Frank Sinatra’s profound connection with New York City, often called “The Apple,” was a lifelong affair that deeply influenced his music and persona. This enduring love affair is beautifully encapsulated in the five-disc package, Sinatra: New York. This collection offers an intimate journey through Sinatra’s performances in the city that captured his heart and imagination, showcasing his unparalleled talent and charisma. For those exploring the rich tapestry of American music, understanding Sinatra’s relationship with New York provides a crucial lens through which to appreciate his legacy.
A Sonic Journey Through Sinatra’s New York
Sinatra: New York presents a curated selection of Sinatra’s live performances across various iconic New York City venues. Disc One features a dual recording: a 1955 event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Tommy Dorsey band, where Sinatra, a former member, delivered three songs. The disc also includes a poignant 1963 performance at the United Nations, where Sinatra, accompanied solely by pianist Skitch Henderson, performed numbers such as “I Have Dreamed” and “My Heart Stood Still.” These early recordings highlight Sinatra’s evolving artistry and his ability to captivate audiences with both grand arrangements and intimate solos.
Disc Two transports listeners to Carnegie Hall on April 8, 1974. This concert, part of a tour to benefit Variety Clubs International, featured not only beloved classics like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “Come Fly With Me” but also newer material such as “There Used To Be A Ballpark” and “You Will Be My Music.” A notable aspect of Sinatra’s performances was his consistent practice of crediting the songwriters, a gesture of deep respect for the creators of his material.
The third disc captures Sinatra’s performance at Madison Square Garden later in 1974, during a two-night engagement dubbed “The Main Event.” Accompanied by Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herd, Sinatra delivered standards like “The Lady Is a Tramp” and “My Kind of Town,” alongside newer songs such as “Send in the Clowns” and David Gates’ “If.” While this disc is considered by some to be the weakest due to the impersonal nature of the venue and Sinatra’s seemingly combative mood, it still offers a glimpse into the singer’s raw energy and his willingness to engage with his audience and critics alike.
The final audio disc, Disc Four, offers selections from two distinct periods: a 1984 concert at Carnegie Hall and a late-career performance at Radio City Music Hall in 1990. These recordings showcase Sinatra interpreting classic tunes, with a memorable moment where he expresses his disdain for “Strangers in the Night” before performing it. The disc, fittingly, concludes with the iconic “Theme From New York, New York.”
The Visual and Experiential Gold
Disc Five, a DVD, is arguably the collection’s centerpiece, featuring Sinatra’s majestic 1980 performance at Carnegie Hall. At 65, Sinatra commanded the stage with an unparalleled presence, a quality that transcends specific eras and genres. For anyone seeking to understand the essence of “cool” and stagecraft, this DVD is indispensable. It serves as a powerful testament to his enduring appeal and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. The audio quality for the Carnegie Hall performances across the set is magnificent, a testament to the venue’s acoustics and the meticulous production by Charles Pignone.
Beyond the Music: A Comprehensive Package
True to Rhino’s reputation for exceptional reissues, Sinatra: New York extends beyond audio and video. The package boasts 71 previously unreleased performances, extensive liner notes by the legendary Nat Hentoff, and insightful essays from notable figures such as Martin Scorsese, Tony Bennett, William Friedkin, and members of Sinatra’s inner circle. These supplementary materials provide rich context, deepening the appreciation for Sinatra’s life, career, and his indelible bond with New York City.
An Enduring Legacy
The music presented in Sinatra: New York is, quite simply, beyond criticism. It represents a fusion of technical mastery and sheer inspiration, creating a truly magical listening experience. While some songs like “My Way” and “I Get A Kick Out Of You” appear multiple times, their repetition only underscores their significance and Sinatra’s enduring connection to them. Frank Sinatra remains a towering figure in music history, and this collection beautifully brings his spirit and his relationship with the city he loved back home. For those who appreciate the timeless quality of “Oldies music,” this set is an essential exploration of an artist who defined an era and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.