'Frank' and 'Splank' Live!

"Sinatra at the Sands" (originally released in mid 1966) was actually the first commercial issue of a live Sinatra performance.

The "Sands" album was recorded over a 10 day series of performances at the Sand's famous Copa Room and features Sinatra in his primed backed by the Basie band with most arrangements written by Quincy Jones.

However, not all of Sinatra's material and arrangements are successfully "Basie-ized"

"It Was A Very Good Year" and "September of My Years," for example, still need the lush string arrangements of the original recordings; Billy May's chart on "Luck Be A Lady" with the tempo rushed seems awkward as performed here ("Luck", by the way, was not released on the original LP), and even Frank and Basie can't save "Get Me To The Church On Time".

But enough carping.

"Sinatra At The Sands" is Frank in the mid 60's, backed by the great Basie band, performing in Vegas before it was turned into a family-themed amusement park.

What more need be said?

A Compelling Live Performance That Only Sinatra Can Provide

By 1966, Frank Sinatra had already established himself as a worldclass superstar. He was also an amazing showman. So imagine how great it was that his magnificent stage show was captured on tape and released to the public in 1966. The record was "Sinatra At The Sands", recorded at the famous Las Vegas showroom with the Count Basie orchestra.

On this cd, Sinatra swings through 16 of his classics, including lively versions of "Come Fly With Me", "Fly Me To The Moon", "I've Got You Under My Skin" (best veresion of the song, studio or live), "Get Me To The Church On Time", "Luck Be A Lady", "Where Or When" and "My Kind Of Town". Some of the best moments, however, are the mellow balads he does, including exceptional versions of "It Was A Very Good Year" and the haunting "September Of My Years". Also, there's some of his hilarious yet eyebrow - raising stage banter that would have raised controversy today.

Count Basie and his fabulous orchestra shine on their two solo spots, "One O'Clock Jump" and a delightful "Makin' Woopee". They also provide scorching backup for a Sinatra's performance. Just listen to the intro to "Come Fly With Me" and how Basie gently attackss the piano keys on "Fly Me To The Moon". This is what a live show should be. I reco,mmen this cd annd only wish live shows could be more like this today.

Frank at His Best

This is Sinatra at his best. All of Sinatra's other musical work notwithstanding, this is the quintessential Frank. His voice is dynamic, utterly powerful, unbroken, and also subtly moving throughout the outstanding selection of both standards, and soon-to-be classics.

The Count Basie Orchestra, under the direction of the then-newcomer genius Quincy Jones, provides a perfect backdrop: perhaps the best swing group ever assembled. This sound was the heavy-metal of the era. Turn it up.

Sinatra, who recreated himself any number of times over the course of his incredible career, reaches his vocal peak in this period. No longer a crooner, and no longer bound by the syrupy strings of Nelson Riddle, Frank unleashes "The Voice" that we now associate with the greatest popular vocalist of the 20th Century.

The energy on this record is remarkable for a man of 50 years. Yet, one gets the feeling that Sinatra is only hitting his stride. Basie's brass supports, compliments, and is essential to the effort. Likewise, the arrangements of Jones. This collection's existence is a testimony not only to Frank and the great Count, but to Vegas itself, and the very end of the pre-Beatles era. Forget the so-called "Rat Pack", because "Sinatra at The Sands" is it. It is a shame that this performance was mostly overlooked in the midst of the heady 1960s. It remains, however (and thank God), for appreciative listeners, both young and older.

Frank ruled Vegas and the Sands when this record was cut. That fact comes through loud and clear, as does Mr. Sinatra's seasoned, but perfect, voice. The album was released on Sinatra's Reprise label: in that, Frank gave it his own stamp of approval. Make account of that.

There is no need to go about a song-by-song review of the collection. It can easily be said that the entire set is phenomenal and classic. It is a live recording, and there is fault to be found in the low range, but is not at all problematic. It is just as it sounded in the Copa Room at the Sands, just as those who were fortunate enough to have been there heard it.

There are some particularly outstanding tunes that deserve note, particularly "My Kind of Town", "Shadow of Your Smile", which was brand-new at the time, and the mood-setting opener, "Come Fly with Me". Frank's comedy monologue, as well as the Basie instrumentals round out a truly fantastic thing. Start out your classy New Years Eve Party with this baby.

If you're looking for the "real" Frank, the Frank with the rep, this is it. Get behind the wheel of this one. 10 out of 10.