Alto saxophonist
Mike Smith spent time at the ideal listening post to come by his inspiration for
Sinatra Songbook. As a member of
the Voice's band in the latter part of the singer's career,
Smith became steeped in
Frank Sinatra's repertoire, style, and skill as a performing artist. While paying tribute, the Chicago-based
Smith also effectively asserts his own artistry on this polished, well-recorded set of mainstream performances from 1995. The link between the saxophonist and his former boss comes across through qualities that
Smith shares with
Sinatra: a natural grace and ease with phrasing, a classy, authoritative presence, and an ability to put a strongly personal artistic mark on a repertoire of standards.
Smith displays awesome facility, whether flying along the current of the rhythm section on the uptempo numbers or ruminating in world-weary introspection on the ballads. While much is made of his
Cannonball Adderley influences, it is also clear that
Smith's flawless execution at speed shares some of
Sonny Stitt's preternatural abilities. The rhythm section of
John Whitfield on bass,
Bob Rummage on drums, and pianist
Ron Perillo, who alternates with
Jim Ryan, is absolutely impressive and a good fit with the leader. The performances, naturally, are all numbers closely associated with
Sinatra, but
Smith and company do a fine job of making them their own. Highlights include snappy versions of "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "I Remember You," and a fresh interpretation of "Angel Eyes" in which the group, driving off
Perillo's
Tyner-esque piano, evolves the song's minor blues line into almost a modal hard bop space.