Frank Sinatra with The Count Basie Orchestra: Sinatra at the Hands

Finally a definitive remastered version of Sinarta's classic live record with The Count Basie Orchestra arranged and conducted by genius Quincy Jones. It's all here in SACD quality sound approved by Frank Sinatra shortly before his untimely death. The surprise here for collectors is a second disc of previously thought lost sound checks and outtakes with Frank cutting it up with various crewmembers and pals.

Such highlights include a drunken rambling monologue by Peter Lawford on the reasons why Frank and the Kennedys think he is such a twit. This second disc is not only important for its historical prominence, but an important piece of musical history. On this CD is an actual show outtake of Rat Pack favorite "Guys and Dolls" featuring Dino and Frank screaming sexist comments at various women in crowd while doing what could be considered the definitive version of this track. But the real piece de resistance is a twenty minute track of "Witchcraft" with Sun Ra's Arkestra, originally slated to back Frank on this legendary date. Unfortunately Sun Ra and mates had a previous engagement and had to duck out. Sinatra called on friend Q to get long time pal and swing master Count Basie to fill in. Although nobody swings like The Count, but hearing Ol' Blue scatting with Sun Ra's extraterrestrial arrangement is a definite must for any and all collectors!!

Not only does this package boast a killer disc of extras, it comes with all the original packaging and contains essays written by such noted jazz historians as Black Sabbath bassist Terrence "Geezer" Butler and Professor John Frink. If you make one jazz purchase this year it has to be this incredible deluxe remaster.     

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