More Recent, Live Releases:
Frank Sinatra Live in Australia (1959): This is one his better live shows that Blue Note released 1997. One sees the swinging Sinatra in his 1950's heyday. Songs like "I've Got You Under My Skin," "All the Way," "Come Fly With Me," and "Could Have Danced All Night" are just teasers for this delightful CD. Teamed up with the Red Norvo band, Sinatra sounds pretty damn good. Although the sound quality is slightly better than par, this era of Sinatra more than justifies this release. A must have for swinging folks like myself.
Frank Sinatra Live in Paris (1962): A nice disc here. Sinatra as always, shows his gifted talents in this set. If I remember, he has a bit more crowd interaction. A highlight is "Old Man River" and "The Lady Is A Tramp." Wee Wee Missshhaa"
Compliations
Portrait of Sinatra (1997): Frank's popularity in the mid-40's was simply immense. He was the first teen idol and these tracks of this two disc compilation shows just that. His first hit with the Harry James band, "All Or Nothing At All" is a true gem. It's still hard for me to believe that it's him singing for his voice is higher in range. This was an era when crooners like Sinatra and Bing Crosby sang those long flowing ballads. Best tracks include "If You Are But A Dream," "Night and Day" (a classic), "Nancy," "Stormy Weather," etc... show the right stuff of Sinatra during the Columbia, Axel Stordahl years. A must for fans.
Frank Sinatra - The Best of the Columbia Years (1995): I normally would suggest the former release, but I liked this one a lot too. This 4 disc set covers some of his more obscure tracks and some film scores he did as well. Okay okay, I got it because Sinatra had just passed away and I thought it would be hard to find if I had waited to get it. Nevertheless it's still a good compliation, but get the first one. Timeless stuff ya know. Shoo be dooo be doo.
Frank Sinatra - The Reprise Colection (1990): My best advice for those who want to save $$$. This set captures Frank in the 60's and the 70's (some 80's too). A four disc set that includes "My Town," "Summer Wind," "Love and Marriage," "Come Rain or Come Shine," "New York, New York" etc...captures the best of the Reprise (which BTW is his label) years. A must have...unless if you want to spend $200 for the 20 disc complete Reprise collection. Wow.
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