Details: Frank Sinatra (1915-1998): In the Wee Small Hours. Capitol, 1955. Total time: 50:00.
The cover. The album title. The track list. The opening song's lyrics: "In the wee small hours of the morning, while the whole wide world is fast asleep, you lie awake and think about the girl and never ever think of counting sheep. When your lonely heart has learned its lesson...."
Is this the original concept album? Even if it's not the first one it surely is one of the best ever recorded.
All of these songs were recorded by Sinatra, the master, at or near his peak artistic performance in a matter of about 4 weeks, in Los Angeles with Nelson Riddle's orchestra. This was one of the early LPs. Most recording sessions were in February 1955 (60 years ago!) with a few the following month.
While this album represents a peak artistic, musical and recording achievement in a legendary career, it was also inspired by heartbreak: Sinatra's painful breakup with Ava Gardner that left him reeling. This truly wonderful album has no weak points and is a great exhibit of great pain inspiring great art.
After six decades the songs still sound fresh and immediate. The songwriters represented on this album are the creme de la creme: Ellington. Rodgers & Hart. Van Heusen. Carmichael. Porter. Arlen. Great singing, great songs, and genuine heartbreak are things that will never go out of style.
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