An artistic gamble, but Frank hits a homerun.

Sinatra had to approach singing these songs, mostly written by Jobim, in an entirely different way (almost whispering) than he had ever done before (or since). The results are beautiful and unlike anything else in Sinatra's canon.

Of course, most people either love or HATE this album. My brother in law is a bossa-nova purist and he is in the latter camp.

Sinatra also collaborated with Jobim in a later (also outstanding) session and the results (7 songs) are featured on his out-of-print CD "Sinatra and Company." These seven tunes are:

1.Drinking Water (Aqua De Beber)
2.Someone To Light Up My Life
3.Triste
4.Don't Ever Go Away (Por Causa De Voce)
5.This Happy Madness (Estrada Branca)
6.Wave
7.One Note Samba (Samba De Uma Nota So)

Reprise records would be classy if they combined the two sessions into one Sinatra-Jobim Complete CD. Until then, check EBAY and other such online sources.

Sensuous Counterpoint to the Swingin' albums

Sinatra/Jobim is the perfect counterpoint to the boisterous, swingin' sound Sinatra is best remembered for. This album is sensuous where most are brassy -- yet every bit as stirring to hear. Just compare the cool, jazzy "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" on this recording to the "Come Dance with Me" version and you'll see what I mean. Only the Chairman can make a whispered lyric more powerful than one that's belted out in full voice. This is Sinatra at his smooth and mellow best.

Fabulous, delicate vocals, great songs -- one of the best...

Soft singing, and Sinatra does some outstanding versions of earlier swingers (Baubles, Bangles and Beads, I Concentrate on You) Girl From Ipanema is classic, Quiet Nights... is beautiful.

This is probably one of the best Reprise albums and overlooked by a lot of people who don't know Frank's music so well. Excellent, perfect evening album -- the songs were well selected (unlike a lot of other later stuff!) and his voice is just spot on.

Very recommended!