Frank Sinatra - Come Fly with Me

As Atmospheric And Exciting As A Round Trip Through Europe.

In all honesty, the cover of "Come Fly With Me" is enough to get you to purchase the album. Who can resist the image of Frank, standing against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, sporting his trademark tilted hat and fine pressed tux, a sly look in his eye, inviting you to take his hand and take to the sky to "get away from it all."

Of course, there's more to "Come Fly With Me" than beautiful artwork, as the music is just as if not more beautiful and equally warm and inviting. Frank's sixth(!) album of 1957, "Come Fly With Me" was Frank's first collaboration with Billy May. Whereas Gordon Jenkins (who worked with Frank for the first time earlier in the year on the woefully underrated "Where Are You?") specialized in moody, string driven ballads, and the legendary Nelson Riddle represented somewhat of a middle ground between lushly orchestrated ballads and heavy swingers, Billy May mastered big, loud, brassy numbers. The result was a fatter, fuller sound than previous efforts that nonetheless suited Frank's style to a T.

The album begins with its timeless title track, a breezy Cahn-Van Huesen composotion that features a soaring Frank vocal and elegant, propulsive May chart that shoots down any doubt about how well the duo's collaboration would turn out. This song alone makes the album worth the purchase.

The rest of the album is excellent. "Around The World", "Moonlight In Vermont," and especially the stunning "Autumn In New York" (one of Frank's most delicate and powerful vocal performances) all show May could handle a ballad (something some doubted due to the generally swingier natur of his music). "Let's Get Away From It All" is charming and fun, as are "Isle Of Capri" and the thrilling "On The Road To Mandalay". "April In Paris" has some of Frank's best singing, stretching his vocal range to new heigts and putting great emphasis on his legato. "London By Night" goes down ever so smoothly, while "Brazil" swings gently. "Blue Hawaii" never sounded this beautiful when Elvis did it, and lastly, "It's Nice To Go Trav'ling" is a perfect closer and a true gem of a song.

To augement the original 12 track are 3 bonus songs done with Nelson Riddle. The first is the classic "Chicago", done for the film "The Joker Is Wild". The arrangement here is fantastic and Frank's vocal is amazing, with his diction skills on especially full display. "South Of The Border" comes Frank's first session with Nelson in 1953. A propulsive, heavy hittting swinger, this song was long though to indeed be arranged by May. It just goes to show how great and diverse Riddle could be. Lastly, there's the great "I Love Paris," recorded fro Frank's 1960 film "Can-Can".

"Come Fly With Me" is classic Frank the whole way through, a light as the breeze masterpiece that only Frank can provide. October 14, 2007

One of Franks's very best

Come Fly With Me has to be considered one of Sinatra's two three best albums. The song Come Fly With Me, written specifically for the album by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Huesen, has to be one of Sinatra's five greatest songs.
Arranged by Billy May, the album has some great swingers, but also some great ballads as well, especially Around the World and the classic Moonlight in Vermont.
Anyone who wants a serious Sinatra collection has to include this wonderful album. And how about that album cover--is that the greatest or what? September 1, 2007

A question regarding delivery

The product was received in excellent condition. My concern is why did I not receive both items in the same package? The 'CD's are outstanding vintage, classic Sinatra recordings from the 70's, when he was on top, the best. My complaint is with Amazon for the delay in mailing the second CD. Why? I ordered both at one time. And by the way, I am a long time stock holder of Amazon. August 27, 2007

Grat album, Mastered a little too loud

A great Frank Sinatra album at his best vocally. Being a sound engineer I must admit a bit of dissapointment at the Re-mastering of this CD....Why push the volume up so much on these old analog recordings...I understand that everyone wants to be as loud as Diana Kralls last CD, but they souldn't do it at the expense or the overall sound....Fortunatly Sinatra's voice wasn't affected much, but the big band sometimes sounds a little distorted...I'm sure it didn't on the original LP.

I'm sure that most folks don't even hear these things....But there ya go. July 18, 2007

Frank could sell a song without even trying--and that's no small feat !!!

Frank Sinatra justly deserves to be forever remembered for his marvelous singing both on his record albums and in concert; when I was younger I played this record so much I nearly wore the grooves off the vinyl! Come Fly With Me features Frank in excellent form; and the arrangements shine with that distinct Billy May sound that will make you fall in love with CD the very first time you hear it. There are three bonus tracks at the end of the CD that feature Nelson Riddle arrangements as well.

The CD track set begins with the title track, "Come Fly With Me." "Come Fly With Me" boasts a breezy, cheerful melody and Frank sings this number so enthusiastically without a single superfluous note. Awesome! "Come Fly With Me" makes for a strong beginning to this CD. "Around The World" lets Frank sing this song to the tune of "Around The World In Eighty Days;" but Frank clearly makes this his own as he sings with a sublime panache; and the melody with its emphasis on the strings enhances the beauty of this number.

Other gems on this CD include the beautiful "Isle Of Capri;" this song features Frank singing of two ships that pass in the night. In addition, "Moonlight In Vermont" and "Autumn In New York" showcase Frank performing sensitive romantic ballads with slow tempi that glisten like only pure gold ever could!

"Let's Get Away From It All" switches back to a much more playful romantic number and Frank bats this one straight out of the ballpark as only Frank ever could. The musical arrangement by Billy May makes good use of the horns and percussion; this mixed with Frank Sinatra's upbeat singing provides us with a cheerful song that celebrates the joys of love. "Brazil" also sports a catchy melody that stuns you with its beauty as Frank performs the vocals to perfection.

The CD also gives you three bonus tracks that were not on the original record album. You get "Chicago;" "South Of The Border" and "I Love Paris." "Chicago" gets the royal treatment from Sinatra as he sings this number with panache and a very high level of sophistication. Frank's excellent diction lights up the beauty of "Chicago;" and the musical arrangement by Nelson Riddle makes excellent use of the strings, percussion and horns. "South Of The Border" is another playful, joyous number that celebrates the joys of enjoying a romantic fling; and "I Love Paris," the final track, provides a very strong ending for this romantic album that once again rejoices in the joys of love as it is found all over the globe. Great!

The liner notes include a very informative essay about Sinatra and his work on this CD with both Billy May and Nelson Riddle. You get the song credits and recording dates; and the artwork is awesome, too!

Overall, Sinatra fans will consider this to be a "must-have" for their collections; and anyone who enjoys classic pop vocals will love this CD, too. This album would also make an excellent introduction to Frank Sinatra for anyone who wants to become acquainted with his singularly beautiful artistry.

Enjoy! Thank you, Frank!!!
June 8, 2007

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