Frank Sinatra Singing “Laura” Is Pure Genius

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
  • In this episode, we discussed Frank Sinatra and his brilliant version of the David Raskin and Johnny Mercer song “Laura” written in 1945. The song was arranged by Gordon Jenkins, and is off the 1957 record entitled “Where Are You?”
    🎉 The Beato Ultimate Bundle - 75% OFF ALL Rick's educational products. Get it here: ⇢ rickbeato.com
    📚- The Beato Book Interactive - $99.00 value
    🎸 - Beato Beginner Guitar - $159.00 value
    👂- The Beato Ear Training Program - $99.00 value
    🎸- The Quick Lessons Pro Guitar Course - $79.00 value
    … all for just $109.00
    Get it here: rickbeato.com
    Catherine Sundvall
    Clark Griswold
    Ryan Twigg
    LAWRENCE WANG
    Martin Small
    Kevin Wu
    Robert Zapolis
    Jeremy Kreamer
    Sean Munding
    Nat Linville
    Bobby Alcott
    Peter Glen
    Robert Marqusee
    James Hurster
    John Nieradka
    Grey Tarkenton
    Joe Armstrong
    Brian Smith
    Robert Hickerty
    comboy
    Peter DeVault
    Phil Mingin
    Tal Harber
    Rick Taylor
    Bill Miller
    Gabriel Karaffa
    Brett Bottomley
    Frederick Humphrey
    Nathan Hanna
    Stephen Dahl
    Scott McCroskey
    Dave Ling
    Rick Walker
    Jason Lowman
    Jake Stringer
    Steven crawford
    Piush Dahal
    Jim Sanger
    Brian Lawson
    Eddie Khoriaty
    Vinny Piana
    J.I. Abbot
    Kyle Dandurand
    Michael Krugman
    Vinicius Almeida
    Lars Nielsen
    Kyle Duvall
    Alex Zuzin
    tom gilberts
    Paul Noonan
    Scott Thompson
    Kaeordic Industries LLC
    Duane Blake
    Kai Ellis
    Zack Kirkorian
    Joe Ansaldi
    Pzz
    Marc Alan
    Rob Kline
    Calvin Wells
    David Trapani
    Will Elrics
    Debbie Valle
    JP Rosato
    Orion Letizi
    Mike Voloshen
    Peter Pillitteri

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,3 тис.

  • @martingimenez339
    @martingimenez339 Рік тому +784

    I'll tell you something kind of funny although I'm sure it's more usual than we think. I'm basically a heavy metal/hard rock/prog guy from the 70's BUT I also grew up listening to Sinatra because of my father and uncle , so...everytime I listen to this day ANY Sinatra song I enter what I call a "Sinatra Streaming Rabbit Hole" and man it's really really tough to let go and come back to normal. Once Im listening to these extremely beautiful well arranged orchestral songs I feel I can't go back to my usual music. I don't know if anyone else can relate lol. Sinatra transports me to another time and another place, where everything is classier and dreamier than our reality.

    • @christianman73
      @christianman73 Рік тому +49

      I can absolutely relate, Martin!! I'm a hard rock, metal, and prog guy too, and I've loved those genres from an early age. However, in my teens, a friend challenged me to give Sinatra a chance. I was very surprised, at first, that my friend was a Sinatra fan, but I took the challenge and became a huge fan myself. I still love hard rock, metal, and prog, but Sinatra is the man, and his recordings rule! 🙂

    • @marklong930
      @marklong930 Рік тому +33

      Totally with you on this. I was of the "grunge" era but my Dad was a big fan of the Rat Pack crew, but especially Frank. Every road trip and holiday was a mix of Frank and Elvis (and the Eagles on occasion). So many good memories are envoked every time I listen to Frank.

    • @cooldebt
      @cooldebt Рік тому +25

      I was a hip-hop head and my kids can't listen to pop. Without my prompting, the youngest made himself a 50s Crooners playlist back in highschool. He would harmonise the vocals while doing his homework. We all listen almost exclusively to jazz now and especially The Consouls who brilliantly do VGM as jazz.

    • @sully2737
      @sully2737 Рік тому +32

      If you haven't already done so, check out Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra, released in 2022. Rock song-writer, guitarist, singer Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge, Tremonti) studied Sinatra in depth for a few years, and then recorded an album's worth of songs with many members of Frank Sinatra's old band. All proceeds benefit the National Down Syndrome Society. It is well worth a listen.

    • @wendym2544
      @wendym2544 Рік тому +14

      Martin, I relate! I like hard rock and metal too, but FS's music feels like it's healthy for our bodies and brains. :)

  • @HalfGemini
    @HalfGemini Рік тому +69

    My Jazz teacher explained Frank’s voice as ‘always emotionally accurate’. Perfect for weddings or heartbreaks.

    • @bobalex6323
      @bobalex6323 10 місяців тому +2

      May be because he was feeling what he was singing. Kind like that.

    • @anonymike8280
      @anonymike8280 4 місяці тому +2

      @@bobalex6323 He did a powerfully evocative _Old Man River_ on a soundstage. Even there, he was able to convey that he knew there was a real world of hard work and emotional pain which many people still lived in. No doubt he enjoyed the many comforts and privileges he experienced during his lifetime, but he never forget his working class upbringing. He was the epitome of the apocryphal "downtown guy" of American legend.

  • @bluecrueful
    @bluecrueful Рік тому +202

    The late 50s album: "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" is insanely brilliant

    • @lewest7317
      @lewest7317 Рік тому +11

      Dark, almost haunting. One of my favorites too

    • @ThomBoecker
      @ThomBoecker Рік тому +17

      Yup. How blue can you get w/o contemplating suicide. In other words, terrific.

    • @jonwalter6317
      @jonwalter6317 Рік тому +16

      100% agreement. The CD is in my car right now. Even though the songs are all about sad topics, it still cheers me up listening to Frank's magnificence.

    • @zorkwhouse8125
      @zorkwhouse8125 Рік тому +11

      he did a series of albums in that vein. That was the first and probably still the best. But there are about 6 that he did with Jenkins or Riddle. Also check out the 1965 album "September of my years" for the last in the series. I posted a comment here also about the others. Also check out the album "Watertown" from 1970 - very different but sad and very good in its own right.

    • @giants4105
      @giants4105 Рік тому +5

      100%

  • @ironheintz
    @ironheintz Рік тому +114

    Thank you Rick for making me feel like it's okay to love Bach, Soundgarden, and Sinatra!

    • @bendancar
      @bendancar Рік тому +9

      There's only two kinds of music: Good and bad.

    • @christineobasi7267
      @christineobasi7267 Рік тому +3

      You won

    • @garygoodman1574
      @garygoodman1574 Рік тому +6

      @@bendancar Indeed. And good music is always hip, regardless of the genre or the time.

    • @DenEz_TV
      @DenEz_TV Рік тому +6

      As Dave Grohl once said: there shouldn't be guilty pleasure in music, this term is outdated.

    • @nezkeys79
      @nezkeys79 Рік тому +2

      It was always OK

  • @andybasic1761
    @andybasic1761 Рік тому +52

    I've always thought that Sinatra sings like the orchestra is washing over him and he's loving the experience

    • @lynne5322
      @lynne5322 Рік тому +2

      Wonderful observation for sure. 🥂

    • @creacon
      @creacon Рік тому +3

      He never oversang the other musicians--always 'in the pocket'.
      (Subjective of course) I've found his collaborations with Bill Basie the best

    • @juliaread8980
      @juliaread8980 Рік тому +2

      Yes absolutely agree. Apparently it was very important to him that the orchestration was big and dramatic. He was the best 👌

  • @donkalil4853
    @donkalil4853 Рік тому +74

    Sinatra was 10 years older than my Mom, who passed away in 2008, but I remember her going to see him at the Fox Theater in St. Louis, maybe in the late '80s or early '90s, and she was as excited and giddy as a teenage girl. She absolutely loved Frank.

    • @justlookingaround9834
      @justlookingaround9834 Рік тому +5

      I was going to write the same, I’ve never seen my mother so excited before she left to see him and so overwhelmed when she came home. She was so pleased she got to throw a rose toward him. My dad who was with her said she was like a tittle kid again. She was in her sixties then, she’s been dead 14 years and it is a wonderful memory.

    • @donkalil4853
      @donkalil4853 Рік тому +3

      @@justlookingaround9834 he had a spell over those ladies!

    • @theboofin
      @theboofin Рік тому +4

      He had Beatlemania before them...

  • @elainemarsh5170
    @elainemarsh5170 Рік тому +63

    For me, he is the most COMPLETE pop singer ever. His emotional and technical range, flawless diction, impeccable phrasing, breath control, and the warm, unmistakable timbre of his voice set him above all others. And of course, he surrounded himself with the best arrangers and musicians, and wasn’t afraid to let them shine. ❤

    • @Lou.B
      @Lou.B Рік тому +3

      I love what you wrote! Franks' diction, phrasing, and breath control REALLY shine when one actively listens!

    • @jackgj3771
      @jackgj3771 Рік тому +3

      Word! He was amazing...what a legacy!

    • @mjleger4555
      @mjleger4555 2 місяці тому +1

      Your comment is spot on in all accounts! And Frank was never above letting another artist show their talent either, he knew music and appreciated other artists' work and let them show their talent also. "Laura" is a song I used to perform a lot at my piano bar when working, it's such an enigmatic song with so many emotional minor chords in it, which makes it unusually beautiful! Enigmatic because she's "a face that you can never quite recall" -- "but she's only a dream!" Picks at the heartstrings!

    • @rt8532
      @rt8532 Місяць тому

      On point.

  • @pauljsmith2113
    @pauljsmith2113 Рік тому +47

    Frank was undoubtedly one of those rare, next level singers. However, much of the magic of his long career came from the composers and arrangers (and musicians) with whom he surrounded himself. It was always a top-notch, complete package. Some of the best music ever written and performed, topped off by The Voice.

    • @PeteCannellasSound
      @PeteCannellasSound Рік тому +4

      He could sing with just a piano and be unbelievable. A lot of his live performances in the 50s were with quintets and sextets

    • @pauljsmith2113
      @pauljsmith2113 Рік тому +2

      @@PeteCannellasSound Yeah, his work with pianist Bill Miller for all those years was extraordinary.

    • @jadezee6316
      @jadezee6316 Рік тому +1

      top notch musicians ...can not make someone sing like Sinatra... composer's songs can be recorded by anyone...arrangers charts can be sung by any performer..

  • @5argetech56
    @5argetech56 Рік тому +160

    My most favorite song from Frank Sinatra was "It Was a Very Good Year" ..
    First heard in my childhood and loved it ever since

    • @escherpainting8622
      @escherpainting8622 Рік тому +13

      Real heads know that's the best Frank song, bar none.

    • @tbc1809
      @tbc1809 Рік тому +6

      Totally agree, , I do this song doing karaoke

    • @BudTristano
      @BudTristano Рік тому +6

      Mine as well!

    • @jeannemacaluso162
      @jeannemacaluso162 Рік тому +6

      Yes, yes, yes!!! Still brings tears to my eyes!!! First heard it on my first radio circa late 50’s-early 60’s.

    • @StefanPaul5
      @StefanPaul5 Рік тому +8

      I first heard that tune on the Sopranos

  • @mymatemartin
    @mymatemartin Рік тому +86

    There's just something very special about sharing the personal connection you feel to this song through the memory of your dad. You're a good man Rick.

  • @philbraithwaite1316
    @philbraithwaite1316 Рік тому +83

    My parents had all the records. Sinatra was played at both funerals. It’s only in later life I’ve grown (and matured) to appreciate The Voice.

  • @DaveZula
    @DaveZula Рік тому +96

    It's a beautiful thing to have such a big UA-camr highlighting this kind of arranging. The masters who could write arrangements like this rarely get their due. ✌️❤️

    • @russevans3586
      @russevans3586 Рік тому +3

      Nelson Riddle had some of the best arrangements in this genre of music.

    • @WellnessRosterHQ
      @WellnessRosterHQ Рік тому +6

      This was Gordon Jenkins but you are correct in that Nelson Riddle had many of Frank's best arrangements.

    • @jimrafferty3718
      @jimrafferty3718 Рік тому +2

      @@WellnessRosterHQ We should mention Vince Mendoza's arrangements in this context - particularly in his work with Joni Mitchell on Both Sides Now. Lush stuff.

    • @rigelloar7474
      @rigelloar7474 Рік тому +3

      @@WellnessRosterHQ Also check out the great arrangements George Shearing did for Nat Cole. Beautiful stuff!

  • @williamknell864
    @williamknell864 Рік тому +88

    Some singers really are/were musicans.
    The care and thoughtful execution. He doesn't show off. But his dynamic range here is beautiful too. It's really intimate, generally. But there are moments where he uses some chest power.
    Great singers are actors too. He's not just singing lines over changes. He's inside this song, pulling us in.
    Too many singers, today, especially seem to just love the sound of their own voices.
    In Sinatra's best work, he's sounds so natural in there. He loves it in there. In the song.
    And this one isn't one of the obvious choices. Gorgeous.

    • @ultragroove1
      @ultragroove1 Рік тому +8

      Love this comment. Wonderfully insightful.

    • @MarkUnderwood-knowlengr
      @MarkUnderwood-knowlengr Рік тому +5

      And critics made fun of Jim Morrison for adopting some of his technique. Copy the best.

    • @adrianlee3497
      @adrianlee3497 Рік тому +2

      Most musicians are actors because you have to pull your audience into the song you're playing. Johnny Depp uses the same analogy. It's what's in between the notes.

    • @donburnett8629
      @donburnett8629 Рік тому +1

      Some of the rare recorded sessions have him stopping everything and going back until it's right - again and again. Nelson Riddle persisted and the results speak for themselves.

    • @circulati
      @circulati Рік тому +5

      Exactly. Another example of a singer who I’ve always felt is there to serve the song, not to overshadow it, is Ella Fitzgerald. Such immense talent and yet so much respect for the music. ❤

  • @hugh-johnfleming289
    @hugh-johnfleming289 Рік тому +30

    'Summer Wind...' Just simply among the finest recordings ever made.

    • @scottyyz
      @scottyyz Рік тому +1

      One of my favorite songs of all time. Flawless

    • @PerryDAndrea
      @PerryDAndrea Рік тому +1

      Also lyrics by Mercer..

    • @twtobin941
      @twtobin941 6 місяців тому

      So happy someone else agrees … always loved the happy swing and Sinatra’s perfect delivery of Summer Wind. Almost the upbeat counterpoint to Laura.

    • @edwardbailey9759
      @edwardbailey9759 5 місяців тому

      Picked it for my first dance at my wedding.

  • @patera124
    @patera124 Рік тому +29

    One of the great things about Sinatra was the air of attainability about his voice - everybody feels like they can sing like Frank, even though they can't. His style was so natural, effortless, and conversational, it kinda makes everybody feel like they sing like Frank.

    • @NajNilak
      @NajNilak Рік тому +9

      Indeed. Another singer just like that was Nat King Cole. He made whatever he sang just seem so offhand, simple, effortless, almost like breathing.

    • @michaelfoxbrass
      @michaelfoxbrass Рік тому +3

      Hadn’t thought of this - great insight!

    • @msgingerjourney
      @msgingerjourney 9 місяців тому

      I had a friend who just didn't get Frank. She was not born and raised in the U.S., which may explain it. She said he didn't sing, he was just talking. Hmm.

  • @SinnerSince1962
    @SinnerSince1962 Рік тому +37

    A story was told by an orchestra member like this, and I paraphrase: Frank had an incredible talent for arranging and hearing the orchestra. One time he stopped a song during rehearsal and asked a specific member if he had hit a wrong note, or did he just hear it wrong. The member said he hit the note wrong. Frank didn’t chastise him, he just said thank you, and picked up the rehearsal again.

    • @foto21
      @foto21 Рік тому +3

      Training by constant experience is underrated.

  • @deliusmyth5063
    @deliusmyth5063 Рік тому +76

    This is the video you were born for. Please do more on Frank.

  • @r.plante2916
    @r.plante2916 Рік тому +119

    Let's just say that the beauty of Gene Tierney could easily inspire someone to write a song so hauntingly beautiful. Also good to know that Sinatra almost always recorded his part live with the orchestra.

    • @lonniezamarripa959
      @lonniezamarripa959 Рік тому +3

      She certainly got Vincent Price going!

    • @toddjohnson5504
      @toddjohnson5504 Рік тому +2

      And Hawkeye because of her overbite.

    • @amileoj9043
      @amileoj9043 Рік тому +12

      That might sound like a trivial comment to some but the aura that certain Hollywood stars possessed, back when there was no one (with the the exception of a few baseball players & the occasional president) whose fame exceeded theirs, is hard to appreciate now. Tierney's dark beauty was legendary then, and Laura was in part a cinematic meditation on the effect such beauty could have on the minds of the seemingly most pragmatic & worldly men. Little wonder then that David Raskin conjured this masterpiece to represent the state of such a man's mind--and that Sinatra, that greatest of all poets of romantic shipwreck & longing--so perfectly brought it to life.

    • @louiebee6745
      @louiebee6745 Рік тому +3

      Yes I've seen photos of Frank in the studio (Capitol Records Hollywood) singing live with the orchestra.👍👍

    • @r.plante2916
      @r.plante2916 Рік тому +3

      @@amileoj9043 Nailed it.

  • @NickT1023
    @NickT1023 Рік тому +76

    Something else that makes Sinatra’s singing so special is his sense of rhythm regarding the melody. He’s been known to sing a little ahead or a little after the written melody note giving a slurred or bluesy effect. This actually influenced some of his contemporaries and future vocalists. Perry Como comes to mind as does John Lennon (“Girl”, “Run for Your Life”).

    • @bjornlangoren3002
      @bjornlangoren3002 Рік тому +8

      While it may have seemed sloppy, it seems it was perfectly timed to give the song a little extra pep, swing or syncopation, like a class drummer

    • @bamaraiderable
      @bamaraiderable Рік тому +7

      @ghost mall The great ones always make it look easy.

    • @TheTacticalMess
      @TheTacticalMess Рік тому +6

      I love the swing in his vocals

    • @kenwatts3848
      @kenwatts3848 Рік тому +5

      He used to say that his singing style was modeled after the trumpet. That’s why he has such a unique sense of timing.

    • @MrWxerby
      @MrWxerby Рік тому +2

      I love his ability to sing in and around the rhythm yet never seem to drag or rush. Amazing.

  • @Guitaural.
    @Guitaural. Рік тому +21

    Saw Sinatra in Vegas in '92. He was getting up in years, but it was still one of the most swinging, amazing concerts I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot. This rocker kid was not supposed to love Sinatra, but almost nothing done in the later Rock era can equal his Capitol recordings from the 50s, and much of the later Reprise era. Simply great.

    • @tracygarrett3952
      @tracygarrett3952 Рік тому +1

      I saw him live in Vegas and he was getting up in years as you say. Didn't put some songs over the way he once had. Two things struck me about this show: I don't know if this was standard for him, but he received no introduction whatsoever, and just walked on to the stage singing a most appropriate song, "I Got the World on a String." The second thing was you could almost hear the air crackle when he came out. That's how big a presence he had. I imagine Elvis, Michael Jackson, and Streisand would have that same affect. A non-singer that created that atmosphere was Ali. Sinatra passed right by me, and even though I was aware of his nickname, I was struck by his beautiful blue eyes. I can appreciate that he knew just how good he was, when he was determined to get out of his contract.

  • @chrislink73
    @chrislink73 Рік тому +57

    The great thing about Frank was he almost always sang live with the band. Live in the room with the strings and conductor. He almost always got the right take in a few runs. His singing into those Neumann U47 tube mics is just so classic and gorgeous, right to tape too. Nobody came close to Frank, he had many imitators but none captured the emotional depth and uniqueness of Frank's singing. Like he was singing right to you. Timeless.

  • @samlsmithmusic
    @samlsmithmusic Рік тому +14

    Each song is a short film. These masterpieces of performance, arrangements, melody/chords/lyrics will age very well.

  • @godfreydaniel6278
    @godfreydaniel6278 Рік тому +50

    When I was a kid I hated the music my parent's listened to - but I could never bring myself to hate Sinatra - even then I knew he was a master...

    • @stevenuttley
      @stevenuttley Рік тому +3

      ironically all of the first generation of rock stars were influenced by your parents music. There was no rock and roll prior to Haley, Berry, Domino, Presley etc. There was blues, country and big band music and these were the formative influences of virtually all rock singers.

    • @godfreydaniel6278
      @godfreydaniel6278 Рік тому +1

      @@stevenuttley - If you want to go down that path, then Louis Armstrong is the fountainhead of Rock and Roll - works for me. All music is an amalgam of what went before...

    • @cooldebt
      @cooldebt Рік тому +1

      I not so much hated but was embarrassed to like my parents' music but now, my kids picked up how great crooners actually were and I have never lost my love for a great Bacharach tune!

  • @michaelrhudak
    @michaelrhudak Рік тому +17

    Frank's version of Angel Eyes was always a favorite of mine. Love how he sings those diminished intervals.

  • @robster7316
    @robster7316 Рік тому +95

    His work in the 50s with Nelson Riddle was exquisite. Brilliant arrangements. Read that Frank used to like record off the floor while standing in the middle of the orchestra to get the feel of the music. They used great mics back in those days and placed them strategically, which is why these recordings still sound so great today.

    • @bamaraiderable
      @bamaraiderable Рік тому +9

      It's no wonder that when Linda Ronstadt used Riddle for the arrangements of her two albums of torch songs they were her best selling albums!

    • @casablanca2745
      @casablanca2745 Рік тому +2

      Also great stuff with Basie and Neil Hefti

    • @Fatfingertunes
      @Fatfingertunes Рік тому +2

      I have read that Diana Krall uses the same mic as Sinatra did... interesting

    • @MarkUnderwood-knowlengr
      @MarkUnderwood-knowlengr Рік тому +3

      @@bamaraiderable +1. E.g., Ronstadt / Riddle's version of "What's New"

    • @markdansky
      @markdansky Рік тому

      @@MarkUnderwood-knowlengr Also listen to Julie London singing What's New. I listened to a radio show probably 25 years ago where they played the song over with 10 different singers. I loved Linda...but check out Julie London, too!

  • @ImFixin-to
    @ImFixin-to Рік тому +12

    I love that you’re talking about one of the great older songs. When Frank sang a song, his style made it a Standard. This was one of my dearest husband’s favorite songs…RIP my darling Ken…❤️❤️❤️

  • @dennismichaels1205
    @dennismichaels1205 Рік тому +26

    Rick, thank you for introducing Frank and Gordon to your UA-cam audience. I think this album may have been one of Frank’s favorite albums
    because it allowed him to bare his soul to his listeners. I used to be a musical director for one of the great female singer ever by the name of
    Keely Smith, and her and Frank were at one time engaged to each other, and I was privy to some really interesting stories.
    I guess I may have listened to the Where Are You album at least 200 hundred times and its still to this day, breathtaking. Such mastery!

    • @philipakers4846
      @philipakers4846 Рік тому

      nice video

    • @MrStadden
      @MrStadden Рік тому +1

      Wow were you lucky - Keely was a fabulous singer and entertainer!!

  • @johnkratz2476
    @johnkratz2476 Рік тому +15

    My sister was named after this song (this version of course). I feel so fortunate to have grown up listening to Sinatra! I particularly love his work with Jobim.

  • @rkoblues24
    @rkoblues24 Рік тому +12

    Thank you, Rick, for recognizing Frank Sinatra. Frank was in a class all by himself. My dad, who had a career as a sportswriter, was a big fan of jazz and big band and he loved Sinatra, consequently I followed in dad's footsteps. I doubt if Sinatra's stature will ever be approached again.

  • @peteyc1705
    @peteyc1705 Рік тому +3

    Growing up, an Italian American, Sinatra is a god of music. I’m amazed to find you doing this. Much appreciated! I love your channel!

  • @photoguy4212
    @photoguy4212 Рік тому +12

    When I was young, I didn’t care for his music at all. One day in my late 30’s my ears finally caught his magic. It was Christmas Waltz. Now he’s one of my all-time favorites.
    There’s just something about his smoothness and ability to not overshadow the song, but compliment it.
    There will never be another Frank.

  • @W.O.P.R
    @W.O.P.R Рік тому +20

    This was an absolutely beautiful piece. About 20 years ago, I discovered Frank Sinatra‘s version of Desafinado. I have been so used to his “made for radio“ material, but that song blew me away. And this one does as well. Thank you for going here 👊🏼

  • @kathym6603
    @kathym6603 Рік тому +11

    In my life Sinatra was a icon. But then I thought I was just prejudiced because I, and the generation before me, grew up with him. Now I know it wasn't prejudice! Thank you so much for this video. I can still hardly believe my ears to hear you talk about him like this.

  • @AJGreen-cn8kk
    @AJGreen-cn8kk Рік тому +12

    When I started studying jazz guitar I was told to listen to Frank to learn phrasing. He had such soul.

  • @videosgwp
    @videosgwp Рік тому +21

    Your enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge of music is so enjoyable to watch. You could probably make me even enjoy Yoko Ono.

  • @timharrington4470
    @timharrington4470 Рік тому +39

    What a beautiful piece of music. Rick's dad had good taste. It's also nice to see Rick pull out the jazz guitar

  • @PbPomper
    @PbPomper Рік тому +15

    The orchestration with the voice of Sinatra is amazing. I love the string sections.

  • @dr.ulyssesswlabr6642
    @dr.ulyssesswlabr6642 Рік тому +41

    Everyone finds Sinatra eventually because he has the perfect song for every mood and feeling you've ever had. You realize he's been there too. He gets it.

    • @351410
      @351410 Рік тому

      Great quote Sir. How very true.

    • @xpindy
      @xpindy 4 місяці тому

      I always tell people, if you are really serious about music, the road will eventually take you to Sinatra.

    • @ryanmcpherson1997
      @ryanmcpherson1997 2 місяці тому

      He lived a very deep life despite the outward appearance of goofing around and partying.

  • @jasonlamar6347
    @jasonlamar6347 Рік тому +23

    Loved this.
    I regularly listen to Sinatra At The Sands just to hear how good that live orchestra and his voice were.
    Beautiful song.

    • @chrisanderson1543
      @chrisanderson1543 Рік тому +2

      I think that album is the best concert Sinatra ever!

  • @robertwheeler4068
    @robertwheeler4068 Рік тому +7

    My ex-wife was named from this song... Whenever I hear it or even think of this incredibly beautiful melody, I find myself transported back to happy times, when we were CRAZY IN LOVE with each other...Then as always, I feel the tears running down my face, and thank God for all the good times we spent together!❤⚘

  • @SMtWalkerS
    @SMtWalkerS Рік тому +5

    The song from the film noir "Laura" with Gene Tierney. I love Sinatra's "The World We Knew". No one else could sing that song so beautifully.

  • @davidnussbaum2977
    @davidnussbaum2977 Рік тому +2

    Waldo Lydecker. Where are you? Certainly one of the greatest films ever with an even greater score. Sinatra does this justice and then some. Great stuff, Rick.

  • @paulfranklin8636
    @paulfranklin8636 Рік тому +13

    How good was Frank???: Imagine a 15yr old in the 1970's who was into ELP, Zeppelin etc. knowing his Mother was a fan buying her a Sinatra "Greatest hits" type album and being totally gob-smacked by "It was very good year".....from that day on I was hooked....Great video Rick loved it

    • @alansimpson8962
      @alansimpson8962 Рік тому +1

      Me too

    • @gardensofthegods
      @gardensofthegods Рік тому

      We ALWAYS had great music in my house . My much older siblings always played the Rolling Stones and Beatles , etc from day one , I was born in '58 . We had the best of all the rock including progressive rock and beyond .
      My parents played Classical music ,
      Jazz , Big Band , Frank Sinatra and all his contemporaries .
      So I was hearing all that great music from my earliest years .
      Probably my first and truly memorable music memory was Christmas Eve , all my siblings were asleep ; it was very late and just me and my parents .
      It was snowing out , Christmas tree was gorgeous and they were playing Miles Davis' ALL BLUES .

  • @jonnyquatromusic
    @jonnyquatromusic Рік тому +10

    YES! I’d love to see more breakdowns of Sinatra songs, and a series highlighting the Great American Songbook would be fascinating!

  • @garyolshan4177
    @garyolshan4177 Рік тому +5

    Sinatra's iconic I've Got You Under My Skin (with Q Jones producing) is one of the greatest performances in music history,. They say that all the musicians applauded spontaneously right after the recording in the studio.

  • @LeGrandeOrange
    @LeGrandeOrange Рік тому +4

    Italian Americans of a particular generation (I'm early Gen X) grew up surrounded by Frank's music. And, even if we didn't enjoy his music in our youth, it seems that we all come around to appreciate just how great he was. How could you not?

  • @Sheffield6688
    @Sheffield6688 Рік тому +6

    I’ve always loved “Autumn in New York” and every other track from his 1958 “Come Fly With Me” album for that same harmonic and melodic richness.

  • @Ovrlord1
    @Ovrlord1 Рік тому +3

    So glad you did this video. Sinatra is literally the soundtrack of America. “The House I Live In” should be played at every sporting event. “Songs For Swingin’ Lover’s is a perfect album that will make you smile and sing along every time you listen. Please give them a listen Rick.🇮🇹

  • @probert2431
    @probert2431 Рік тому +6

    My late Italian mother loved Frank Sinatra. Her and my dad saw him 3 or 4 times in Detroit. I was young and I didn't know what all the fuss was about him. Until I grew up and realized how truly great he was.

  • @daschmoller
    @daschmoller Рік тому +15

    More about Frank's voice/singing, please.

  • @jimmyc5498
    @jimmyc5498 Рік тому +33

    One of the greatest. Early years with Dorsey developed his horn like phrasing. God broke the mold on that one. The bands weren’t bad either….

  • @markciocco2509
    @markciocco2509 Рік тому +3

    To my ear, Sinatra’s phrasing is the most stunning.

  • @OuterGalaxyLounge
    @OuterGalaxyLounge Рік тому +6

    Sinatra was so adventurous with his interpretive choices; every variation he tried could be disastrous and risky, but he knew just where to go to make it perfect.

  • @deckenneth
    @deckenneth Рік тому +38

    My favorite vocal of the 20th century is 'In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning'. You can FEEL the scene, not just see it. All from the very first concept/story album ever recorded. An absolute masterpiece.

    • @Penske30
      @Penske30 Рік тому +2

      Mine too. Frank was played a lot in my house growing up. Every song, especially these less radio-played ones, always remind me of my late dad.

    • @lynne5322
      @lynne5322 Рік тому

      Yes. Even BEFORE Sgt Pepper's!

  • @myopia2020
    @myopia2020 Рік тому +44

    Sinatra was the first 'rock' super star and pioneer in so many ways (e.g He basically created the concept album in the 1940s!). Every rocker owes him a LOT. His phrasing is inimitable (You can't sing along to Sinatra). There's a reason jazz musicians love him.

    • @bobhoran9778
      @bobhoran9778 Рік тому +3

      I can sing along with him well. Maybe that’s why I’m so phrasing OCD.

    • @ElectroIsMyReligion
      @ElectroIsMyReligion Рік тому +9

      While I agree with (almost) all you said - the title of the first “rock super star” would’ve been Bing Crosby, not Sinatra IMO - a huge idol to Sinatra btw. But besides that are you totally on point Frank was indeed one in a billion! - one of the greatest icons in modern music history.

    • @santinocorleone1204
      @santinocorleone1204 Рік тому +2

      So well put!

    • @stevenuttley
      @stevenuttley Рік тому

      @@ElectroIsMyReligion maybe but Sinatra and Nat King Coie were the 2 singers that Chuck Berry name checked as influential to his own phrasing. Bing had a somewhat different and slightly old-fashioned approach on the whole and though Sinatra was influenced by him he developed his approach particularly on up tempo numbers.

    • @ElectroIsMyReligion
      @ElectroIsMyReligion Рік тому

      @@stevenuttley Crosby was Sinatra’s idol and main influence - seriously look it up. While Sinatra and Crosby musically was very different- do you clearly see how infatuated and influenced he was by Crosby’s charisma and stage persona - hence why I disagreed with OP’s statement about Sinatra being the first the quote on quote _rockstar superstar_ . Crosby was basically the first crooner before the term was even invented. I’m not at huge fan of Crosby’s music myself but his influence on later icons such as Martin, Bennett and Sinatra are obvious. One could argue that without Crosby there wouldn’t have been Sinatra.

  • @pitchforker3304
    @pitchforker3304 Рік тому +4

    Frank Sinatra's "The World We Knew (Over & Over)" is fantastic. Dark, strange, romantic. They don't make 'em like that anymore.

    • @MissLavena
      @MissLavena 3 місяці тому +1

      Oh, that one is also my favorite. It's just so beautiful and heart wrenching.

  • @GioSinatraFan
    @GioSinatraFan Рік тому +32

    Way cool that you did a vid on Sinatra. I once had one of the most popular Sinatra channels on youtube. Didn't try to monetize it, just wanted to get the younger generation turned on to THE VOICE. The Sinatra family eventually had it taken down, but not before it had about 50M views. Sinatra was and will always be one of the greatest entertainers of all time. He was the first pop star!

    • @myopia2020
      @myopia2020 Рік тому +1

      @Dan Giovanetti You're so right! (I say he was the first 'rock' star in my comment, but same idea!). It's a shame that his family took your site down. I would think they would be thanking you for the free publicity and exposing Sinatra to the younger generation (No good deed goes unpunished!). I run a fan account on IG, where almost everyone is in their 20s. Trying to get anyone interested in The Beach Boys (Pet Sounds esp.), let alone Sinatra has largely been an exercise in futility. Lana Del Rey LOVES him😊

  • @davidemaria9791
    @davidemaria9791 Рік тому +1

    Absolute masterpiece. I also grew up as a little kid listening to Sinatra, my dad's favorite song was "April In Paris" but Laura was also important as my cousin was christened after the song.

  • @stephenwilliams3807
    @stephenwilliams3807 Рік тому +5

    Frank was my mum and dad's favourite singer (and has always been one of mine) and we grew up listening to him. His partnership with Count Basie and his band was extraordinarily. There are two albums - one is the studio album called "Sinatra-Basie: An Historic Musical First" and the other is "Sinatra Live at the Sands". Both incredible. The best big band of all time fronted by the best male jazz singer of all time.

  • @LynneConnolly
    @LynneConnolly Рік тому +5

    Thank you! I've always said he was one of the very best. His tone was outstanding, but he learned breath control from the trumpet player Harry James, so that really made a difference to his phrasing and sustain. He worked very hard at his music, although he gave the appearance of being laid-back, that it came easy to him. It didn't. Nobody gets that good without work.

  • @svensvensson6705
    @svensvensson6705 Рік тому +8

    There have been so many artists that I've wanted beato to do a video about during the years. Lately I have realised it's just a question of when he will do a video about someone. Today was Sinatra's lucky day

  • @mdgdm
    @mdgdm Рік тому +13

    I’ve been a music lover for 50 years and I never heard this before. Between the arrangement, the composition, and Frank’s singing, I’m blown away too.

    • @gardensofthegods
      @gardensofthegods Рік тому

      It was throughout a movie I think by the same name Laura .
      A different kind of movie with beautiful actress Gene Tierney so used to be married to Howard Hughes but I can't think of who else is in the movie but if you like old movies you might like it .

    • @gardensofthegods
      @gardensofthegods Рік тому +1

      She plays a woman that men are obsessed with .
      Another old movie about a woman who some people thought was so perfect and it's also kind of an eerie movie is Rebecca , with Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine

    • @marcie9951
      @marcie9951 10 місяців тому

      @@gardensofthegods Gene Tierney was absolutely gorgeous and a wonderful actress. If you like the movies 'Laura' and 'Rebecca" watch "Leave Her To Heaven.' If you haven't seen it---it's on youtube for free.

  • @keepgrindingup7661
    @keepgrindingup7661 Рік тому +10

    Combining the sheer talent of ONE TAKE CHARLIE with some absolutely incredible arrangements and bands he played with... that's a recipe for an icon for ALL TIME

    • @martinmelucci4383
      @martinmelucci4383 Рік тому +2

      Frank often did not want to do a lot of takes when making films, but it was usually the opposite in the recording studio. Yes, there are some examples of that, but along his singing career in the recording studio, mostly Frank took as much time and did as many takes as he needed to get it where it needed to be. For instance, the 1956 original studio version of "I've Got You Under My Skin" needed 22 takes.
      There are singers that sometimes do best in not doing many takes. Frank in movies felt that worked best for him in acting, but the number of takes in his recording a song varied quite a bit.

  • @danonyogaandfitness4591
    @danonyogaandfitness4591 Рік тому +9

    Nobody could put you in the story of the song like Sinatra.

  • @wendym2544
    @wendym2544 Рік тому +7

    Love that this channel includes so many different genres of music. This was a holiday for my head.

  • @robertcenzer6679
    @robertcenzer6679 Рік тому +5

    I have always enjoyed Sinatra but I never got why he was such a big deal until yesterday. I was watching a youtube video of Frank and Dean and Joey Bishop as host the tonight show. After their usual tomfoolery, Sinatra got up and sang Angel Eyes with the band. I was enthralled. When he was thru, my hands started to clap. Amazing live performance.

  • @SM-ie8gn
    @SM-ie8gn Рік тому +10

    “One more for the Road” is my favorite. Grew up listening to Sinatra with my father. Learned all the standards from Sinatra and Ella before branching out into other jazz musicians.

    • @r.plante2916
      @r.plante2916 Рік тому +1

      Same here. Just Frank and the pianist, and a couple shots of whiskey.

  • @reidwhitton6248
    @reidwhitton6248 Рік тому +7

    It took me forty years to start listening to the music. But back in the summer of 2019 I bought a copy of the Capitol Years 3 CD set and that was it! I'm hooked for life. The Capitol albums represent Sinatra in his prime singing superb material from the Great America Songbook.

    • @stevenuttley
      @stevenuttley Рік тому +1

      They do but a lot of the Reprise albums are also excellent.

    • @reidwhitton6248
      @reidwhitton6248 Рік тому +1

      @@stevenuttley I have the 4 CD Reprise Collection.

  • @Bangkokguitar
    @Bangkokguitar Рік тому +6

    It would be great to see this type of hauntingly beautiful and and extremely interesting melodic arranging become common place once again.

  • @NiteOwl471
    @NiteOwl471 Рік тому +1

    My father was a dentist and me as a kid in the 70's always knew he was home when we walked in the house and Sinatra or Mel Torme or T. Bennet was playing on the sound system. You could then most likely find him and my mom in "off limits" living room, as opposed to the family room....sharing a martini and conversing about how their day went. Good times.....cherished memories.

  • @TheRetroham
    @TheRetroham Рік тому +4

    Gordon Jenkins' scoring of this work is right up there with the Hollywood greats, from Bernard Hermann to Alfred Newman (not the MAD Magazine mascot, the other Alfred) to William Walton to John Williams to James Horner and beyond. My parents as well were wide-ranging in their musical tastes, and I became a Sinatraphile as a result. My only ridiculous aside: my Mom was a huge Spike Jones fan, and I have trouble hearing this song without hearing his loony deconstruction of it. Our parents' influences live on no matter what we do after our time with them.

  • @comedyriff5231
    @comedyriff5231 Рік тому +1

    I´m happy you bring attention to "Where Are You" because most people only experience Sinatra´s most famous hits, like Fly me to the moon etc. Imagine if you only listened to the hits of say Adele, Nirvana, Beatles etc. You´d miss so many good songs, and probably the best pieces of art who might not top the charts. Where are you is a fantastic album where Sinatra truly showcase his haunting and dynamic voice.

  • @deanfalconemusic
    @deanfalconemusic Рік тому +4

    Beautiful examination. This was one of my Dad's favorite song as well. He named my sister of this song. Always excellent breakdowns. Thank you. Gordon Jenkins was a true beast.

  • @tombaker2780
    @tombaker2780 Рік тому +1

    I was working on a Nine Inch Nails album with the Producer / Mixing Engineer Alan Moulder when to my chagrin he saw a Frank Sinatra Album "Live at the Sands" in my stack of Cd's on the shelf in my studio and he commented that it was probably the "Greatest Live Album " ever, and that he loved the album , which I totally agreed with! Frank transcended idioms with finesse and grace.

  • @MJS-PS144
    @MJS-PS144 Рік тому +8

    I love the album, "Sinatra, A Man and His Music" which is an anthology of music starting at his early Tommy Dorsey days to his more modern songs. Between tracks, he narrirates about his life and the music. Incredible album.

  • @bmsmusician
    @bmsmusician Рік тому +2

    Love Frank and all the interpretations and arrangements that were written for his albums! That album is amazing just as all the albums he did with capitol records in the 50's. I grew up with parents that played mostly Dean Martin when it came to this style but also Sammy and Frank of course. So when I "discovered" Frank on my own I went down a rabbit whole and bought every album I could find. This was 2 years before he passed and I just continued buying records, book and films being amazed with everything. He was such a big personality standing up for injustice and racism.

  • @stevepinkham5139
    @stevepinkham5139 Рік тому +4

    As most of the commenters have said, my parents were huge Sinatra fans. So therefore, so was I. My favorite Frank song is Summer Wind. First heard it in the movie, " The Pope of Greenwich Village". Fantastic.

  • @SirBelmerD
    @SirBelmerD Рік тому +4

    Two of my favourite tracks of all time are renditions of his: "One for My Baby (And One For The Road)" and "Old Man River" always bring tears to my eyes. His music is of the discographies I most enjoy singing to, not to mention a great warm up for any Baritone vocalist.

  • @silverlicious2086
    @silverlicious2086 Рік тому +4

    Absolutely beautiful piece of music with incredible vocals. Don't thing anybody else could have pulled this off but Frank.

  • @abczyx1234
    @abczyx1234 Рік тому

    My dad (83) loves Frank. I sing and when I tried to do the Sinatra standard "Fly Me To The Moon", I gained enormous respect. The guy could move his voice flawlessly and quickly all over the place. Crazy!

  • @whamsie4022
    @whamsie4022 Рік тому +95

    Famously, Sinatra would swim laps underwater to maximize his lung capacity. Total pro. Sometimes his personality overshadows his work ethic.

    • @godfreydaniel6278
      @godfreydaniel6278 Рік тому +21

      But he smoked to negate the benefit...

    • @inwoodliver
      @inwoodliver Рік тому +7

      @@godfreydaniel6278 and drank and fooled around

    • @myopia2020
      @myopia2020 Рік тому +2

      @@godfreydaniel6278 ...smoking improved his voice until about 1958😊

    • @obgfoster
      @obgfoster Рік тому +1

      Reportedly, the current best singer in the world, Dimash Kudaibergen also does that. He has amazing breath control.

    • @theselector4733
      @theselector4733 Рік тому +14

      Apparently he smoked while doing his underwater laps. The guy was a TOTAL PRO!!!! 😎

  • @bobbiebear3691
    @bobbiebear3691 Рік тому +1

    Watching this break down of "Laura", I believe that Frank Sinatra is the ship taking you and guiding you over the melodic sea which is the the music that will drown you if you are not in the right vessel with a captain who knows these seas well. Thank you Frank and thank you Rick Beato for opening my eyes with each video you make.

  • @MerkinMuffly
    @MerkinMuffly Рік тому +9

    He did some wild stuff out of music but when it came to his music he was a perfectionist and a master of his craft. Even after tons of Jack Daniels and a million cigarettes he still had that voice late into his career.

  • @dougrobison1156
    @dougrobison1156 Рік тому +1

    Hey Rick! love your channel!
    My oldest friend (@age 6) Eric Schilling, a recording engineer, just won his 21st(?) Grammy! (counting Latin Grammys) "Best Immersive Album" with Stewart Copeland. Have you heard of Eric?
    Well My Mom loved Sinatra and I recognize Laura by the punchline "She's just a dream" if not by the whole song. Well, Eric has a published credit on one of the Sinatra duets album! So the whole thing comes full circle: Frank, Mom, Eric, Rick! Keep up the good work Brother ... XO

  • @fredyair1
    @fredyair1 Рік тому +3

    Sometimes when everybody agrees on one topic there is a big reason. When you say or hear "The Voice" that's it. Everybody knows what you are talking about. Frank Sinatra was so unique and talented. Just listen to one song, any song. He transcends genres and generations. One of the great ones.

  • @laurafenati6410
    @laurafenati6410 28 днів тому

    I was called Laura when I was born in 1949 because of this song! My father was a musician and I am very proud

  • @dbrew2u
    @dbrew2u Рік тому +6

    I never truly appreciated Frank till later in life . But like many others . As life began to slow i started looking back at all i had missed while speeding through my youth . I have a great fondness for Frank now . And many others of his era . Nice to see him being represented and respected here .

  • @AC-vo2ft
    @AC-vo2ft 26 днів тому

    Laura is one of my favourite songs by Sinatra. Your explanation of the chords and notes has enriched my love for the song and the one and only Frank Sinatra. Thank you!

  • @fredmorgan996
    @fredmorgan996 Рік тому +18

    I was always so impressed with how he was able to sing so precise and confident over such a complex orchestration. I think I would lose my place every other bar 🙂 "Songs for Only the Lonely" is another incredible album with Nelson Riddle.

  • @sn7miller
    @sn7miller Рік тому +1

    When I was 17 "It Was a Very Good Year" That was true for me and at that time I couldn't relate to Sinatra's song. In my 60's now and wish I couldn't relate to it, but I do. Will never be another like Sinatra.

  • @fineartz99
    @fineartz99 Рік тому +3

    Exquisite...
    I was 9 yrs old in 1957, hearing it again (now) for the first time!

  • @mylanvanty4505
    @mylanvanty4505 Рік тому +2

    In manouche jazz and bossa nova, the dimished chords are rich harmonic crossroads, allowing to hit beautiful melodic directions, this is something. Sinatra has an incredible feel, he ears everything. His voice literaly sends us love, directly through our eardrums, or so they've proven by science, marketing studies and all. Very powerful and exciting material here, thank you for sharing this

  • @HoratioLindez
    @HoratioLindez Рік тому +5

    Thank you so much, Rick- please do more of these great vids with the American Songbook theme. So inspiring🤗

  • @joesterling4299
    @joesterling4299 Рік тому +1

    From the captivating movie of the same name. I fell in love with Gene Tierney as the protagonist Laura, even though the movie is over a decade older than I am (which is to say OLD). Absolutely haunting music. The piece has been a favorite of mine most of my life. I had no idea Frank did a cover of it.

  • @RebeccaEdwardsJamesEdwards
    @RebeccaEdwardsJamesEdwards Рік тому +5

    Another great video Rick! Frank of course is timeless. After this, I'd be really interested in you highlighting others of this era as well. Dean Martin is a favorite of mine. But also Sammy Davis, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Nina Simone & others would be great to watch you break down some songs & give your wonderful insight to these artists.

  • @sonicventuespodcast
    @sonicventuespodcast Рік тому +1

    We dropped a podcast (available on all your favorite podcast streaming services) about Sinatra's "In The Wee Small Hours" - that same work ethic you mentioned about Sinatra was readily apparent there as well - everything from the arranging and staging of the orchestra in the studio down to the nuances of the vocals were worked out by Sinatra with explicit intentionality. Sinatra's genius is so often assumed without actually taking the time to experience it - but it's there. It really is. Loved your breakdown here. Very cool it was your Dad's fav song.

  • @jimburcham6588
    @jimburcham6588 Рік тому +3

    I once heard that prior to Sinatra, songs on the radio were announced by composer and title. Shortly after Sinatra became so considerably popular on radio, songs started being announced by artist and title. That is quite a shift in our entertainment culture.

  • @PepperWilliams_songcovers
    @PepperWilliams_songcovers 6 місяців тому

    David Raskin's arrangement was pure magic! And Frank Sinatra could weave a song like no other! My pops used to play all these great artists along with Frank Sinatra back in the 40's and 50's. And when we were kids ,we hear it played throughout the house on a daily basis. Good stuff!

  • @pauljansen1137
    @pauljansen1137 Рік тому +23

    "It was a very good year" is the song I liked most from Frank.....brilliant lyrics!!!

    • @ker3917
      @ker3917 Рік тому +5

      I usually cry while listening to the song........sniff sniff ☹️

    • @pauljansen1137
      @pauljansen1137 Рік тому +3

      @@ker3917 I understand....now that i'm near being 50 years old the Lyrics sink in really hard...😀

    • @sweetkitty3249
      @sweetkitty3249 Рік тому +5

      @@ker3917 I find the song comforting. You can have a rich & rewarding life all of your years. Toward the end, you feel at peace & you enjoy the wine that's left. When you get older, you'll understand that it's not sad.

    • @kathym6603
      @kathym6603 Рік тому +4

      I can hear that song so clearly in my head that I don't need a "record."

    • @ShiningHourPop
      @ShiningHourPop Рік тому +2

      Yes, the orchestration on that, conveying the various eras in the lyrics, is absolutely phenomenal.

  • @bergmanst
    @bergmanst Рік тому +2

    years of hearing Frank music, that song always felt like it just floats through the air as I hear it. Something magical about it.