Please take a letter.... Can we please try and venture outside the box of old blue eyes.... Sinatra as fantastic an entertainer as he was is in tribute overdrive.... Signed yours truly! Now off the soapbox and on to an amazing yet not so typical John Pizzarelli project comes the tribute to the "Man" Frank Sinatra in his 2006 release of Dear Mr. Sinatra which for all the talent and tone this icon had.... John Pizzarelli does a very fine job.... Telarc known for their quality artists and releases again has not let the jazz public down. A wonderful expose of hit songs but all with the melody and performance Sinatra would have respected. Pizzarelli once more stands up and delivers his form with class.

However has he [Pizzarelli] ventured to far outside the box? Full orchestras [The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra] vs. his seasoned trio maybe a questionable call. A decision that puzzles me still after several spins, Pizzarelli at times seemed strained as he unleashed his golden vibes we have all been accustomed too. Nevertheless I do applaud his adventurous foresight and daring.

Understand one-thing, fans will really enjoy this disk. It is Pure Pizzarelli with all the flair of nostalgia encased within! Skat fans will become overheated with "Yes Sir, That’s My Baby" and that cool Pizzarelli performance. Delivery is very typical for him and his skat is well placed and executed. One of the premiere cuts off this spin.... . A Pizzarelli turbo spin for any fan of Frankie’s!

For those who enjoy the candlelight ambiance take a warm embrace as "Nice N Easy" hits the push-n-play cycle. Very big band-esque wrapped in pungent melodic tones is delivered, as only Pizzarelli is able.

Question still out there is can Pizzarelli hold course on crooning ballads of romance or needing to stick to that heated cool we are so used too? Only the fan faithful will answer that dilemma-coated concern. With all this said Dear Mr. Sinatra is another hit chapter in the Pizzarelli Rack of Tracks. Presented for you the listener.... hours of pure enjoyment on the very cool side!