Hey Gang: Just got it from a little Oscar soiree here in LA hosted by a new pal of mine that's up for a big, big award. Note the time: 10PM, LA time -- they have to look pretty tomorrow! It's an exciting time to be Hollywood, now that Oscar is home! The Kodak will be unveiled in all its glory and we members of Hollywood Heritage (the local architectural and cultural conservancy group) are delighted! It's about time.
Anywho, the other reason for writing is to submit something for filing under *just to be sure you know.* I recently acquired the new Robbie Williams CD, *Swing When You're Winning.* The first cut was orchestrated by our own Vince Mendoza and performed (and written) by Williams and the London Session Orchestra led by Gavyn Wright. Although my least favorite cut on the CD, its orchestration is really quite good. This was a major move in work for Robbie and I think he has done a commanding job. His version of *Beyond the Sea* is absolutely wonderful to my ears. A few friends from England were visiting this week and felt he really made a major career move with this work. His live performance of the standards contained on this CD at the Albert was amazing they tell me. The one-night-only concert recording is available on DVD - which I promptly ordered. If you like the work of Sinatra, Martin, and Davis, I, without reservation, recommend Robbie's new venture. No regrets, Coyote Rick Casa Alegre Hollywood, California "Only fools are afraid to be burned by fire..."
