Songs for Swinging Singers

National Review, Feb 11, 1991 by Ralph de Toledano

* I call to your attention Stephane Grappelli's No Other Love. As a violinist, Grappelli was one of those perceptive Frenchmen who with Hugues Panassie brought jazz to France. Here on this record, he plays piano-and well-in a style which combines the work of William the Lion" Smith and any number of cocktail-lounge pianists (CBS MK 46257).

And if I am not expelled from the fraternity, I would also call to your attention a series of original recordings of Frank Sinatra, entitled (ugh) Songs for Swinging Lovers. In the past, we sneered at Sinatra, but on these records he sings close to the melody, but always with a sense of a vocalist's duty, excellent phrasing, and with a good pop voice (Capitol UDCD 538).