Obviously the string arrangements compliment Rankin's voice perfectly on standards such as “Here's That Rainy Day” and “When Sunny Gets Blue,” the latter track allowing Rankin to display the higher range of his vocals. While he lingers on every word, Rankin never over sings the classics, letting the lyrics' beauty and the tune's gorgeous chord changes drive the tracks.
Mixed with these songs are modern classics such as Stephen Bishop's “On and On,” this arrangement much simpler than the original version. Sure, “You Are So Beautiful” has been covered numerous times (Joe Cocker and Kenny Rogers performing the most well-known versions), but Rankin manages to add a pleasant jazz slant to the tune. The Young Rascals' “Groovin'” also receives a jazz makeover, with a soft drum beat lending an airy quality.
Rankin previously recorded “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” for his second album, 1970's Family. Here, the strings emphasize the melancholy and wistfulness of Harrison's words, and Rankin's delicate guitar picking evokes the emotion of the song's title. This arrangement lays bare the sadness and dreamy quality of Harrison's masterpiece, and shows how Beatles songs can be reinterpreted without robbing them of original intent.
In addition, Rankin successfully intersperses his own compositions with these classics with no interruption in the overall tone. “Make Believe,” “I Love You,” and “Through the Eye of the Eagle” utilize the orchestra's power, which allows Rankin to demonstrate his voice's ability to convey deep emotion without vocal histrionics.
Clearly teaming with Costa, who became famous through his work with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr., was a masterstroke. Costa's exquisite arrangements perfectly compliment Rankin's voice, seamlessly integrating Rankin's pop background with jazz. This collaboration produced a unabashedly romantic album that also serves as an instant lesson in seemingly effortless singing.
Three years after re-teaming with Rankin on the 1980 album After the Roses, Costa passed away at the age of 58. Rankin continued to record through the 1990s and well into the 2000s, expanding his pop and jazz repertoire. His passing marks the end of a uniquely gifted guitarist and vocalist, and The Kenny Rankin Album serves as the ultimate showcase for his talents.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
super job Kit, thanks!
2 - Jeannie Danna
Eric, I am asking you to go look at my comment thread and tell me if this behavior by your editor and other writers is free speech! HR676
3 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks for the comment, Eric! I'm glad you liked this.
4 - kevin barbano
A giant in the industry has passed. I am 58 and kenny's music had a great effect on my younger days as well as now. Being a musician in the 70's & 80's I had a deep appreciation for his unique talents. I enjoyed going to hear him sing at the "Turning Point" many times in recent years. I feel priviledged that I was able to have a small conversation with him outside before a concert one evening. I will truly miss him.
5 - Marlene
OHHH, I am so sad to hear Kenny has passed. He was so beautiful. I would sing with his albums over and over. I finally got to hear him, and meet him one night at the Iron Horse. I brought my album and he signed it. I was honored to be in his presence.We actually sang one song together.He will always be missed. God Bless the family.My sincere thoughts are with you all.
6 - mm of Eastern US
Kenny Rankin was my favorite singer and I was sad when I read in a local paper in June that he had passed. I am so disappointed that I never had the chance to see him perform live.
I love Haven't We Met, his remakes of Beatles songs, Silver Morning, Creepin', Sunday Kind of Love, ... if I go on I will list every song he ever released! I will cherish that I was alive to enjoy his talent and I am replacing all of my KR releases before they are discontinued!
Note: Silver Morning, Like A Seed and the Kenny Rankin album will be re-released in early Dec. 2009.
I extend my heartfelt sympathies and send my best to Kenny's family and friends.