Author: By Ernie Santosuosso, Special to the Globe
Date: 08/30/1990
Page: 89
MUSIC REVIEW
Section: ARTS AND FILM
FRANK SINATRA with DON RICKLES and PIA ZADORA
At: Great Woods last night
MANSFIELD -- Closing in on his 75th birthday, Frank Sinatra, appearing more slenderized than he has been in a couple of decades, resembled the not- so-old guy on the block before some 11,000 at Great Woods last night. The patriarchal voice of popular music, arriving onstage to a casual introduction, performed 16 selections in front of a 32-piece orchestra conducted by Frank Sinatra, Jr. The song lists was vintage Sinatra, but with refreshing additions and omissions.
No longer did the inevitable vocal weariness that surfaces, especially during ballad renditions, seem nearly so disturbing. Since he reemerged from ''retirement" in January 1974, the raspiness and uneven intonation have come to be expected. You want mellow, unflawed Sinatra? Then, replay his Capitol and Reprise albums released in the mid-'50s and '60s. This is what you still get today: nonpareil phrasing, polished enunciation and superb taste, all enhanced by slick, large-ensemble support and classy arrangements.
Sinatra was preceded by petite vocal belter Pia Zadora and the bell- ringing insult humor of Don Rickles.
Instead of the tuxedo that he usually dons for concert appearances, The Voice opted for a smart lightweight navy blue blazer, gray slacks and yellow shirt and tie. He appeared to have shed several pounds or else his tailor must be a master magician.
Opening with "You Make Me Feel So Young," Sinatra followed with a finger-popping "Where or When," the first of several Rodgers & Hart tunes. Acknowledging Don Costa, the late Boston-born arranger, Sinatra, achieving more success with increased vocal volume, did "For Once in My Life." "Come Rain Or Come Shine," from the musical "St. Louis Woman," which featured the late Pearl Bailey, had not been heard in recent Sinatra concerts and was welcome. By the time, he had moved on to "Luck Be a Lady" and the ambitiously arduous 11-minute-long performance of "Soliloquy" from ''Carousel," Sinatra's voice betrayed indications of weariness, but he compensated for these slips with high-energy, spirited performances of ''Mack the Knife" and "Lady Is a Tramp."
Sinatra's choices coursed through the several decades that represent his career: "Strangers in the Night," "What Now, My Love," "My Way," "The Best Is Yet to Come," "I Guess I'll Hang My Teardrops Out to Dry" and "Summer Wind."
And as sure as death and taxes, he put the lid on his set with "New York, New York," followed by a standing ovation.
Anyone who sat near the stage apron was fair game for Rickles' well-aimed darts. He indulged in frequent ethnic allusions, did a snappy three minutes about an audience member's weight, evoked memories of James Cagney singing ''Yankee Doodle Dandy" and cushioned any sting occasioned by his shafts with such musical disclaimers as "I'm A Nice Guy," "I'll Trade You Laughter for Love" and "I Just Want to Be Friends."
During his 50 minutes onstage, "Mr. Warmth" roamed from wing to wing, invited patrons to become foils and gave an enjoyably raucous performance. He discussed his best friend, Bob Newhart, and recalled a trip that he had taken with the low-key comedian. "Our wives have black belts in shopping," Rickles joked.
The effervescent Zadora made the most of her 25 minutes despite the distractions caused by late-arriving members of the audience. Her voice is long on power, somewhat short on subtlety. Yet, she managed to deliver a satisfying non-stop set, beginning with "I'll Take Romance," continuing with "I'm Beginning to See the Light," "C'Est Si Bon" and "Birth of the Blues." However, she was most effective with her interpretation of the ballads "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" and "I Am What I Am."