This is Trisha’s first full length solo release since 2007’s “ Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love “ and was available exclusively at William Sonomas in the US in time for Christmas but is at last now on general release for her fans everywhere. 

While not the style of music we are used to hearing from this iconic country artist and multi award winner, an album of Sinatra covers has apparently been something she has been contemplating for around 20 years. It was working with the album’s producer Don Was on a Sinatra 100th birthday tribute a few years ago that finally set the wheels in motion. Recorded live with a 55-piece orchestra  ( and how amazing do they sound throughout ?) at the iconic Capitol Records in Hollywood where Sinatra himself recorded, Trisha even got to use the legend’s microphone and stool ……if any additional inspiration was needed!  

 

The track listing also includes an original,  co-written by Trisha and husband Garth Brooks , “ For The Last Time” , a love song which she says is “  about finding that person and realising that nothing ever fell into place before” . It wasn’t actually intended for this collection but both Don Was and album arranger Vincent Mendoza agreed it would be a great fit when Brooks sent it to them.  

( Relatively) hot on the heels of Willlie Nelson’s tribute album to Sinatra  ( “ My Way” released last September ) it is interesting to hear a female country artist cover these iconic jazz standards, and Trisha’s voice adapts to the genre seamlessly. 

Two of my favourites from this collection are the uptempo, sassy and punchy  “ The Lady Is A Tramp” and the heart wrencher “ Over The Rainbow” (  including the often omitted introduction ) which demonstrate Trisha’s vocal control and versatility perfectly.