A collection of Frank Sinatra music cds and videos as well as compilation of his greatest hits.
Sinatra, at age 56, at his fightin' weight, yet relaxed and congenial - the elegant venue (and the long, regal introduction by Princess Grace Kelly) did not make him forget his roots: his patter is pure after-hours Manhattan and, as can be expected, his performances are sensational: especially noteworthy is "One For My Baby", "I Get Along Without You Very Well", "I Will Drink The Wine" (an off-kilter, but reflective lyric by a young writer), "Something" (with some fine improvisations), and, you know it..."My Way". Why would anyone want to "cover" this song after Francis Albert sang it on record - and at the Royal Festival Hall -for the ages? -- Great Sinatra experience
this IS one of sinatras last concerts before his retirement in the early 70s.although he looks rather gaunt and his hairpiece is dated[modern]his voice is rich and smooth. no graval or sand.just strong and clear.the selection of music is standsrds mixed with current pop writings.
his understanding of the lyrics is never more evident. his appreacition of the orchestra is also evident.all in all a fine preformance from the chairman at the top of his game. -- one fine hour
In my lifetime, no one, not one, could do all the things Frank Sinatra could. He was the ultimate craftsman. Ballad, swing, blues, big band up-tempo, look out, Frank would sew it together to anyone's satisfaction.
This concert with intro by his friend Grace Kelly, shown in color and very good sound, illustrates exactly what this writer said in sentence one. What command! Great pizazz! He's locked in, his leader and the band too. What a collective effort. Know what? Nearly every available concert you see by Sinatra is one of a kind. No pop singer will ever approach his fastidious approach to delivering vocal and instrumental music. I am buying this and serveral more of his DVD's for Christmas. The present is a forever keeper. -- The All Time True Singing Champion
Since there is so little official video footage of Frank Sinatra live in concert, a dvd like "In Concert At The Royal Festival Hall" is a welcome treat for fans. Recorded in 1971, this show was filmed not long before Frank retired later that year (of course, it didn't last long).
This is not a perfect show. Frank at times seems a bit lost and disconnected, and even flubs his line quite a few times (a trait that would plague Sinatra frequently in his final years), though it may or not have been in jest. Also, the sound quality and visual quality borh could've used some much needed sprucing up.
These minor quibbles aside, this is a fantastic show. It starts off with an introduction from Princess Grace Of Monaco (formerly screen legend Grace Kelly) before Ol' Blues Eyes comes out with a swinging new arrangement of "You Make Me Feel So Young". Next comes a tight, energetic version of "Pennies From Heaven".
In a rare occurence, "I've Got You Under My Skin" is one of the lower poitn s of the show. This version lacks energy and Sinatra messes up his timing and he really phones it in here. Things continue to slag a bit with his rendition of The Beatles' "Something", a song thast 8 years later that receive a much better treatment from Frank that rivaled the original.
Things begin to pick up with a fun version of "The Lady Is A Tramp". Frank flubs a line ("Anyone else?", he asks, questioning his faux pas), but he still owns the song. Next comes the arguable highlight of the show, as Frank sings his songs for losers.
First is "I Get Along Without You Very Well", which Frank does beautifully. Franks draws just the right emotion and gives the song his all. Jimmy Webb's "Didn't We" is next. A second-rate composition it is, but Frank makes it work.
Next comes a true classic, as Frank sings the "Daddy Of These Types Of Songs", and sinks into a moving "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)". The show, however, falters with the next number, as the pompous "I Will Drink The Wine" has Frank attempting to connect with the young "flower child" crownd and failing.
Things pick up with a gorgeous rendition of "I Have Dreamed" from "The King And I". Frank sings this one perfectly. "My Kind Of Town" and "My Way" finish things off on a high note.
Overall, this is not a perfect show, but a great show that is owrth having in your collection. Hopefully, many more great Siantra concerts (such as 1982's wonderful "Concert For The Americas") will find their way to dvd.
-- Despite Some Rough Points, One Of The Best Sinatra Concert Videos Available.
Frank's voice is rough at times, but he knows how to use the mike like nobody else did to camaflage it or use it for poignancy. Good selection of songs from the Great American Song Book including 'I Get Along Without You Very Well' and 'I Have Dreamed.' Nice version of 'Something in the Way She Moves." Sometimes the band is uncommony loud which Frank humourously comments on. Look for Tony Bennet in the audience at the end when the camera pans left. -- FRANK JUST BEFORE 'RETIREMENT'
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I love live music. Going to gigs and concerts is the best way to experience music. Live and Loud thats what I say..
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By far my favorite Jazz Festival.