Frank D'Rone - Frank D'Rone Sings / After the Ball (2019)

Frank D’Rone (1932-2013) was no doubt the best in the second generation of singers that were influenced by Frank Sinatra. To be clear, one Frank does not sound like the other: even though D’Rone sang in the general area clarified by Sinatra’s pioneering style, he was very much his own man, both in style and selection of material. He wasn’t trite, and never trusted wornout favorites to conquer an audience. The proof’s in the pudding as they say, with the excellent choice of tunes included in his debut album “Sings”. His articulation, feeling, understanding and delivery of lyrical meaning is first class, in any of the three different settings he chose for his first album.

Accompanied alternatively by a swinging band, a lush brass orchestra, or a small group, his vocal ability is equally at home in ballads and up-tunes. The result is pure D’Rone. Frank’s second album, “After the Ball”, is full of energy. Clean, cheerful, sometimes witty, and with the swinging arrangements of Billy May, and the orchestral direction of Benny Carter, Frank’s magnificent voice flows along, betraying his enjoyment in singing and swinging. It is no surprise that the first time Nat King Cole heard him, he exclaimed: “This guy is really something!”