Product Description:
Personnel include: Ronnie Milsap (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Dennis Budimir, James L. Brantley (acoustic guitar); Dean Parks, Bobby Mann (electric guitar); Catherine S. Marx (piano); David Hungate (bass guitar); Paul Leim (drums).
Recording information: Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California.
Arrangers: Charlie Calello; Jimmie Haskell; Sammy Nestico.
It is no surprise to learn that a seasoned performer like Ronnie Milsap has--in the brightly colored autumn of his career--released an album of standards. It is a pleasant surprise, however, to learn that the record, entitled JUST FOR A THRILL, is full of lively, big-band-driven arrangements, a sense of lightness and fun, and Milsap's always-appealing croon, which sounds better than ever. Aficionados of the American Songbook and Milsap fans alike will appreciate his fresh take on tunes like "Bewitched," "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," and "My Funny Valentine."
The disc's version of "But Not for Me," for example, is busy and swinging, injecting a healthy shot of jazz into the country-pop style Milsap is known for. The emotionally stirring "Cry," complete with swelling strings, succeeds thanks to Milsap's straightforward, yet carefully considered, vocal performance. The snappy punch of brass throughout keeps the tunes energetic and smart, as do the fine arrangements by Jimmie Haskell, Doc Mulligan, and others. Such elements provide the perfect backdrop for Milsap's warm, easy-going voice in a way that makes these dusty gems sparkle anew.
