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Frank Sinatra: Frank Sinatra with The Count Basie Orchestra: Sinatra at the Sands
ByAlthough his Capitol years, 1954-1962, are considered his peak by most critics-and I have to agree as well-the early Reprise catalogue had its moments as well, featuring more cuts with Nelson Riddle and some recordings with Count Basie which overshadowed what was becoming mediocre work. Singles that featured some great arrangements of classics and Sinatra favorites such as "Summer Wind," "Strangers in the Night" and "That's Life" proved Frank could still hold his own in the sixties. But with the 1966 release of Sinatra at The Sands , Frank proved he was still the King.
Jazz has always been the exception in popular music when it comes to live records. Live jazz transcends all boundaries of its form, and Sinatra at The Sands is no exception. Fronting Count Basie's Orchestra with Quincy Jones conducting and arranging, Sinatra is in his environment. While working the crowd he pulls out some his best chops in years. Set in an ultra relaxed lounge affair, this was the first live record that The Chairman allowed for release.
What makes this record unique is the work of Quincy Jones. Although Sinatra's work with Nelson Riddle is second to none, Q writes stunning scores that soak up and gel with Frank's phrasings. Frank's voice was still solid live and his take on classics such as "Fly Me to the Moon," "Angel Eyes," and "It was a Very Good Year" stand out as some of his finest readings. Mixing this cocktail of Q, The Count and The Chairman is one-two knockout.
Although the band is hopping and Frank's bobbing, his off-color humor and rambling monologue comes off dated and insensitive, but that's swinging Rat Pack-era Sinatra. From this point on, Sinatra began to experiment and it came off with mixed results. But Sinatra at the Sands is still is the definitive post Capitol picture of one of music's most popular and influential entertainers.
Suggested Listening:
Chet BakerMy Funny Valentine (Blue Note 1953)
Tony BennettI Left My Heart in San Francisco (Columbia 1962)
June ChristySomething Cool (Blue Note 1953)
Billy Eckstine With Quincey JonesAt Basin St. East (EmArcy 1961)
Ella FitzgeraldSings The Cole Porter Song Book (Verve 1956)
Billie HolidayLady Day: The Complete Billie Holiday on Columbia (1933-1944) (Columbia 2001)
Nina SimoneNina at the Village Gate (Roulette 1961)
Frank SinatraSongs For Swingin' Lovers (Capitol 1955)
Anita O'DayAnita Sings the Most (Verve 1957)
Mel Torme & the Marty Paich Dek-tetteLulu's Back in Town (Rhino 1956)
Track Listing
Come Fly With Me; I've Got A Crush On You; I've Got You Under My Skin; The Shadow Of Your Smile; Street Of Dreams; One For My Baby (And One More For The Road); Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words); One O'clock Jump; Frank Sinatra Monologue; You Make Me Feel So Young; All Of Me; The September Of My Years; Luck Be A Lady; Get Me To The Church On Time; It Was A Very Good Year; Don't Worry 'Bout Me; Makin' Whoopee; Where Or When; Angel Eyes; My Kind Of Town; A Few Last Words (Monologue); My Kind Of Town (Reprise) - Frank Sinatra.
Personnel
Frank Sinatra
vocalsFrank Sinatra: vocals; Count Basie: piano; Count Basie Orchestra: band/orchestra; Quincy Jones: arranger, conductor.
Album information
Title: Frank Sinatra with The Count Basie Orchestra: Sinatra at the Sands | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Reprise
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