Sinatra / Capitol Sound & Photo Quality: "Sinatra's Swingin' Session!!!" - 1961

Sorry that I'm not set up to post clips, but must say Swingin' Session is a fantastic album!

I have original colorband Capitol pressings in mono and stereo, plus the Mofi box. Any of those pressings blows away anyone that comes over to the house for a listen. The sound quality and performance are stunning.

By the way, which version do most people prefer--the Stereo or Mono mix?

 

I prefer the stereo mix, but the mono is also very good.

 

Bum link, Matt. Should be: [thread=14835]Sinatra Capitol 20 & 24-Bit Masters[/thread]. Direct link to juicy stuff: [post=241285]post #29[/post].

 

I'll have to get that stereo mix one day. I bought a Capitol mono for $2.99 (side logo rainbow label) that is in VG condition. The funny thing is - the original price sticker is still on the back cover ($3.69 - pay at Record Dept.). This one still floors me (and is probably my single favorite Sinatra album).

 

I'm sure Matt will cover this in his analysis, but there's only one mix where Sinatra cries "Wah,wah, wah!" at the end of the song "It All Depends on You."

(That's due to the remix engineer not fading down fast enough, and I always imagine that would be Frank's reaction after hearing that particular remastered version. )

 

I'd not heard the mono mix until our fine host recommended it here and I got me a copy. It is REALLY good mono...but I prefer the stereo.

P.S. It's amazing how many fans LOVE this LP. I am one of them. Yet, Mr. S was mentally "double-parked on Vine Street" and flew threw most of these sessions. Oh, what might have been...

 

I think its a great intro to Sinatra for Rock 'n' Roll fans. Some of the tracks simply ROCK OUT!

Riddle was furious that Sinatra insisted on quickening the tempo of the arrangements, but it gives the album a unique place in the FS catalog.

You can hear "Blue Heaven" at the right tempo in a live performance on an unauthorized recording floating around.

 

It's one of my most played Sinatra albums - love the backing, there's some fine jazz playing going on. He might have dashed it off quickly but it still came out great.

 

If you love the accompaniment, then seek out Dean Martin's "This Time I'm Swingin'!" LP. It is from the same time period and has almost the same identical members in the orchestra...right down to Irv Cottler and Bill Miller!!!
I adore that album.

 

The stereo stuff from the Bear Family box set is great sounding stereo. I was not too fond of the mono CD, though. The best is the stereo vinyl edition. It took me 4 tries to get a clean, clear copy of it and I finally landed a "mint" one. I just love it.

 

I just can't love this record (like I should?). Every time I play it I get a mental picture of Frank in the studio doing a "faster, faster" rolling-finger hand motion, all the while not even bothering to take his coat off

 

I'm VERY curious, Matt, as to what you'll think of the stereo v. mono on the Sinatra title.

I love my stereo MFSL needledrop, but some here have me wondering whether the original mono might even be better.

 

I'm really looking forward to see Matt's critique on Sinatra's Swingin Session. Although I wouldn't put it in the top rank of the Capitol LPs, it's still a blast to listen to. This LP and the next (Come Swing With Me) make a nice CD with plenty of room to spare!

Speaking of the length of these LPs, that should have made for a nice LP mastering. Less than 15 minutes of music on each side. Could have almost been mastered at 45 RPM!

 

thanks Paul, I'll check out that recommendation.

 

I'm sure Matt will mention this in his critique but...

Sinatra's Swingin Session can be considered a remake of sorts. 6 of the 8 songs from his last 10" record with Columbia (Sing And Dance With Frank Sinatra) are included.

But of course with Nelson Riddle doing the new arrangments they are miles apart...

 

I have always thought that the most similar album to "Sinatra's Swingin' Session" is Rosemary Clooney's "Rosie Solves The Swingin' Riddle" on RCA. I think the album has much more in common with "Swingin' Session" than any Dean Martin Album from the same time period. If I close my eyes I can virtually hear Sinatra sing along Nelson Riddle's up-tempo arrangement of "I Get Along Without You Very Well".

Arne

 

The gentleman mentioned he enjoyed the sound of the orchestra and I mentioned "This Time I'm Swingin'!" because (almost man-to-man) it's the same group of individuals. I am really impressed that both Cottler and Miller are on it.

"I Get Along Without You Very Well" done swing sounds almost as scary as "Some Enchanted Eeeeeeevning"!!!!!

 

Of course you are right, and Rosie's "April in Paris" is not much better in that respect. Still, the usage of the the various sections of the orchestra is very similar on both records. Sadly, my early japanese CD issue doesn't give any names regarding the personnel.

Arne

 

Ah!!!! I see your point now. GOTCHA!