Sinatra Project, Vol. 2: The Good Life

Personnel: Michael Feinstein (vocals); Jim Fox (guitar); John Wittenberg, Carolyn Osborn , Erika Walczak, Sharon Jackson , Kathleen Robertson , Gina Kronstadt, Judy Yoo, Julie Rogers, Peter Kent, Susan Chatman (violin); Pamela Jacobson , Andrew Duckles (viola); Rudy Stein, Cecilia Tsan (cello); Jay Mason, Jeff Driskell (flute, clarinet, alto saxophone); Dan Higgins (flute, alto saxophone); Sal Lozano (clarinet, alto saxophone); John Mitchell (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Willie Murillo, Darrel Gardner, Don Clarke, Wayne Bergeron (trumpet); Joe Meyer , Brian O'Connor (French horn); Charlie Morillas, Alex Iles, Alan Kaplan, Craig Gosnell (trombone); Bill Elliott (piano); Albie Berk (drums); Bernie Dresel (percussion).
Audio Mixer: Mark Linett.
Recording information: Ocean Way Recording Studio B, Hollywood, CA.
Photographer: Gilles Toucas.
Arranger: Bill Elliott.
Following up 2008's The Sinatra Project, Michael Feinstein's 2011 The Sinatra Project, Vol. 2: The Good Life features more of the urbane and polished singer/pianist's takes on Ol' Blue Eyes' catalog. Featuring both large and small ensembles, here Feinstein takes on a nice selection of both well-known and lesser-known cuts that Sinatra tackled at some point in his storied career. Included are such stand-out numbers as the big-band rhumba piece "Sway," the swinging medley "Luck Be a Lady/All I Need Is the Girl," and the romantic orchestral ballad "The Way You Look Tonight." Not surprisingly, the best tracks here are the more intimate ones that find Feinstein accompanying himself on piano as with the autumnal "C'est Comme Ca" and the poignant "I'll Be Around." Longtime Feinstein fans should find much to enjoy on this impeccably crafted homage to Sinatra. ~ Matt Collar