(1921-1985)
Nelson Riddle was a great American musician. Check out his wonderful arrangements for Nat King Cole or Frank Sinatra, or his solo instrumental records like “Changing Colors.” Or his old television themes like “Route 66” or “Naked City.”
The “Route 66” in particular slays me. Probably dredging up some early memories where I really connected with a jazz element.
He was a first-rate American composer, though his composing medium was most often his arrangements for orchestra and big band.
Genius.
And I rarely use that word.
I can “hear” a Riddle arrangement in 4 bars.
Check out the “Nat King Cole and Nelson Riddle” compilation or “The Sinatra Sound: Nelson Riddle Arrangements.”
By the way, while Sinatra was great but Nat King Cole is transcendent.
I am currently reading “September in the Rain,” the Nelson Riddle biography. Somehow I latched onto a used and autographed copy on Amazon. Pure luck.
Stay safe.
Love,
Reyn