The John Wilson Orchestra - Celebrating Frank Sinatra (Live from the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall) [DVD] [2015]

supper concurt

My husband and I love this concert and we play it again and again, never tiring of it. The musicians in this orchestra are superb and seeing them over the years with brilliant John Wilson, has made them old friends. They give it their all, going from one terrific song to the next, all obviously loving the sound they are creating. Seth MacFarlane is wonderful, as is Claire Martin with her super rendition of "The Folks Who Live on the Hill." but Jamie Parker was the surprise hit of the night - unknown to most in the audience but wow! he socked it to them. I had to buy a second copy of the dvd recently as we played the first one so much over the years, we wore it out.

Great admirer of this orchestra and Wilson's choice of guest artists. Love catching glimpses of his musicians on the recordings...sort of like old friends, over a period of time. I have several of his dvd's...all ace! The BBC Proms wouldn't be the same without this orchestra. His 'Oklahoma' BBC ,Proms production was the most joyous I'e ever seen. The music, acting, dancing and singing, sensational. Where is the DVD? I still play the recording I made a couple of years ago. Finally, anyone wanting to discover who plays what and when in an orchestral piece, watch one of the Wilson s DVD's....Tony Webster ,Somerset.

Bought for my husband for Xmas. He loves orchestra music.

It’s John Williams, so what can you say. Bought for my dad who is a big fan and he has watched it time and time again.

Arrived very quickly, well packaged. What more can I say about the DVD itself but fabulous. Very stylish and classy setting, superb singers. Particularly enjoyed Jamie Parker who has a very strong, very melodious voice and a very relaxing way of putting a song across and John Wilson and his orchestra were as ever sensational. The creme de la creme!!!! Seth MacFarlane also surprised me. His voice although in tune and melodious is usually quite weak. However on this occasion it was just right and he seemed much more confident and relaxed. The type of songs fitted his style to a T. John Wilson always seems to get it right with his choices of music and singers. An exceptional and talented person.

John Wilson is a fine conductor and arranger and he has put together one of the best orchestras of its kind that we've had in this country. The problem comes when you try to put together a programme that features songs associated with one of the most unique voices in popular music. Sinatra's phrasing, timing and reading of a lyric set him apart from any other singer and throughout this DVD, if you love his music, you can hear his voice in your head and the featured vocalists are simply in a different league. The DVD is undoubtedly enjoyable and I'm pleased I bought it but it would have been better to have featured songs from the big band era that were not so closely associated with one performer

I must admit that I get annoyed with people nit-picking a CD or DVD review. I noted a number of complaints about Seth MacFarlane. Seth is a heck of a singer (and jazz pianist) who, in many ways, has brought the great Amercian Songbook into everyday use. Is he as good as Sinatra: Give me a break -- nobody is! And he's a great host, voice work artist and animator. Anybody who appreciates Sinatra's work with Nelson Riddle, the Capitol Years or the work he did with Basie and Jobim will love this album. The rest of you are a bunch of clowns who clearly don't have a clue.

The John Wilson Orchestra is exceptional and the soloists on this collection are as well. Some great camera work is featured and, for me, it all adds up to an wonderful production.

Tale riproposta molto attraente, eseguita con cantanti senza guizzi, piuttosto anonimi, ha l'effetto camomilla. L'orchestra si salva e rende l'ascolto piacevole.

As usual, John Wilson is the best. I could talk all day about how wonderful he is, he has such talent.

I like very much His orchestra and guests. Richard Ashton

This is a splendid dvd! It arrived in time and in perfect condition. So thrilled! I'm a colossal John Wilson & John Wilson Orchestra admirer/ fan, you just don't know! And the BBC, sadly, does NOT release EVERY one of his broadcasts performances or PROMS appearances to worldwide audiences on dvd. A pity. Had to buy this because I was tired of watching clips on YouTube. And on the dvd, you see not only a seamless, fantastic, tribute concert, but angles not seen on YouTube. The 3 soloists are terrific and well chosen. I do wish vocalist Claire Martin had been given 2 or 3 more additional songs to sing; instead of 1 and a half (I count "half" cuz of her duet w/ Seth MacFarlane). But I'm sure The Royal Albert Hall and the BBC had time constraints put on Maestro John Wilson. But c'mon John, honey. Cut the number from Guys & Dolls if that's the case. Oh well. The music could not be played any better by any ensemble out there... anywhere. This is the genre for which Wilson founded his hand picked orchestra, in 1994, specifically for. And his string section "shimmers" as everyone else in this 'band' has a sass and swagger and patina of sheer precision and perfection and plays their hearts out! And their ebullient, gently demanding but oh so fun and charismatic leader John Wilson has a 'beat' that can't be beat. Watching him 'feel' the music and dance on the podium alone would be worth the price of admission were I able to attend that 2015 Prom. If you can get this dvd... BUY IT! You will watch and tap your foot to it again and again. Ol' Blue Eyes would've been proud!