Frank Sinatra, The Concert Sinatra

By Melissa Bratcher

I believe that there are Dean Martin people, there are Frank Sinatra people, and that they are rarely the same sort of people. I love Dean Martin for the thread of good humor that runs through his music, but I’ve always thought of Frank Sinatra as immensely talented, yet a bit dour. The Concert Sinatra changed my mind.

The Concert Sinatra is a gorgeously remastered take on Sinatra’s classic 1963 album. Though it is called The Concert Sinatra, it isn’t a live album. Instead, it is a masterful collection of Broadway tunes sung by a man at the top of his vocal game and backed by the madly lush Nelson Riddle Orchestra. This remastered version pulls Sinatra’s vocals to the forefront of the mix (as it should be, since it is Frank Sinatra) and reduces the reverb. It sounds completely fresh and new. The Nelson Riddle Orchestra sounds spectacular and has incredible depth.

The fascinating thing about this album is that initially it was recorded on 35mm film on a motion picture scoring stage. The press release points out that multitrack master tape machines weren’t yet a reality in the recording studio, and this recording technique was well ahead of its time. These masters were stored for nearly 50 years. They were digitally restored, remastered, and remixed, making something entirely new in the process.

These familiar songs from classic Broadway musicals sound quite different than they typically do; they’re unfamiliar and unusual and a gift to the listener. Frank Sinatra’s fantastic version of “Soliloquy” from Carousel is an absolute delight. He makes it sound so effortless, climbing high, feeling all the emotions of the song and entreating the listener to as well (though to be honest, any time he speaks in a song, I’m always surprised. His speaking voice jars me). “Soliloquy” is such a showpiece for a performer, and of course, Sinatra handles it like it’s the easiest thing in the world.

His take on Rodgers and Hart’s “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” is simply divine. The performance is amazing and unforced. In our current musical climate, where Auto-Tune and studio trickery is the norm, it is breathtaking to hear someone who has such a pure, elegant voice. “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” is a tour de force. His high note at the end made tears spring to my eyes. The Nelson Riddle Orchestra is complementary, but never overpowering in this crystal clear mix.

He revisits Carousel for a gorgeous version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Again, the orchestra is beautiful, and never covers up his amazing voice. “This Nearly Was Mine” from South Pacific is a yearning, reaching masterpiece. Show Boat‘s “Ol’ Man River” showcases Sinatra’s depth and range. His voice is like velvet.

Two bonus tracks are added for this re-release. Sammy Cahn’s “California” is a travelogue in song form, with chorus added. It’s delightful, but seems out of place on a record that showcases Sinatra’s solo voice with the orchestra so well. “America The Beautiful” rounds things out. Again, there is an added chorus and it leaves me wondering how amazing would it have sounded to simply have Sinatra’s voice alone.

Still, The Concert Sinatra is a remarkable record. It is well worth listening to on headphones to pick up all the subtle orchestral flourishes. It is lush and gorgeous, and a testament to how a great vocalist trumps all the studio trickery in the world.

The Concert Sinatra was released January 17 through Concord Records and is available to purchase from their website, as well as Amazon.com.