Forever Cool

by Dean Martin

Product Description:

Personnel: James Harrah, Jim Fox , John Chiodini (guitar); Stephen Kujala, Richard Mitchell, Robert Shulgold (flute); Frank Marocco (accordion); Sal Lozano, Dan Higgins, Gary Foster (alto saxophone); Vince Trombetta, Gene Cipriano, Bob Sheppard (tenor saxophone); Greg Huckins, Lee Callet (baritone saxophone); Larry McGuire, Gary Grant, Rick Baptist, Warren Luening, Wayne Bergeron, Charley Davis, Larry Lunetta (trumpet); Suzette Moriarty, Justin Hageman, Kurt Snyder, Brian O'Connor (French horn); George Bohannon, Andy Martin, Bill Elton, Chauncey Welsch, Bob McChesney, Charley Loper (trombone); Richard Bullock, Craig Gosnell (bass trombone); John Van Houten, Jr. (tuba); Mike Lang, Randy Waldman, Tom Ranier (piano); Dan Greco (vibraphone); Chuck Berghofer, Kevin Axt, Brian Bromberg (bass guitar); Gregg Field, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Joey Gian, Rob Christie, Paula Salvatore (background vocals).

Additional personnel: Chris Botti, Paris Bennett , The Capitol Studios Orchestra, Josh Levy, Dave Koz, Dirk Shumaker, Joss Stone, Kevin Spacey, Martina McBride, Robbie Williams, Scotty Morris, Shelby Lynne, Tiziano Ferro, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Kurt Sodergren, Glen Marhevka, Karl Hunter, Andy Rowley, Charles Aznavour.

Similar in spirit to the pair of late-career DUETS albums that his Rat Pack pal Frank Sinatra recorded, FOREVER COOL finds the late great Dean Martin paired up with some of the biggest names in pop for posthumous reworkings of his most beloved tunes. One can't help but think the endlessly cynical Martin would have found the whole affair a little silly, wondering aloud, "Who's this Joss Stone broad again?" Nonetheless, it's hard not to crack a smile when listening to actor Kevin Spacey croon along to "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" and neo-swingsters Big Bad Voodoo Daddy up the ring-a-ding factor on "Who's Got the Action." Among the other highlights are Shelby Lynne's "You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You," sterling duets with Charles Aznavour and Tiziano Ferro (artists cut more to Dino's jib), and a solo shot from the man himself, all by his lonesome, on the a capella album closer "Lullaby."