Fans of Frank Sinatra will likely be emptying their pocket for this five-LP boxset of previously unreleased performances that are restored and remastered.
The first LP opens with five tracks from The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in 1945, where “What Makes A Sunset” allows for Sinatra’s signature velvety pipes to flow alongside dreamy strings and winds. The back half of this record belongs to songs from the U.S. Naval Training Station in the Bronx in 1945, and enlists the romantic spirit of “I Fall In Love Too Easily” that tugs on the heartstrings, plus a raw recording of “God Bless America” from Central Park in 1943.
The first side of the second LP is split between the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1944 and the Philadelphia Convention Hall in 1945. The former brings us the emotive singing alongside the rich musicianship of “Speak Low,” while the latter treats us to the frisky mood of “Blue Skies.” Side B documents three different performances, where the animated presence of “Night And Day” is particularly memorable from the Stage Door Canteen in 1943.
Record number three is all from 1943 and presents us the harmonic and intimate “Sunday, Monday Or Always” (CBS’s Your Hit Parade), plus the elegant demeanor of “You’ll Never Know” (Hollywood Bowl). The fourth slab of wax steps into 1950, where the infectious of energy of “A Foggy Day” sure has aged well, and selections from the CBS Meets Frank Sinatra broadcast gives us a glimpse into Sinatra’s personality and charm.
The last installment is 13 tracks from Christmas On Air. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” continues to prove itself as one of the best holidays tunes ever, and “Jingle Bells (Version 2)” will make you wish it was Christmas all year around thanks to the charming delivery.
There’s certainly no lack of Sinatra albums out there, but few are as rare and sought after as these recordings. The live selections and theater performances come with a booklet of liner notes, rare photos and vintage memorabilia that illuminates many important moments in 20th century American popular music, making this set absolutely a collector’s dream.