Search - Frank Sinatra :: Sinatra & Swingin Brass

Fine album that proves why he was The Chairman...

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sinatra and Swingin' Brass may have a few critics out there but I for one enjoyed this album immensely. Franks sings very well on this CD and just one listen proves it amply! The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork reflects very good judgment and forethought. This is a must-have CD for Frank Sinatra fans.



"Goody, Goody" features a strong performance from The Chairman Of The Board; he handles this like the champ he always was and that impresses me. Frank's rendition plays with the melody somewhat to make this piece his own; there are a few good key and tempo changes to make this number sound fresh and new as well. Great! "They Can't Take That Away From Me" has Frank singing so well; he singing joyously of the thrills of true love and this makes Frank's rendition THE definitive rendition of this classic ballad. Frank's voice never sounded better, either! There's also "At Long Last Love;" "At Long Last Love" has a swell brass section and the percussion marks the beat in the background as Frank belts this one straight out of the ballpark!



"I'm Beginning To See The Light" was always one of my favorite classic pop songs; and I absolutely love Frank's interpretation of this ballad. The orchestral accompaniment fits in perfectly with Frank's vocals and he delivers this way beyond my expectations--even for him! "I'm Beginning To See The Light" is clearly a major highlight of this CD.



"I Get A Kick Out Of You" showcases Frank front and center--and that's great in my book! Frank sings this as he swings brightly to make this number his own. The tempo changes enhance the beauty of this tune and that brass section again complements Frank's singing very well. "I Get A Kick Out Of You" is another major highlight of this album. "Tangerine" is another one of my favorite tunes; Frank gives this his all and he delivers this with heart and soul--beautiful! "Tangerine" is one of those numbers that make people worship Frank for his excellent vocal talents. There's no wonder as to why!



"Ain't She Sweet?" has Frank doing a fine cover of this very old song; but he delivers it with panache and all the elegance of a finely tuned singer and recording artist. "Ain't She Sweet?" is a cute number; and "I Love You" gets a royal treatment from Frank who makes this sound like "the song of songs;" I'm sure you'll like this one very much. The album also ends very strong with Sinatra singing "Pick Yourself Up;" "Pick Yourself Up" is a splendid classic number that Frank makes timeless with his treatment of it and the brass section along with the rest of the band work wonders for this ballad.



Frank Sinatra sang so beautifully I don't know if we'll ever see another male singer quite like him ever again. This album is terrific for his fans and it makes a sine starter CD for newcomers to Frank's artistry. I also recommend this CD for people who enjoy classic pop vocals.



Thank you, Frank! We will never forget you!

"

"Forevermore Became Goodbye . . . But You Remained In My Hea

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 07/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's never a dull moment listening to "Sinatra and Swingin' Brass" with all the songs interpreted to perfection. The arrangements written by Neal Hefti are totally engaging and full of exuberance making the entire CD one of the liveliest Sinatra recordings of all-time. Hefti is one of the most remarkable Sinatra arrangers whose body of work has truly impressed my ears. This project was the first-ever collaboration between Sinatra and Hefti, and the end result is such a gem of an album.



For the most part Sinatra sings in upbeat fashion showing off his exceptional vocal flair on timeless standards such as my favorites here, "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "I'm Beginning To See The Light," "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me" and "I Love You." But his mood changes as he sings the most sentimental, pensive and hopeful "Serenade In Blue." This cut is also a favorite of mine, it is one of the most beautiful songs composed and penned by the songwriting team of Harry Warren and Mack Gordon, two of the most brilliant and intelligent wordsmiths and tunesmiths from Tin Pan Alley.



"When I hear that serenade in blue

I'm somewhere in another world alone with you

Sharing all the joys we used to know

Many moons ago



Once again your face comes back to me

Just like the theme of some forgotten melody

In the album of my memory

Serenade in blue



It seems like only yesterday, a small café, a crowded floor

And as we danced the night away I hear you say "forevermore"

And then the song became a sigh, "forevermore" became "goodbye"

But you remained in my heart



So, tell me honey, is there still a spark

Or only lonely ashes of the flame we knew

Should I go on whistling in the dark

Serenade in blue"



This recording was flawlessly produced by 'Ol Blue Eyes' very own Reprise Records and it remains one of the most irresistible Sinatra albums from his impressive body of work.



In conclusion, to aptly describe this recording in a few words, I'll quote one of the lines from "Ain't She Sweet?" Here goes...



"Me, oh my, ain't that perfection?"



Yes, indeed, it is!"

The Chairman of the Board and one of his best arrangers!

William A. Brimmer Jr. | CT | 05/25/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very "hip" recording and I really think one of Mr. S's best of the earlier Reprise era. He had Neal Hefti, who really had a feel for swinging jazzy arrangements, do the album. There are some additional "bonus tracks" including "Everybody's Twisting", a recording I really enjoyed. Apparently so did Mr. S, as he gave it his all. Lot's of brass and Frank Sinatra, how can you go wrong?"