by Matt Collar
Saxophonist Nelson Rangell delivers an instrumental pop tribute to America with My American Songbook, Vol. 1. Mixing original compositions, standards, and traditional songs, Rangell has crafted a heartfelt and sunny album. Tracks such as Leonard Bernstein's &America& and &In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning& utilize synthesized strings for an orchestral touch. Similarly, tracks such as &Freda& and &Cast Your Fate to the Wind& mix synthesized sounds with various organic percussion instruments to create a pleasing pastiche that is both organic and studio-slick. Rangell, who plays many instruments here (including flute), is an adept melodicist and his takes on such standards as &Cherokee' and &Billy Boy,& while not straight-ahead jazz, do swing in a contemporary fashion.