Out of print in the U.S.! Originally released in 1962, Sinatra-Basie was the first of three albums that Frank Sinatra recorded with Swing legend Count Basie, and is also the best. On this album, Sinatra sounds more liberated and energetic than he has in years, while the duo's collaboration raised Basie's profile to a level of popularity he had never attained before. 10 tracks including 'Pennies From Heaven', 'I Only Have Eyes For You' and '(Love Is) The Tender Trap'.
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The first of three albums that Frank Sinatra recorded with swing legend Count Basie, Sinatra-Basie is also the best. Sinatra's voice doesn't sound in great shape, but he pushes himself throughout to keep up with the jazzy twists and turns of Basie's band; the resulting tension makes for a thrilling listening experience, especially for those who think of Sinatra as more of a saloon balladeer than a jazz singer. "Learnin' the Blues," "I Only Have Eyes for You" and "(Love Is) the Tender Trap" are the highlights of the set, but all ten of the tracks are winners. --Dan Epstein
