Sinatra At The Sands

I loved this album when as a teenager my parents had it new in the mid sixties, and although I have owned the CD for some time I have only just come across this wonderful re-issue.And what a find it is. Firstly the quality of the vinyl is simply superb, and if you own a decent turntable you will be transported back to Las Vegas in the sixties: the background hubbub of a plainly excited crowd together with a real feel for the acoustic of the room. A testament to the quality of the pressing this is how vinyl should be manufactured but infrequently is.Most importantly, the music: Sinatra is in wonderful form, and although at 50 years old his voice sometimes lacks the power of his youth he more than makes up for it with his exquisite phrasing and intonation. Almost every song here is a standard, including those which were new at the time but have since become classics. He revels in the atmosphere and the adulation of a packed house, which together bring out the best in him.However, for me the real star of the show is the wonderful Count Basie orchestra: the sound ranges from a single raindrop to a violent hurricane and all points in between. At one point Sinatra introduces an instrumental section with the words "Run for cover! Run and Hide!" such is the overwhelming weight and power of the orchestra. You simply don't hear big bands like this any more and the album is worth the money just for the instrumental sections alone.The finest album I have bought for years and a bargain at almost any price. 5 stars: nowhere near enough!

This is probably my favourite Frank Sinatra album and for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the humour, yes, humour, because the monologue where Frank recounts some anecdotes of his penniless youth would do credit to a professional stand-up comedian (although it does help to know a bit of his life history to appreciate the in-jokes). Also he throws in several one-liners that are priceless, like the one pointedly aimed at some hapless guy who is trying to make his way discreetly to the rest-room. Frank is perfectly in his element and comes across as very approachable and personable while he recalls some of the jobs he took to please his dad who advised him to "get a proper job". I have played the monologue to friends who could not picture Frank Sinatra as such an amusing raconteur, and we invariably end up in stitches and wishing there was more of this intimate discourse.As for the singing, Frank is in great form and this recording successfully conveys all the atmosphere and excitement of a live Sinatra performance. The Count Basie Orchestra, arranged and conducted by the peerless Quincy Jones, are a powerhouse and absolutely perfect for this swinging, rat-pack era set of songs, and the live recording only makes this album more immediate and endearing. The sound quality, derived from the original mono tapes, is excellent and makes you feel like you are right there in the room. For those who don't appreciate the banter, keep in mind that this is a double LP featuring a generous collection of some of the most beautiful classic American songs of the era and Frank sings them beautifully. This is a ring-a-ding-ding collection.

Well what an outstanding piece of music, takes you right back to 60's Las Vegas. You cant call yourself a Sinatra fan if you dont have this record. I have both vinyl and cd and the vinyl is far better as it becomes part of the listening experience and is far more engaging emotionally. I cant understand those who dont like the dialogue as it is both funny and entertaining as well as being part of the show. I guess people who play cd's most of the time are used to skipping bits that they dont like but I believe that when a musician puts tracks in a certain order on an album then thats how they want you to listen. The quality of vinyl is superb as is the cover and sleeve notes, I strongly recommend that you buy this album straight away and preferably on vinyl

Reviewed here, Vinyl Re-issue released may 2016 (4770458)I own this fantastic concert, on both the rare DVD audio high resolution release (from 2003), the CD (TL1348) from 1996 and now this double vinyl release from 2016. The vinyl surprises with warm, dynamic sound and a carefully crafted master that represents this concert in the best possible way.The vinyls come out the sleeve very clean, with no paper residue or dirt at all. Delicious.In a direct comparison of the three releases I got, one would expect the much hyped and rare DVD-A to deliver the most superior sound experience, but it really does not to me. It comes across much more clinical. The sound mix on this vinyl release is spot on, and will take you to a time where Frank and the musicians are at the peak of their game ;-) I find myself reaching out for the vinyl every time its time for "some Frank", and will recommend this edition of it to everyone that care about listening, and has a good turntable, naturally.

this product was sold as a DVD, and I extra inquired if there was video footage of the performance. What I got was a music CD. A DVD is defined as: "an optical disk using a high-capacity format and containing especially a video recording (such as a movie)" so this is clearly a case of misrepresentation to secure a sale. I was not at all amused when I tried it!

No Sinatra fan should be without this.I purchased this new vinyl release to replace my original which I bought when it first came out some 50 years ago.Wow what a recording. It has been reviewed many times before and there is little I can add to most of these 5 star reviews.The new release has been remastered extremely well and overall is better than the original.It is difficult to believe the age of this recording. The best vinyl issue is generally recognised to be the Mobile Fidelty release. This is virtually impossible to obtain new unless you are prepared to pay many hundreds of pounds. Although I have not heard it I suspect this new issue is the next best thing on vinyl. As for cd , which I also have but rarely play there is no comparison.

I bought this for the son. I already have it myself. He his very pleased with it.