http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSJxiS9wQ20&feature=grec_index
It seems right to cover Frank Sintra at the beginning of this blog. This recording is called Come Fly With Me, and this recording is from the 1960's, the prime of Sinatra's career, although I would argue that his music has never died. He sang hits such as Call Me Irresponsible, I've Got You Under My Skin, That's Life, Fly Me To The Moon, My Way and the theme From “New York, New York”. His represented a generation, and they loved him for it. He began his career in the mid 1940's, and he didn't stop until the 1990's. His voice is so full, I find that it almost calls to me, swinging along, telling me a story.
Frank Sinatra had a wonderful stage presence, and the music that was written for him was no accident. It is orchestrated as Frank and the band. Whenever he sang, the band was not playing loud, and the music wasn't busy. When he stopped singing, the horns would play lines that acted as answers to the words. The horn answer was usually somewhat similar rhythmically to the vocal melody.
Now, when Frank Sinatra stopped singing for a long period of time within the tune, and the band takes over the melody, or hook, and the trumpets have the lead with most of the other voices either playing the melody or harmony notes the to melody, this is called a “Shout Chorus”. This is where the entire band, including the drums, bass and piano, work as one to showcase the melody as an ensemble. They might not be playing all the same notes, but the melody is showcased, sometimes with other background parts. This can be seen at 1:30 in the link above.
This song is great because it is simple. Singer and band. Its a catchy melody, Frank and the rhythm section chomping along. You can here the guitar playing “mm,chank,mm,chank” and the drums banging away on counts two and four. The band calls and answers, and has its moment to shine. This recording is much like many of Frank Sinatra's hits. It is a up-beat tune that makes most people want to dance. He was able to inspire people, to make everyone feel better through music. His voice touched most through the radio, and now we can listen through technology. Frank Sinatra was an icon, revolutionizing Jazz Singing, paving the way for artists who continue his craft even now, such as Michael Buble and Diana Krall.
Please enjoy Come Fly With Me, sung by Frank Sinatra.
