Mark Tremonti – “Tremonti Sings Sinatra”

When you take an artist out of their comfort zone, to do something a little different, typically one of two things can happen. The first, and, frankly most common outcome is, not so much failure but, shall we say a bit of a learning curve? Take WILLIAM SHATNER for example, his acting style is iconic and he’s a bit of a meme, but it doesn’t stop his creative ambition, and when he released his first blues album at around, 89 years of age, well it was…a thing that happened, let’s leave it at that. 

Sometimes however, these creative outbursts can be more successful and impressive than they have any right to be, and that’s where we find ourselves today, talking about MARK TREMONTI. Now, Tremonti is a super talented dude, with CREED, ALTER BRIDGE plus his solo work, he tours the world, packs out arena’s and is one of the finest rock and metal guitarists of his generation. We all know that, but what if I told you, that if he appeared on “Stars In Their Eyes” as FRANK SINATRA of all people, he would wipe the floor with EVERYONE? Don’t believe me? Allow him to prove you wrong. 

On May 27th, Mark Tremonti will be releasing “Tremonti Sings Sinatra”, a very special covers album dedicated to Ol’ Blue Eyes as an unexpected inspiration, but also for a wholesome charitable cause very close to home with the six-stringer turned jazz-swinger. Released especially for, and specifically for raising money with the NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society), and his own new start-up foundation; “Take A Chance For Charity”, with 100% of the proceeds being donated, (More on that later) let’s pour ourselves a Jack Daniel’s, put on our finest suits and get classy toots, as we get into the swing of things. 

We start off with “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and it’s one of the many, instantly recognisable Sinatra classics…and I’m not lying when I say this, I thought this WAS Sinatra at first. We’re so used to hearing Tremonti’s clean but soaring vocals over riffs aplenty, but this guy can CROON! His velvety smooth vocals are pin-point, and the soft, brushed percussion, vibrant brass section and overall lounge-jazz feel are all played perfectly. You literally double check your calendar and yes, it IS still 2022, the authenticity here is unreal. 

Further recognisable tracks that quickly jump out at the listener, are of course, huge numbers like “Come Fly With Me” and “My Way”. There’s a jovial energy to the brass work in the former, the finger-clicking, catchy simplicity to the piece is infectious, and it’s just a real feel-good track. The latter, arguably one of the most famous, tear-jerking jazz-ballads ever written, is performed with a conviction and defiance just as the original intended. As the tracks grows, The gently plucked acoustics compliment the vocals as they get more prominent, mirroring the confidence within the track’s narrative and it’s brilliantly done.

There are other cuts such as “Wave”, which allows Tremonti to really explore his vocal range as he delves into a far deeper baritone for certain notes, and the sweetly sentimental “Nancy (With The Laughing Face)”, which is simply heart-warming. I suppose really that, this could be full of hits, but I guess it’s down to how much of an existing Sinatra fan you already are, and what you are familiar with. 

Ultimately, regardless of your prior knowledge of Sinatra, what cannot be denied, is just how hard this album delivers. Sitting back and taking this in, you genuinely feel like you’ve been taken back to the 1940’s, such is the level of accuracy in the production here; it’s spot on. The fact that, surviving members of Sinatra’s actual touring band contribute to this is one thing, but it’s Tremonti that steals the show…his vocal ability here is unexpectedly fantastic from a genre perspective. His ability to switch it up like and sound so effortless is remarkable, and he has to be applauded.  

This is just the musical aspect of the album however, and while this is typically what we do, it’s not the point of the album. This isn’t about Tremonti, this is about a good cause, and about improving the lives of thousands of beautiful children, born around the world every year, with down syndrome. Life can be challenging at the best of times, and with your help we can make it that little bit easier and rewarding for EVERYBODY. For more information, check out the links below. In the meantime, this album’s given me a strange craving for Frankie & Benny’s… 

To learn more about the NDSS, click here: WWW.NDSS.ORG

To learn more about Tremonti’s foundation, visit WWW.TREMONTISINGSSINATRA.COM/TAKEACHANCEFORCHARITY 

Album Score: 7/10

Release Date: May 27th

Track List:

1. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”
2. “I’ve Got The World On A String”
3. “I Fall In Love Too Easily”
4. “Wave”
5. “Fly Me To The Moon”
6. “Nancy (With The Laughing Face)”
7. “My Way”
8. “You Make Me Feel So Young”
9. “Luck Be A Lady”
10. “That’s Life”
11. “Come Fly With Me”
12. “In The Wee Small Hours”
13. “The Song Is You”
14. “All Or Nothing At All”

Label – Napalm

Release Date: May 27th

For all things Mark Tremonti, click HERE and to purchase the album, click HERE