Rick Stephenson - Reflections in the Wee Small Hours (2023) [Official Digital Download 24/192]

It has been a busy year for local Kingsville singer and musician Rick Stephenson and it’s set to get even busier! In May, Rick released his fourth album Reflections In The Wee Small Hours. He recorded it as a tribute to one of his favourites, Frank Sinatra’s classic In The Wee Small Hours. Rick referred to it as his “labour of love,” a fresh and modern approach to the original 1955 album by Sinatra.

As a very young child, Rick developed a love of Big Band music from the ’30s and ’40s while listening to his grandparents’ records. Through his youth and teen years, he had numerous musical experiences that reinforced the importance of music in his life.

When he was 9 years old, Rick won a Kiwanis Club music contest playing his guitar and singing Johnny Cash’s Sunday Morning Coming Down. That first place win sent him home with a ham as a prize.

At 14, he moved on to a polka band where he played drums and by age 15, he was leading a Big Band.

When Rick attended Toronto’s Humber College, he studied trombone and received a diploma in Music Performance.

During the program and for years after, he was mentored by Ron Collier. Collier was a Canadian jazz trombonist, composer/arranger and recipient of the Order of Canada. This is an experience for which he will be forever grateful.

Over the years, Rick toured with his own 17-piece orchestra, as the leader and vocalist, and focused on the Big Band sounds of his personal favourites Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra.

Continually drawn to Sinatra for his style and lyrics, Rick ultimately decided to become a dedicated Sinatra Tribute Artist.

After more than 20 years of touring with his Big Band, Rick now performs solo as one of the most sought-after Sinatra Tribute Artists around. He is also in high in demand for his remarkable renditions of Frank Sinatra’s iconic songs.

Rick was recently nominated for the title of Tribute Artist of the Year at the 2023 Josie Music Awards taking place at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on October 22.

When asked if he ever gets nervous performing for large crowds, Rick said that he loves singing. He especially loves the excitement created when a crowd is engaged. His focus is on the sound quality, which he feels is one of the most important aspects of his performances.

Tracklist:
01. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
02. I See Your Face Before Me
03. What Is This Thing Called Love?
04. Dancing on the Ceiling
05. Deep in a Dream
06. Ill Wind
07. Can't We Be Friends?
08. It Never Entered My Mind
09. Last Night When We Were Young
10. Mood Indigo
11. When Your Lover Has Gone
12. I'll Never Be the Same
13. I'll Be Around
14. I Get Along Without You Very Well
15. Glad to Be Unhappy
16. This Love of Mine
17. A Cottage for Sale
18. It's a Lonesome Old Town
19. Goodbye


Thanks to the Original customer!