Canadian composer & performer Friendly Rich is delighted to release a unique re-imagining of Frank Sinatra’s classic 1958 recording, Only the Lonely.

I love Only the Lonely. It’s my favourite Frank record, by far. I think it has something to do with the fact that Sinatra and arranger Nelson Riddle were both dealing with some personal darkness in 1958 when the record was made, and how that shaped this beautiful music. For years, I have wanted to collaborate with arranger David French and everybody in this band, all hand-picked for their unique musical voices and understanding, both of my work, and of Frank’s. I also had a strong desire to curb my usually frenetic energy as a challenge myself to try a different creative path. What comes out is a haunting interpretation of the original album. This recording is a celebration of Riddle’s original arrangements, through the lens of David French and his carefully considered small band interpretations.

Working with longtime producer Greg Dawson, this recording (like most of my recorded output) is not for everybody. But those it resonates with will appreciate the experience. Frank fans will ask WHY, and Friendly fans will ask the same. That’s the point – to evolve, take supposed wrong turns, and have fun along the way. As the famous Hungo-Italian philosopher C. Smalloochi (1742) once said, one can either produce, or become produce.

CD Release Concert: April 27th, 2019 at Burdock, Toronto