Customer Reviews

Sinatra Sings Gershwin

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Frank Sinatra's daughter Nancy said recently she particularly enjoys listening to her father's early recordings. Now, after listening to this latest in the Sony 'Legacy' series from the 'Columbia years' I can understand why others so cherish 'The Voice' when it was still in its twenties. Like many Sinatra fans I can't get enough of my favorite singer's SPEAKING voice. Hearing him discuss his favorite subject in his own words is a rare treat -- and an additional reason to purchase this latest release, as Sinatra introduces many of the tracks himself.

This terrific package was co-produced by Sinatra scholar Charles L. Granata, author of what many regard as the most scholarly, readable (AND mistake-free) Sinatra reference work. (Please see reviews for Granata's "The Sinatra Sessions." The book, whose latest edition is due out later this year, is the most delightful way to find out what actually happened in recording sessions where Sinatra was de facto producer ---working closely with top musicians all of whom would later recall their achievements with Sinatra as the very summit of their careers.)

On a CD that runs a satisfying 50 minutes almost half the songs (the final seven tracks, and the highlight of the disc) comprise a 'Tribute to George Gershwin' radio show from 56 years ago: This recently-uncovered treasure hasn't been heard publicly since the night of its broadcast -- June 4, 1947. These are direct-to-digital transfers from the original disc recordings; and on some of these tracks the pristine sound is actually cleaner than subsequent reel-to-reel recordings (with inherent tape hiss) from the early 1950s. The performances themselves are superb; but if you're like me, then prepare to be emotionally undone by the "live-in-studio" radio broadcast, comprising the second half of this CD.

The radio show is titled "Songs by Sinatra." And after a snippet of the show's regular theme music -- with Sinatra singing the opening bars of one of his signature tunes "Night and Day" -- the singer launches into his heartfelt tribute to composer George Gershwin. Sinatra first praises orchestra conductor Axel Stordahl "for preparing 30 minutes of fine arrangements" -- then alerts his radio audience to the special treats in store: "Janie Powell just flew in (to New York) from set 17 at MGM to sing 'Summertime' AND the celebrated Pied Pipers have a few diminished ninths they'd like to slip into your loudspeaker . . . AND we've brought over a fine mixed chorus, headed by Ken Lane . . . so relax and enjoy the immortal music of George Gershwin."

Sinatra immediately launches into one of the composer's lesser-known songs -- "Soon" -- then, in his own words, smoothly segues through an off-the-cuff, witty introduction to "Embraceable You" -- which he dedicates as a "seventh birthday" tribute to daughter Nancy ("Happy Birthday sweetie!"). This gorgeous version includes a seldom-heard alternate lyric for the song's opening stanza for which the composer's lyricist brother Ira incorporated endearingly quaint old English -- and a fresh rhyme for "Embraceable."

. . . my silk & laceable you . . .
I'm in love with you, I am
And VERILY so . . .
But you're much too shy --
Unnecessarily so!"

A wrenchingly beautiful "Porgy & Bess" medley (8:36 in length) follows, with Jane Powell's exquisite, voice interpreting "Summertime." Some rousing applause -- and periodic delighted squeals -- from the studio audience precedes "There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York." Sinatra recalls "the street cries of Gershwin's 'Catfish Row'" (as the orchestra alludes to "Strawberry Woman"/"Crab Man") and then Sinatra & Powell, orchestra & chorus resolve the Porgy & Bess segment, with an amazing duet of "Bess, You Is My Woman."

There's still three more tracks to go in this remarkable Gershwin tribute: What follows is a show-stopping take of "Someone to Watch Over Me." The sheer beauty and emotional delicacy of this offering is (almost) enough to make you forget Sinatra's later, masterful (and with better-recorded orchestra) 'Capitol Years' interpretation of what some consider the most poignant love song of all time.

The final musical gem of this half-hour tribute show is "Love Walked In" -- which Sinatra alone performs, after reminding listeners this was "one of the last songs Gershwin wrote." To bring down the curtain, we hear a snippet of "Rhapsody in Blue" before Sinatra's personal reflections on the enduring greatness of his musical hero. (A verbatim transcript is included here, just to entice kindred spirits craving the rare sound of 'The Voice' in his own words.)

---

"You know . . . what is it about this guy? He gets your ear and you can't stop listening! You just can't forget Gershwin. How does a guy get that way?

"Well I suppose it's because he put down the notes that everybody was aching to sing. He knew what people wanted, 'cause he was one of 'em. He was no 'Conservatory Kid' this boy!

"He learned his scales from a nickelodeon, in a penny arcade on New York's East Side: he mingled with people from everywhere - Old World and New. He listened to the words that they spoke, and to the songs they sang . . . and he scored it to the beat of the 'elevated' (train) outside his bedroom window. What came out was more than one guy singing one song: it was the music of a whole country - a pretty big and pretty wonderful piece of the world. You mind if we swipe a lyric from one of your songs Mr. Gershwin? Of Thee We Sing!"

Sinatra fans, rejoice. Gershwin lovers, lower your expectations. This collection contains much choice early Sinatra (see the preceding reviewer's comments) but is a less than satisfying representation of Gershwin. The master of rhythm ("I Got Rhythm," "Fascinating Rhythm" "Lady Be Good") and (with brother Ira) of exquisite music poetry ("But Not for Me," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," "Our Love Is Here to Stay") is not always in evidence on this recording, which features songs from "Porgy and Bess" along with duplicates of "Summertime" and "I've Got a Crush on You" but none of the aforementioned essential favorites. This is certainly one way to package Sinatra's Columbia work, and I'm sure execs will think of many other clever marketing ploys to market the archives for years to come. Still, why not a complete and definitive, multi-volume, "permanent" edition of the Sinatra discography organized chronologically?

Hold on to your hats folks, you ain't heard nothin' yet "Sinatra Sings Gershwin", featuring a collection to end all collections of "Ol' Blues Eyes"...previously unreleased performances from original radio/TV broadcast recordings...also unrecorded songs and/or alternative arrangements...something for everyone.

Wonderful stand outs on this album are the "Porgy and Bess Medley", from the CBS radio "The Vimms Vitamin Show" which was originally recorded on 9/13/44..."'S Wonderful"and "A Foggy Day", from NBC Radio/AFRS's "Light Up Time Orchestra recorded 1949, although both are a bit short in content it's still worth the listen and collectible ~ "I've Got A Crush On You", from The Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis Show performed on 1/18/52, shows us Sinatra at his peak.

But the highlights would have to be "The George Gershwin Tribute Show", featuring Frank, Jane Powell and the Pied Pipers setting the mood for "Porgy and Bess", probably one of the greatest scores of all time to come from the pen George Gershwin.

A must have for all Sinatra and Gershwin fans...as both artist and composer live again through this collectible collection. Hats off to Sony for researching and releasing this one of a kind compilation.

Total Time 50:26 on 17 Tracks ~ Columbia/Legacy 61057 ~ (7/22/2003)

I have no talent in music but I know an amazing singer when I hear one. I have loved Frank for about 40 years and am so glad I bought this CD. It has become one of my favorites. It includes radio broadcasts! If you love Frank like I do, this CD is a must for your collection. No one can sing like Frank and this CD is unlike any other by him that I own.

I really love this CD, what can be better than Sinatra singing Gershwin? Nutin Honey. This CD displays the Sinatra voice and his talent as a showman! A must for any Sinatra collector.

"Gershwin songs seem all the more like chameleons, ready to wear any face. They have been pulled inside-out by Charlie Parker and Janis Joplin; sung reverently by Elton John, David Bowie and Natalie Merchant; turned into bossa nova by Brazil's Paula Morelenbaum; sampled by the electronic rock artist Finley Quaye. But when Frank Sinatra first sang them, Gershwin's songs were fairly young, and sounded fresh without any tampering. They had unforgettable hooks, rhythmic drive, sophistication, and heart--qualities matched by the lyrics of his brother." ~ James Gavin ~

"Sinatra Sings Gershwin" is a brilliant project from Compilation Producers Charles L. Granata, Didier Deutsch and Andreas Meyer. They did an excellent job in compiling previously unreleased Gershwin songs that Frank Sinatra recorded from 1943 through 1950 and were taken from various sources such as original session lacquer disc and tapes, rare glass, aluminum and vinyl radio transcription discs. The producers noted that a few of the tracks have not met their standard of excellence, but they are still listenable. At least they were more concerned about the songs' "rarity and historic significance" and this alone overshadowed whatever is the deficiency in sound quality.

George Siravo, Dick Stabile and Jeff Alexander orchestrated track #2 "I've Got A Crush On You," track #10 "I've Got A Crush On You" and track #8 "'S Wonderful," respectively. And Axel Stordahl arranged and conducted the rest of the tracks. Dinah Shore joins Frank Sinatra in a duet setting and lends her beautiful voice in "It Ain't Necessarily So" while The Pied Pipers were featured in "Somebody Loves Me" and "Porgy and Bess Medley."

I share James Gavin's assessment about Gershwin songs. They have that timeless quality and unforgettable appeal especially when they were sang by Frank Sinatra with a young voice that radiates affection, gentleness and purity.

If you're a Gershwin enthusiast like me, you'll be delighted with this gem of an album. If you're a huge fan of Sinatra like me, you should naturally have this in your collection. Give it a special place not only in the top shelf of your music library but also in the core of your heart as well.

"Gershwin songs seem all the more like chameleons, ready to wear any face. They have been pulled inside-out by Charlie Parker and Janis Joplin; sung reverently by Elton John, David Bowie and Natalie Merchant; turned into bossa nova by Brazil's Paula Morelenbaum; sampled by the electronic rock artist Finley Quaye. But when Frank Sinatra first sang them, Gershwin's songs were fairly young, and sounded fresh without any tampering. They had unforgettable hooks, rhythmic drive, sophistication, and heart--qualities matched by the lyrics of his brother." ~ James Gavin ~

"Sinatra Sings Gershwin" is a brilliant project from Compilation Producers Charles L. Granata, Didier Deutsch and Andreas Meyer. They did an excellent job in compiling previously unreleased Gershwin songs that Frank Sinatra recorded from 1943 through 1950 and were taken from various sources such as original session lacquer disc and tapes, rare glass, aluminum and vinyl radio transcription discs. The producers noted that a few of the tracks have not met their standard of excellence, but they are still listenable. At least they were more concerned about the songs' "rarity and historic significance" and this alone overshadowed whatever is the deficiency in sound quality.

George Siravo, Dick Stabile and Jeff Alexander orchestrated track #2 "I've Got A Crush On You," track #10 "I've Got A Crush On You" and track #8 "'S Wonderful," respectively. And Axel Stordahl arranged and conducted the rest of the tracks. Dinah Shore joins Frank Sinatra in a duet setting and lends her beautiful voice in "It Ain't Necessarily So" while The Pied Pipers were featured in "Somebody Loves Me" and "Porgy and Bess Medley."

I share James Gavin's assessment on Gershwin songs. They have that timeless quality and unforgettable appeal especially when they were sang by Frank Sinatra with a young voice that radiates affection, gentleness and purity.

If you're a Gershwin enthusiast like me, you'll be delighted with this gem of an album. If you're a huge fan of Sinatra like me, you should naturally have this in your collection. Give it a special place not only in the top shelf of your music library but also in the core of your heart as well.

Sinatra and Gershwin, a perfect match. Something magic happens whenever the two meet. This album is a lot of fun with live very spontaneous performances that have a zip that some of the studio products don't.

Early Sinatra at his best. The phrasing and carryover into the lyrics is simply, SINATRA!