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Here’s a project that was definitely done with the audiophile in mind; one of Frank Sinatra’s best records, remastered and pressed onto 180-gram vinyl by a company that specializes in such productions. This 1962 outing marked Sinatra’s first-ever appearance in Paris, as part of a 30-date international tour to raise money for children’s charities. He was accompanied by a group of musicians with impeccable jazz and studio credentials, and by the time of this concert the band was locked in on Neil Hefti’s swinging, streamlined arrangements. This ideal accompaniment supports and nudges the vocalist along without ever calling attention to itself, and though it may seem invisible, Sinatra definitely responds, especially on the sublime duo with guitarist Al Viola on “Night And Day.” The live situation doesn’t lend itself to perfection; there are a few dropped lines and fudged notes, which explains why the record has always had a few detractors. But really, when you’ve got a great vocalist near the top of his game, working through some of the high points of the Great American Songbook with superb backing, who could ask for anything more? The sound is much better here than on earlier CD releases, and the packaging near perfect.
By Duck Baker
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