Frank Sinatra - A Swingin' Affair!
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Music CD Cover
Artist: Frank SinatraEdition: Music CD
Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 1998-09-08
Music Label: Capitol
Soundtracks:
- Night and Day
- I Wish I Were in Love Again
- I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'
- I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plans
- Nice Work If You Can Get It
- Stars Fell on Alabama
- No One Ever Tells You
- I Won't Dance
- Lonesome Road
- At Long Last Love
- You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
- I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
- From This Moment On
- If I Had You
- Oh! Look at Me Now
- The Lady Is a Tramp [*]
Free Music Notes for A Swingin' Affair!
Free Music Review: Frank At His Most Lively And Energetic.
Hit: 5 Stars
Aside from 1962's "Sinatra-Basie", I cannot think of a more exhuberant and engaging album in Frank Sinatra's catalogue than 1957's "A Swingin' Affair!". In stark contrast to his gloomier works "In The Wee Small Hours" and "Where Are You", "A Swingin' Affair!" is full of energy and bounce. Frank's clear as water voice and Nelson Riddle's impeccable arrangements make for a remarkably entertaining album that ranks as one of the duo's finest hours.
The album kicks off with a fantastic reimagining of Cole Porter's evergreen standard of longing and obsession, "Night And Day". Previously done in ballad form, Frank and Nels turn it into a rousing swinger while still maintaining its regal drama. The string break in the middle builds to an excellent climax. This isn't Frank's definitive treatment of the song (ironically, that would be the 1961 ballad rendition arranged by Don Costa for "Sinatra & Strings"), but it's nonetheless one of his and Nelson's finest collaborations.
"I Wish I Were In Love Again" is a Rogers & Hart ditty featuring some of the duo's most quirky and atmospheric lyrics, all interpreted fluently by the master amidst of a mellow, longing Riddle arrangement. Frank sang the Rogers & Hart catalogue better than anyone, and this is no exception. One of the highlights of the album.
The Gershwins' "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin" is a real finger snapper, swaying ever so smoothly with Frank's voice exhuberantly gliding along. Another winner.
"I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plans" is a downer in terms of lyrics, but fits in well with the established atmosphere of the album. Frank delves deep into the song and creates an evocative image of a man wallowing in his own pity at the thought of his lost love. A swinging tune with the emotional atmosphere of one of Ol' Blue Eyes best ballads.
"Nice Work If You Can Get It" is taken at midtempo, somewhat bluesy pace. This is a fun ditty tailor made for Frank's style, and him and Nelson make this one a winner (though the 1962 version with Basie is just as good if not better).
"Stars Fell On Alabama" is next, and for me is probably the best song on the album. A great tale of romance and the joy it brings with the perfect storyteller narrating and a brilliant arragnement to boot. This song will have you smiling by the end.
"No One Ever Tells You" is a torrid, bitter tale about the shock that hits you when love leaves you. This bluesy, torchy number is a solid addition to the album and like "I'll Guess I'll Have To Change My Plans" fits in well with the album's theme despite its subject matter.
Things come roaring back to life with the exhuberant "I Won't Dance". This is classic Frank the whole way through. This song is a blast to listen to, building up to a rousing finish that will leave you breathless. (Once again, and I know this is becoming a bit repetitive, but I slightly prefer the Basie version).
"The Lonesome Road" is a slick, mid-tempo finger snapper with a Biblical edge, with Frank urging us to "look up, look up and meet your Maker before Gabriel blows his horn". This is an incredible performance that's pure Frank, and Riddle's arrangement is mind blowing.
"At Long Last Love", a Cole Porter work of art, is exhuberant and sincere, with Frank perfectly encapsulating the magic and joy of finding true love. Starting off quietly and building up to a crashing finale, this is a highlight for sure.
The inviting "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" is Frank at his most seductive and playful. Frank sounds as smooth and confident as ever on this track, once again ably aided by Nelson.
"I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" is a bit of a low point. Unlike "I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plans" and "No One Ever Tells You", it does not quite fit in with the mood of the album. A good song, though.
"From This Moment On" gets things back on track, but "If I Had You" is the true keeper of this album. Taken at brisk, midtempo pace, Frank and Riddle create the definitive rendition of this standard. Frank nails the song's dreamy air and Nelson's arrangement creates a great backup. Absolutely excellent.
"Oh! Look At Me Now" originally closed the album. An old Dorsey-era tune, this track is a classic. Great arragnement, flawless phrasing, great vocals. This is a true gem in Frank's catalogue, as he sounds confident and anle.
As a bonus track, Frank's classic version of Rogers & Hart's "The Lady Is A Tramp' closes the album. What s great addition.
This is Frank at his absolute best, as well as Nelson Riddle. The remastering job leaves the songs sounding better than ever, and the packaging and liner notes are of similar quality. A must-have for all record collections,
A Swingin' Affair! Poster
Digipak edition of this 1957 album from the legendary crooner. Orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle.A Swingin' Affair! is as perfect as records get. Sinatra sounds near to bursting with self-assurance on this 1957 release; even on the laments "I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plans" and "No One Ever Tells You," this is a Frank who's at the top of his game and isn't shy about letting you know he knows it. Nelson Riddle's upbeat arrangements are among his smoothest, and the varied program (which also includes "Night and Day," the wiseacre "I Wish I Were in Love Again," and "I Won't Dance") makes for one of the best-conceived Sinatra concept discs. The CD also includes "The Lady Is a Tramp," cut during the same sessions, as a bonus track. --Rickey Wright
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