Music in The Head

Please Return the Evening — the Cherry Poppin' Daddies Salute the Music of the Rat Pack is a tribute album and ninth album overall by American ska-swing band the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, released on July 29, 2014 by Space Age Bachelor Pad Records. Please Return the Evening consists entirely of cover versions of songs performed and popularized by the "Rat Pack" of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr.. In stark contrast to the Daddies' previous studio albums, the album features no original material by Daddies frontman Steve Perry while also focusing exclusively on traditional swing and jazz music, without any of the ska, rockabilly or rock influences which typically make up much of the band's sound.

George Winston cites the Doors as a seminal influence on his music in the liner notes for the 20th anniversary edition of Autumn. Winston is a voracious musical explorer, and the Doors are among several musical tributes Winston has rolling around in his head. He's already paid homage to pianist Vince Guaraldi with Linus and Lucy. Winston's take on the acid-rock shamans is sometimes magical, sometimes regretful. It's no secret that George isn't a great technician, and you can hear the flaws whenever he remains true to the melody, especially replicating Robbie Krieger's guitar lines. But some songs are just perfect for Winston, notably "Crystal Ship," which he expands into a gorgeous meditation. Winston mixes the hits, including "Light My Fire," with some eccentric personal choices like "Spanish Caravan" and "My Wild Love." Ardent Doors devotees may cringe, but Winston fans will find a home here.

John Diliberto, amazon.com