The late
Frankie Laine is most remembered as a popular singer of the post-World War II period into the 1960s, though he was a talented lyricist who contributed a number of memorable songs, a few of which have become standards. Baritone saxophonist
Gary Smulyan conceived this tribute several years prior to
Laine's death in early 2007, though recording didn't take place until a year after the singer's passing.
Smulyan -- whose melodic baritone makes him the logical heir to
Gerry Mulligan -- recruited the gifted arranger
Mark Masters and some of the top instrumentalists in greater New York City (including trumpeter
Joe Magnarelli, trombonist
John Fedchock, alto saxophonist
Dick Oatts, multi-reed player
Scott Robinson, and French horn player
John Clark).
"High Noon," from the movie soundtrack penned by
Dimitri Tiomkin, was a vocal hit for
Laine, though
Masters' imaginative chart expands considerably on this relatively simple composition, filled with terrific solos and colorful backgrounds, highlighted by the leader's baritone and
Robinson's bass clarinet. The bluesy
"Torchin'" is an obscure work with music by
Laine and lyrics by
Alan Jay Lerner, in which a bit of playfulness is incorporated into its somber atmosphere. The moody
"A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry" evokes the emotion of
Joe Williams' vocal version through
Smulyan's magical baritone sax. Several of
Laine's collaborations with composer
Carl Fischer are included, highlighted by the standard
"We'll Be Together Again," a brilliant, understated duet by
Smulyan and pianist
Pete Malinverni. ~ Ken Dryden
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