Riddle's 1956 album 'Lisbon Antigua' offers a vibrant exploration of Portuguese and Latin rhythms, showcasing his signature lush arrangements in a unique thematic context. The album is notable for its faithful yet imaginative interpretations of traditional melodies.
- The album's title track, "Lisbon Antigua," is a popular Portuguese folk song, here arranged with Riddle's characteristic big-band sound. The LP was recorded in September 1956 at Capitol Records' studios in Hollywood. It features a unique blend of jazz sensibilities and international flair, distinguishing it from Riddle's more common output with vocalists.
- The original album was released by Capitol Records and later reissued by the label's budget imprint, Creative Sound. This album stands apart in Riddle's discography for its focus on instrumental arrangements of specific regional folk music. It was released during a period of prolific output for Riddle, who was also arranging for numerous film scores and other Capitol artists at the time.
- 'Lisbon Antigua' was recorded during a period when Riddle was deeply involved with the Capitol Records label, where he served as a staff arranger and producer. The album was released in September 1956, shortly after Riddle's acclaimed work on Frank Sinatra's 'In the Wee Small Hours'. It features Riddle's distinctive orchestrations applied to a collection of Iberian and Latin American melodies.
Nelson Riddle was an American bandleader, composer, and arranger, best known for his work with some of the biggest names in music. He was a leading figure in jazz and pop arrangement from the 1940s through the 1970s. In 1956, Riddle was at the height of his powers, having recently completed a string of highly successful recordings with Frank Sinatra.
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