A perfect introduction to Frank Sinatra

If you're looking to buy your first Frank Sinatra record and are feeling overwhelmed by the 511 titles currently offered on Amazon.com (as of 02/24/05), then look no further. CLASSIC SINATRA is a perfect place to start.



More than any other single-disc Sinatra collection, CLASSIC SINATRA captures the true essence of Frank Sinatra. Not a "greatest hits" collection, CLASSIC SINATRA is even better; it's a collection of definitive songs from what's generally considered the greatest period of Sinatra's career--his recordings at Capitol records during the 1950s with conductors Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Gordon Jenkins.



While many of these these songs weren't Sinatra's biggest selling singles, selections like "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Night and Day," "One For My Baby," and "Put Your Dreams Away" were clearly Sinatra's greatest songs--the songs he's best known for, and songs he continued to perform in concert and re-record for the rest of his career. (In fact, "Put Your Dreams Away" was actually played at Sinatra's funeral by longtime sidemen Bill Miller and Al Viola on piano and guitar--how much more definitive gan you get?)



One word of caution: This collection is so good that you will undoubtedly become hooked on Frank Sinatra and want to buy more immediately. When this happens, go out and buy his classic "concept albums" from the Capitol era, starting with (1) Songs for Swingin' Lovers!, (2) In the Wee Small Hours, (3) A Swingin' Affair!, and (4) Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely. After that, you're on your own.



Finally, if you must, feel free to explore Sinatra's Reprise Recordings from the 1960s, but try to steer clear of anything recorded after about 1965, with the exception of the Bossa Nova record with Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Classic Sinatra

This CD is aptly titled, with a number of great songs from a time long past. I love the songs, love the voice.



My only complaint is that the quality of the recordings are only average to poor. Some of the songs sounded like they were mastered straight from an old scratchy record. I suppose some of that can't be avoided due to the age of the recordings. You'd think that in this day and age they could enhance the sound a little bit more.

Simply Sinatra...classic fare

Sinatra fans are sure to recignize every measure of every song in this collection, but it's nice to have all thes recognizable standards in one, swinging collection.



Would also make a great introduction to new or young audiences who might be (hard to believe!) unfamiliar with Frankie's signature style.