Frank Sinatra: Best of Vegas

By Emily Carney

Frank Sinatra’s unique brand of machismo and swagger may seem obsolete in 2011. However, his vocal influence is still very much felt; Austrian electro lounge crooner Louie Austen has been known to mix some old Sinatra classics into his current sets. Although big band music has lost its cult luster in the last few years (remember the “swing” revival in 1999, and the Tony Bennett popularity explosion of the mid-1990s?), Frank Sinatra’s voice and legend elevates him far above mere novelty status.

This latest Frank Sinatra anthology from Concord Records showcases performances of the singer’s live Las Vegas material from the years between 1961 and 1987. This new release is part of Concord’s “Frank Sinatra Collection.”

Aside from Frankie’s, ahem, interesting banter with the audience in a few spots, this 17-song disc generally contains industry standard versions of the classics most music listeners are familiar with. “The Lady is a Tramp,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and “Theme From New York, New York” are all there, as well as “Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words).” I would’ve have liked my personal favorites, “That’s Life” and “Come Fly With Me,” included—I’m sure Ol’ Blue Eyes busted these hits out in Vegas at some point—but the quality and zest of Sinatra’s voice and delivery makes up for these omissions.

The selections from this disc were previously available on the Sinatra: Vegas boxed set from 2006; if you are a Sinatra completist, you may have already heard the renditions available on this new release. However, Frank Sinatra: Best of Vegas is a good primer for those uninitiated to the world of Frank Sinatra, or for those who have never heard the Chairman of the Board in Vegas.

Frank Sinatra: Best of Vegas was released by Concord Records on February 8.