Search - Frank Sinatra :: Sinatra & Strings

Sinatra Masterpiece

Lawrence E. LaRocco | Berwyn, Illinois | 03/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sinatra's first album with Don Costa is a spectacular collaboration that resulted in a timeless musical masterpiece. Frank is at the absolute top of his game, and it shines through one gem after another. These are songs that Duke Ellington characterized as "beyond category:" "Night and Day," by Cole Porter, Jerome Kern's, "Yesterdays," Erroll Garner's "Misty," and "It Might as Well be Spring," by Rodgers and Hammerstein. But it's Frank's interpretations of "Come Rain or Come Shine" by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust" that bestow the album with greatness. Costa's orchestra plays an understated introduction to "Stardust," and then Sinatra sings only the verse to the song and completely leaves out the chorus. It gives Carmichael's classic standard a spare, somber, and elegant feel that is almost beyond description. Equally brilliant is Sinatra's passionate, intense, superbly evocative interpretation of "Come Rain or Come Shine." It is the definitive version of that song and ranks among the best ballads that he ever recorded. Costa's lush orchestrations blend perfectly with Frank's deepening baritone, and the heavy emphasis on strings gives the album an operatic feel. You can't list enough superlatives about this album. It's an early example of his work with Reprise from 1961, and it is one of the ten top Sinatra albums of all time. It is classic. It is essential. It is a must-have purchase, and it is PURE SINATRA GOLD!"

Uniquely Frank

Candace Scott | Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA | 07/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No one has ever phrased a lyric like his man. No one. You feel his pain, his pathos, his happiness, his despair and his loneliness. It is a completely joyous experience to listen to this man sing particularly on this moving collection of ballads.The opening track, "I Hadn't Anyone Till You" is an old standard, sung hundreds of times by other singers. But no one can sing it like Sinatra, it's as if you are listening and understanding the lyrics for the first time.Others had greater range or greater voices. None had the inimitable gift that Frank Sinatra possessed and that was allowing you to understand a lyric and feel it deep down in your soul. There is only one Sinatra and this ablum epitomizes his vocal range and showcases his beautiful genius with a ballad.Listen to "Night and Day" and "It Might as Well be Spring..." they will send goosebumps through you. Yes, he was that good and for anyone who appreciates Sinatra or just great music, this is a must have."

Tonight will not swing

Sarah Bellum | Dublin, OH United States | 08/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whoa, this is one outstanding CD and one of my favorites! This was one of Sinatra's best Reprise releases as he was still at his apex when it was recorded. The arrangements by Don Costa complement The Voice perfectly to create a perfect marriage. Sinatra was no stranger to melancholy tales of unrequited and lost love, such as "Spring Is Here" or "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry." Like those recordings, this release also features string accompaniment and a slow pace; in contrast, however, the mood here is hardly morose (for the most part). These are love songs, mostly sung directly to his lover. As such, this makes for the perfect CD to play during a romantic evening. The entire CD is exceptional from start to end, though highlights for me are, "Come Rain or Come Shine," "That's All" and the sensational "Prisoner of Love." The re-mastering has left these songs sounding flawless. As with most releases from this time period, however, the running time is only about thirty minutes. If your CD player supports repeated playing, this CD offers the perfect opportunity to use that feature. Buy it!"