hello, The Same Goodbye", extra für Sinatra geschrieben, aber nie von ihm aufgenommen, etc etc. (3) Die Arrangements werden von Feinstein und seinem Arrangeur/Produzenten Bill Elliott nicht 1:1 historisch nachempfunden, sondern in eine bestimmte Periode Sinatra's übersetzt, egal wann er das Original aufgenommen hat. "Exactly Like You" z.B., ursprünglich 1946 eingespielt, erhält hier den typischen Billy May - Sound der frühen 50er, die meisten anderen Titel sind im Nelson Riddle - Stil gehalten, und beide Sounds sind weder nachher noch vorher von anderen Arrangeuren übertroffen worden. (4) Die Aufnahmen wurden - historisch korrekt - im Capitol Tower, Studio A, in Hollywood gemacht, ein Versuch, auch akustisch die beste Zeit Sinatra's abzubilden; dazu gehört auch die Aufnahme der gesamten Band in einem Raum (heute ist es üblich, das Schlagzeug zu separieren, weil man überlagernde Schlagzeuggeräusche in den Mikros der anderern Instumente fürchtet). Alles in allem, ein sorgfältig durchdachter, gelungener "Tribute to Sinatra",

A brilliant project relating to , arguably, the best vocalist of the 20th century. Michael's in depth knowledge of not only Sinatra, but the entire genre of the American Songbook. His talent is virtually unsurpassed in this area. The scripting, production and charismatic personality of Michael Feinstein makes this unique event of a bygone era well up to date. The equally superb nine episodes (three series) of his Great American Songbook should be fully released on DVD. Anyone who enjoys the music and song from the evergreen era will have nine hours of education, entertainment and escapism. David Turner (London UK)

Luverly! a nice easy listening cd that I have played and played while at my desk. His voice is as wonderful as ever and his piano playing is just as good. I was lucky enough to see him in his one man show at the Palladium 2/3 years ago and he was brilliant in the flesh as he is on his recordings. And boy! can he tinkle the ivories. He really was first in line when the good fairies were handing out talent.

My husband absolutely loves this CD. We saw a programme on TV where Michael Feinstein sang one of the tracks and we loved it so much, we absolutely had to have this disc.