Album Information Section

Album Title: ’Round Midnight

Artist: Linda Ronstadt, Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra

Original Release Date: 1986

Label: Unknown Label

Genres: Jazz, Traditional Pop

Track Listing:

• 1. What’s New? (3:55)
• 2. I’ve Got a Crush on You (3:30)
• 3. Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry (4:15)
• 4. Crazy He Calls Me (3:35)
• 5. Someone to Watch Over Me (4:14)
• 6. I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance (4:09)
• 7. What’ll I Do? (4:09)
• 8. Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be) (4:23)
• 9. Good-bye (4:51)
• 10. When I Fall in Love (2:25)
• 11. Skylark (3:10)
• 12. It Never Entered My Mind (4:24)
• 13. Mean to Me (4:14)
• 14. When Your Lover Has Gone (4:24)
• 15. I’m a Fool to Want You (4:47)
• 16. You Took Advantage of Me (2:25)
• 17. Sophisticated Lady (3:44)
• 18. Can’t We Be Friends (2:32)
• 19. My Old Flame (3:28)
• 20. Falling in Love Again (2:39)
• 21. Lush Life (3:57)
• 22. When You Wish Upon a Star (3:49)
• 23. Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered (4:25)
• 24. You Go to My Head (3:39)
• 25. But Not for Me (5:28)
• 26. My Funny Valentine (3:02)
• 27. I Get Along Without You Very Well (4:18)
• 28. Am I Blue (2:59)
• 29. I Love You for Sentimental Reasons (3:44)
• 30. Straighten Up and Fly Right (2:16)
• 31. Little Girl Blue (4:37)
• 32. ’Round Midnight (4:20)

Recording Information

’Round Midnight was recorded at Capitol Studios, located in Hollywood, California. The album was produced by the legendary Nelson Riddle, a celebrated arranger and conductor known for his lush orchestrations and successful collaborations with numerous artists. Recording took place in the mid-1980s, during a period when Riddle was revisiting his iconic style of orchestral arrangements, which he had perfected in the 1950s and 1960s.

Riddle’s engineering team utilized a variety of vintage recording techniques that emphasized the warmth and depth of the orchestra, creating a sonic landscape that complemented Ronstadt’s powerful and emotive vocal style. The album was notable for its seamless blending of jazz and traditional pop elements, showcasing Ronstadt’s ability to traverse musical genres with ease.

One interesting production note is that Riddle had previously worked with Ronstadt on her Grammy Award-winning album “What’s New” in 1983, which laid the groundwork for their collaboration on ’Round Midnight. The chemistry between Ronstadt and Riddle can be felt throughout the album, as they both share a deep understanding of the emotional resonance of the songs performed.

Band Context

At the time of the release of ’Round Midnight, Linda Ronstadt was already an established figure in the music industry, having garnered fame in the 1970s with a string of successful albums and hits. She had successfully ventured into rock, country, and pop genres but was increasingly drawn to the Great American Songbook, which included jazz standards and classic ballads. Her collaboration with Nelson Riddle marked a significant moment in her career, as it allowed her to explore the depths of her vocal abilities in a jazz context.

During the recording of this album, Ronstadt was at a creative peak, following the success of her previous albums. The partnership with Riddle not only revitalized her interest in this genre but also introduced younger audiences to the timeless standards that Riddle had helped popularize decades earlier. The orchestra, consisting of some of the finest musicians, contributed to the rich and sophisticated sound characteristic of Riddle’s arrangements.

Track Commentary

’Round Midnight features a collection of 32 tracks that are primarily jazz standards, each with its own unique charm and emotional weight. The opening number, “What’s New?”, sets the tone with Ronstadt’s sultry vocals and Riddle’s lush orchestration. This track, along with others such as “I’ve Got a Crush on You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” exemplifies the romantic themes that permeate the album.

Several tracks stand out due to their emotional depth and musical complexity. “Lush Life,” for instance, showcases Ronstadt’s ability to convey sorrow and longing, while “My Funny Valentine” is a testament to her interpretive skills, transforming a well-known standard into a personal reflection. The title track, “’Round Midnight,” serves as a fitting conclusion, highlighting the interplay between Ronstadt’s voice and Riddle’s orchestral backdrop.

The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the collaboration between Ronstadt and Riddle as a successful melding of talents. It not only solidified Ronstadt’s reputation as a versatile artist but also reaffirmed Riddle’s status as a master orchestrator. The album remains a significant entry in both artists’ discographies, celebrated for its timeless quality and emotional resonance, ensuring its place in the pantheon of classic jazz recordings.