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In 1953, Frank Sinatra signed a contract with Capitol Records and recorded a series of "concept albums", mostly with conductor Nelson Riddle and his orchestra. So, if you want to hear Frank Sinatra at the top of his game, there might not be any better way to do it than this. He was a true talent who really had his own way with a song.
Classic Sinatra: His Greatest Performances 1953-1960 (2000) includes a variety of twenty songs from this period, digitally remastered to the utmost perfection and in chronological order. Among other things, The Boss had this to say about Sinatra:"But it was the deep blueness of Frank's voice that affected me the most, and while his music became synonymous with black tie, the good life, the best booze, women and sophistication, his blues voice was always the sound of hard luck, and men late at night with the last $10 in their pockets, trying to figure a way out."Classic Sinatra: His Greatest Performances 1953-1960 stands out for many reasons, but the digital remastering job done by Bob Norberg at Capitol Mastering is perhaps the best I have ever heard. These albums would feature Ol' Blue Eyes at his very best, producing many of the songs that he would always be remembered for and sing for the rest of his career.
and what a voice.The liner notes include some cool photos, song information (including arranger/conductor, the year, the album, songwriter and publisher), an excerpt from "Why Sinatra Matters" by Pete Hamill and Bruce Springsteen's speech at Frank's 80th birthday celebration. I was born during the time that these songs were recorded, so this is really more the music of my parents' generation than mine; but the astute professionalism and commitment to song here allow the colorful emotional themes of these classics to translate to anybody, anywhere.The boozy orchestrated blue loneliness of In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning:When your lonely heart has learned it's lessonYou would be hers if only she would callIn the wee small hours of the morningThat's the time you miss her most of allThe swinging big band brassy exuberance of Oh. Look At Me Now:I'm not the guy who cared about loveAnd I'm not the guy who cared about fortunes and suchI never cared muchOh, look at me now.The naturally smooth Sinatra interprets these songs with such class, clarity and credibility that it leaves no doubt as to why he was such a superstar in his day and such a legend now.
The acute definition of the sound here is almost breathtaking. Definitely recommended.
He seemed to be just another old guy trying a little too hard to be hip. This collection from the 1950's contains most of my favorites of Sinatra's work (but not the ones I mentioned above). In various interviews, both men tell what they learned from Dorsey. Sinatra and Riddle were both Tommy Dorsey alumni. Sinatra shared with Crosby a rich tone, a great ear for pitch, and great timing. But, I remember I sat up and took notice when I heard some of his earliest recordings with Harry James ("All or Nothing at All") and Tommy Dorsey("I'll Never Smile Again.") His singing just jumped off of those records.When Sinatra was coming up in the music world, Bing Crosby was on top.
Crosby had a national radio show, made successful movies, and had been the foundation for the creation of Decca Records. Crosby's success spawned many imitators who copied the master right down to some of his quirks of pronunciation and warbles. I think I took Sinatra for granted when I was younger. They went on to craft these masterpieces of orchestra and singing. His work was of the highest caliber. These were the Capitol sessions mostly with Nelson Riddle. My favorites here are Sinatra's jaunty "Witchcraft" and "One for the Road." They are all great; you can't go wrong.
He did it his way. He was getting a lot of bad press in those days. Sinatra said he learned how to breathe by watching Dorsey play trombone. But that was it; the rest was uniquely Sinatra. From Sinatra's oldest to his latest work, you find great songs well sung. Riddle said he learned the basics of arranging playing third trombone for Dorsey.
Love the CD. This CD contains the songs that made Frank famous. It is nice as a present for the die-hard Frank Sinatra Fan.Amazon was quick on delivery and the delivery date was right on target.
This is a rare treat into the past. A lot of the old favorites including Witchcraft, The Lady is a Tramp, Come Fly WIth Me, Nice 'N' Easy, and My Funny Valentine are listed. It is a wonderful collection of songs from Sinatra and takes you back to the fifites and sixties when it seems there was real music. It was delightful played at a small dinner party I hosted; all the guests enjoyed it. If Summer Wind and Strangers in the Night were added it would be a perfect album; but of course those songs were recorded a bit later than the album title suggests. If you are a Sinatra fan, or just enjoy old music; be sure to give this a listen.
What can be said about the "Chairman of the Board" that hasn't been said. This CD is a compilation of Sinatra's best vocals with cream o' the crop arrangers (and musicians). Even if you've listened to the man a million times, his voice was so unique that he sounds fresh every time. If you were to have only one of his records, this'd be THE ONE.
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