Al Schmitt

The Unforgettable Touch 1993

Al Schmitt, Capitol Recording Studios, LA 1993

Al Schmitt, Capitol Records mural, LA 1993

So how do you like working with Mr. Sinatra?

It’s been an incredible thrill—a huge undertaking, a 55-piece band—a roaring band with some of the best players around. French horns, harp, basses and celli and saxes, strings—and Frank.

It looked to me like he runs the entire show.

Certainly does [laughs]. He is the Chairman of the Board.

What comes next with the Sinatra project?

Well, it’s similar to what we did with Nat Cole and Natalie. The other vocalists will come in and record, and we’ll take Frank out in spots. Bono is supposed to do a cut, Natalie Cole, Willie Nelson, Gloria Estefan…

Can you name a few of your early hits?