Search - Frank Sinatra :: Live at the Meadowlands

A Big Thank You To The Sinatra Family For Releasing This Won

Anthony Nasti | Staten Island, New York United States | 05/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After the "Sinatra: Vegas" boxed set was released in 2006, I figured we would've have to wait another 10 years before we got another excellent document of The Chairman Of The Board in concert. Fortunately, we only had to wait just under three years for the next one, but if it had taken longer, it totally would've been worth the wait.



While "Sinatra: Vegas" was virtually flawless in its execution and selection of performances, "Live At The Meadowlands" stands as the definitive document of Frank Sinatra live in concert. Recorded in March of 1986, it was Frank's first major performance in New Jersey since 1963, so it was definitely an "event" type of show. And boy, did Frank deliver on the proposed magnitude of the evening.



The 18 performances on the cd are some of the finest performances of these gems that Frank ever did. Along the way, you get well known classics such as "I've Got You Under My Skin," "New York, New York," a haunting "It Was A Very Good Year," a breezy "You Make Me Feel So Young" and one his most heartbreaking renditions of "One For My Baby," as well as lesser heard classics that Frank had began singing live again during this period after putting them on the shelf for a number of years, including "Without A Song," "Nice 'N' Easy," (only played a handful of times throught Frank's career despite its relative popularity), a breathtaking "Bewitched," and a sublime "Moonlight In Vermont." The real draw in this vast swath of Frank classics is a never before released swing arrangement by the late Joe Parnello of the Irving Berlin classic "Change Partners," a playful arrangement that Frank has a blast with.



As if the show looks good enough in print, it sounds even better to the years, as Frank is in perfect voice for this evening. There seems to be a camp of people who think Frank's voice started to loose its power some time after "New York, New York" (some date it back to as far as 1973). This album proves those listeners to be wrong, as Frank's voice sounds rich, clear, sharp and full of power and intensity, hitting some extremely challenging notes. While it would be a slight (albeit ever so much) exaggeration that Frank sounds as youthful and vibrant as he did in say, 1957 or 1962, the untrained ear would probably estimate the date of this performance at least 10 years before it actually took place.



Speaking of sound, the remastering is excellent. The performances leap out at you through the speakers with incredible sharpness and quality. You hear every instrument perfectly and Frank's voice is front and center. The liner notes by longtime friend Hank Cattaneo are an excellent read.



A year after the 10th anniversary of Frank's death, it's good to see The Sinatra Family stills sees fit to deliver such quality material to the general public. I cannot envision a more fitting tribute to such a truly important figure in our culture."

Nice voice for a 70 Year old crooner

D. Leon | New Jersey | 05/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My wife and I saw him the Meadowlands in March of 1986 (not sure if it is was exaactly this date of the recording). To have this on CD is like reliving the past. No question, Frank sang better in other times of his previous life; though never again could he command the stage the way he did and still hold some of those notes. Yikes to some of those 1990 concerts with teleprompters. Anyway,if you love Frank or even like him---own this recording; what he looses in voice, he makes up in phrasing and confidence. Way to go Francie Albert!!"

Wonderful!!!

Diane | New Jersey | 05/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I also attended this concert. I was thrilled to get the CD of that evening. This man is an incredible performer, an American classic...I often go to youtube and check out the videos of him doing live concerts, such a great showman. I admit it: when I listened to tracks on this CD, such as "New York, New York;" "I've Got you Under my Skin;" and "Mack the Knife," I got goosebumps. He is just that good! He speaks to the crowd, is charming and funny...very enjoyable. Hey all New Jersey Sinatra fans: Make this CD a part of your collection!"