Look at the performer's credits on the link below. Esh said he got Paul Anka's new cd. I've never bought a Paul Anka record but that sounds interesting.

Anyway, look at how many people played on this album.

Paul Anka

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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

Wow, and we complain about having to spring for a couple of six packs to get a couple of buddies to lay down a few tracks for us....it's a whole different world out there.

chas

Well, at least they all got credit for it ...
t.

I thought that was Anka's worst album project to date imo trying to cash in on the American song book craze.
But he used a full orchestra so there is no surprise about all the musicians credits, at least he's putting people to work.

NO ACCORDION?

That automatically gives the album a rating!

Paul Anka ... I once heard an outtake of him that was on the RFNY / WHOT ( pirate radio ) site, chastising members of his band for their appearance and their practice habits, among other things. Saying he was a bit rough on them doesn't quite do it justice. I've worked in quite a few construction jobs over the years, and never heard so much colorful language .. LOL

I'm pretty sure it was legit too, and if so, all I can say is I'm kinda glad I don't have to work for him to earn a liiving.

AJ

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 12-29-2005).]

that really doesn't surprise me ... these people are PERFECTIONISTS and many of the top stars are VERY demanding.... that's why their shows are so TIGHT.... legend has it that Sinatra tossed a horn player from a recording session for saying something to the guy next to him while Ol' Blue Eyes was going over something with the conductor ... and with Frank, even the 'ad-libs' were rehearsed ... I know because at a show at the Providence Civic Center a number of years ago, I was sitting close enough to read the teleprompter...
t.

I especially like how this thread is titled, and the duality of digital arrangers and real arrangers.

If you read the linear notes you'll see that a group of former associates approached Paul Anka with the "Rock Swings" idea, which was a departure for him because he usually does his own music. The idea grew and as a team they became excited over finding quality material.

The arrangements are everything to this project. I laughed and enjoyed "True" and "Black Hole Sun" as novelties, but then I heard "Jump" and thought it actually sounded amazingly natural as a swing. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" didn't surprise me as much but it's nice none the less. "Eyes Without A Face" and "Everybody Hurts" are my favs and Paul's renditions are lush and meaningful.

Indeed, this is why arrangers as so useful, to give unique brushes of color to the music that changes it subtly or completely. In a time when a lot of performers are turning back to the Great American Songbook for material, reinventing modern rock classics was a little risky but I think Paul Anka pulled it off.

I plan on adding a few of these arrangements to my act.

AJ, that was hilarious. Or sad. Take your pick. I'm sure these guys had to put up with lots of cra. But... who knows?

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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

I don't know many of the other musicians on that album, but Vinnie Colaiuta on drums is an absolute monster and in my opinion in the top 5 of best drummers of all time. I can't imagine Anka being anything but ecstatic having Vinnie on his album.