Light Music But Interesting

Frank Sinatra as conductor? Yes and this was not the only time. He at times coducted for other singers as well as in music of his friend Alex Wilder . This album from the mid 1950's uses as its starting point a series of poems about different colors by Norman Sickel. Several composers are each given a color or two to compose music for. Among them are Elmer Bernstein, Alexander Courage (later to write the original STAR TREK tv theme), Victor Young, Nelson Riddle and Andre Previn. Great music of depth? Not really but that is not to say they are without interest. The music may at times be light but they are finely written and orchestrated. Sinatra does a fine job with the assembled studio orchestra. Maybe not for everyone but Amazon does allow you to sample several tracks so you should be able to discover if it appeals to you.

Lounge Music Before It Became Lounge Music

Even though it is said that Mr. Sinatra couldn't read music, he nevertheless was able to conduct this instrumental album to good effect. As reviewer Ricky Wright states Mr. Sinatra did a commendable job conducting Dean Martin's album called "Sleep Warm". Frank also did the conducting chores on another album at Captiol with Peggy Lee. Both are currently unavailable on CD.

Something very different

For a singer known as 'The Voice', the idea of an instrumental album sounds odd, and the title does little to inspire a mad rush to the record store. However, Sinatra loved classical musical and probably enjoyed commissioning this collection of works from the likes of Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Gordon Jenkins, Victor Young and others.

A very different kind of Sinatra. For years this was a difficult album to find (I recall finding one at a used record store for seven dollars, in a cracked case, and it was a great discovery), so the reissue is welcome. If you enjoy classical music, you will find this intriguing. If you cherish the hard swing of Sinatra and Riddle or May, this may not be your cup of tea. To some extent, Sinatra's voice was the most expressive instrument of his era, however, and the attitude and angst that made FS a legend are missed. Sinatra fans will want to add this to their collection, though. It is a thoroughly enjoyable recording -- alternately upbeat and somber (Nelson Riddle's pieces are especially fine) -- that reflects Sinatra's passion for music at a time when commercial considerations had not displaced artistry in the recording industry.