Love Is A Game Of Poker - Nelson Riddle

Game Of Poker

Love Is A Game Of Poker
Nelson Riddle And His Orchestra
Produced for Capitol Records by Albums, Inc.
Cover Photo: Capitol Records Studio/George Jerman
Capitol Records ST 1817
1963

From the back cover: Nelson Riddle has been a consistent winner in nearly every phase of musical endeavor over the past several years. In addition to his own albums on Capitol, Nelson's superb backings for some of the nation's top singing stars have helped to account for scores of hit recordings. And he has also experienced more than his share of film and TV musical triumph, having created the music for such shows as "Route 66," "The Untouchables," and "Naked City." Here he offers every further proof that his success is on a pretty sound basis.

The song form which the album derives its pasteboard theme is a Harold Arlen gem entitled A Game Of Poke, written by that celebrated gentleman for the Broadway show, "Saratoga." Others in the collection were penned by such top-flight tunesmiths as Jimmy Van Heusen, Dorothy Fields, Howard Dietz, and Cy Coleman, while maestro Riddle sweetened the melodic pot with four numbers of his own.

There's also some outstanding solo work throughout, as the dealer's choice turned up stellar instrumental performers Don Fagerquist, Cappy Lewis, and Shorty Sherock, tumpets; Dick Nash and Tommy Shepard, trombones; Buddy Collette, Ronnie Lang, and Willie Schwartz, reeds; Frank Flynn, vibes; and Ray Sherman on piano.

From Billboard - January 12, 1963: Nelson Riddle, best known perhaps as the arranger of many Sinatra sides, has become even better known more recently as the cleffer of the theme and background material for TV's "Route 66," "The Untouchables" and "Naked City." The album consists of instrumentals of such items as "Witchcraft," "A Game Of Poker," "Indiscreet" and "Playboy Theme." Smart stylings and good sound are bound to find a brisk market. Nice mood programming items too. Best track: "A Game Of Poker"

Playboy's Theme
Alone Too Long
Queen Of Hearts
Red Silk Stockings And Green Perfume
Finesse
A Game Of Poker
It's So Nice To Have A Man Around The House
Witchcraft
Two Hearts Wild
You Fascinate Me
Penny Ante
Indiscreet