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Frank Sinatra - Days of Wine and Roses, Moonriver and other Academy Award winners (1964)
This album, listed under compilations, is actually a studio album released in 1964 with new recordings of a list of former Academy Awards winning songs (originally performed by other performers). The band, string & copper sections are arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle. His work on most songs is very good, but 'Moon river' (which of course became one of his most famous songs), 'Three coins in a fountain', 'Secret love' and 'Love is many-splendored thing' stand out as more bombastic, inventive, lively and symphonic in nature. Simpler songs like 'Days of wine and roses' and 'The continental' are less impressive, but still strong.
Frank's vocals are strong, but one can't help getting the feeling he is saving some of his brilliance on the simpler songs on the album, whilst the more impressive arrangements allow him to give his full voice. The most enchanting moments are 'Moonriver' in its entirety, the wonderful couplet themes of 'Three coins in a fountain', the subtle warm opening section of 'Secret love' and grandiose vocals on 'Love is a many-splendored thing'.
Overall this album is an easy entry for most people, all songs are accessible. Fans of more artistic forms of jazz-vocal music might want to collect some other Sinatra albums first for this reason.
Conclusion. A good, light and playful (yet sometimes impressive) vocal jazz record with both a copper and a string section. Don't miss on 'Moonriver'! Four stars.