Customer Reviews

Live At the Meadowlands (with Bonus CD)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After the "Sinatra: Vegas" boxed set was released in 2006, I figured we would've have to wait another 10 years before we got another excellent document of The Chairman Of The Board in concert. Fortunately, we only had to wait just under three years for the next one, but if it had taken longer, it totally would've been worth the wait.

While "Sinatra: Vegas" was virtually flawless in its execution and selection of performances, "Live At The Meadowlands" stands as the definitive document of Frank Sinatra live in concert. Recorded in March of 1986, it was Frank's first major performance in New Jersey since 1963, so it was definitely an "event" type of show. And boy, did Frank deliver on the proposed magnitude of the evening.

The 18 performances on the cd are some of the finest performances of these gems that Frank ever did. Along the way, you get well known classics such as "I've Got You Under My Skin," "New York, New York," a haunting "It Was A Very Good Year," a breezy "You Make Me Feel So Young" and one his most heartbreaking renditions of "One For My Baby," as well as lesser heard classics that Frank had began singing live again during this period after putting them on the shelf for a number of years, including "Without A Song," "Nice 'N' Easy," (only played a handful of times throught Frank's career despite its relative popularity), a breathtaking "Bewitched," and a sublime "Moonlight In Vermont." The real draw in this vast swath of Frank classics is a never before released swing arrangement by the late Joe Parnello of the Irving Berlin classic "Change Partners," a playful arrangement that Frank has a blast with.

As if the show looks good enough in print, it sounds even better to the years, as Frank is in perfect voice for this evening. There seems to be a camp of people who think Frank's voice started to loose its power some time after "New York, New York" (some date it back to as far as 1973). This album proves those listeners to be wrong, as Frank's voice sounds rich, clear, sharp and full of power and intensity, hitting some extremely challenging notes. While it would be a slight (albeit ever so much) exaggeration that Frank sounds as youthful and vibrant as he did in say, 1957 or 1962, the untrained ear would probably estimate the date of this performance at least 10 years before it actually took place.

Speaking of sound, the remastering is excellent. The performances leap out at you through the speakers with incredible sharpness and quality. You hear every instrument perfectly and Frank's voice is front and center. The liner notes by longtime friend Hank Cattaneo are an excellent read.

A year after the 10th anniversary of Frank's death, it's good to see The Sinatra Family stills sees fit to deliver such quality material to the general public. I cannot envision a more fitting tribute to such a truly important figure in our culture.

My wife and I saw him the Meadowlands in March of 1986 (not sure if it is was exaactly this date of the recording). To have this on CD is like reliving the past. No question, Frank sang better in other times of his previous life; though never again could he command the stage the way he did and still hold some of those notes. Yikes to some of those 1990 concerts with teleprompters. Anyway,if you love Frank or even like him---own this recording; what he looses in voice, he makes up in phrasing and confidence. Way to go Francie Albert!!

I also attended this concert. I was thrilled to get the CD of that evening. This man is an incredible performer, an American classic...I often go to youtube and check out the videos of him doing live concerts, such a great showman. I admit it: when I listened to tracks on this CD, such as "New York, New York;" "I've Got you Under my Skin;" and "Mack the Knife," I got goosebumps. He is just that good! He speaks to the crowd, is charming and funny...very enjoyable. Hey all New Jersey Sinatra fans: Make this CD a part of your collection!

This is the greatest recording ever by a man in his 70s. The best recording ever of "Moonlight in Vermont". If you are a Sinatra fan this is Gold.

An excellent addition to any Sinatra fan's library, it is "ol' blue eyes" at his best - live! I highly recommend this for any Sinatra fan's collection.

Wonderful...Wonderful..This CD is a must have for Sinatra Fans..To see or hear Sinatra "live" is just an amazing experience..I was fortunate to see Mr. Sinatra in concert three times...To have these "live" recordings gives one the picture of the true all around performer and entertainer that Mr. Sinatra was. He truly is an icon and one that could hold his audience in the palm of his hand...Even though he was 71, his voice was still in good form (not perfect but different), and his phrasing and special way of singing a song was a sheer delight to listen to..it is also fun and special to hear Mr. Sinatra talk to the audience and pay homage to each arranger and composer .Many thanks for releasing this gem..

Although a Sinatra aficianado would not consider this CD the definitive concert recording due to Sinatra's age and the anticipated deterioration of his vocal range and abilities, it can still be appreciated as a wonderful reflection of Sinatra's unique phrasing, showmanship and impeccable taste in his selection of American Popular Standards, premier composers and top of the line arrangers such as Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Quincy Jones and Gordon Jenkins. All in all, a marvelous undiscovered treasure. imiller@agfjlaw.com

This is an example of one of Frank's later live performances. The performance opens with a feature of the orchestra playing. Frank chooses a variety of songs including his usual and new material from his last studio album. His voice is powerful as he floats above the powerhouse orchestra behind him. He also creates a wonderful atmosphere in the arena with his warm and inviting bits of monologue. It makes the listener wish that he was he/she was there!

It is sad to think that as someone gets older there are those who compare them to a younger version of themselves. Because they don't sound the same or have the power they used to. Come on now guys. Here we have the master storyteller.

Age brings a lot of things and changes. You don't throw out the baby with the bath water. You have to embrace those changes. What Frank lost in power and brevity he more than made up for in other ways. Actually I perfer an older mature Frank. Listen to his reading of Nancy or One For My Baby in the early 50,s and then listen again in the 80,s totally different reading. The length of the held note or the strength of the note is not what is valued here. Its the "Feel" of what is going on. Which is what a song is all about, there is a story there, something to convey, a feeling. Nobody, no one every could get that feeling like Frank at any age. BUT as he aged its even more there in that famous voice.

I love this CD. Yes he still swings,the Buddy Rich band is fantastic but Frank, well Frank is the Chairman of the Board, how can you listen to this recording and not hear that. The man still had it and yes I saw him later when he forgot the lyrics and Frank Jr would yell them to him, AND he was still the story teller. It was his soul a part of the man himself. Sinatra was music always and forever. I love him and will take whatever is fed to us. Keep it coming.

i always prefer frank in a "live" situation..the overture the anticipation in the audience. not one dud song; an amazing huge swingin orchestra and this album gives "at the sands" a run for its money..timeless and an immortal singer !!