Sessions with Sinatra: Frank Sinatra and the Art of Recording

Have not read the entire book yet but had dipped a lot into various sections. So far, very informative and lots of interesting pictures too. Quite a bit about the various studios and recordings / technical issues, which interested me. I finished reading Nelson Riddle's biography, 'September in the rain', before I ordered this one, and there is a lot of references in that to working with Sinatra, and detail about various tracks they made together and albums. So both books are worth getting.And, if you really want to listen properly to Sinatra, forget digital, (unless they are very high resolution files), and get hold of some of the reissued 180 gram vinyl recordings on DOL label, (or even good second-hand Capitol or the earlier Reprise vinyl),and a really good audio system / quality vinly record deck.The experience will change the way you think about Sinatra. It certainly did with both me, and my partner too.- Sinatra really was extraordinary as a singer and performer. I find it useful to refer to relevant parts of the books when listening to tracks and albums. It has become almost a research project, as there was so much material he produced and so much written about him and his arrangers and musicians.

I'm no fan of Sinatra. I bought this for the information on recording techniques and history of the technology. I wasn't disappointed: brilliant stuff on recording methodologies, microphones, echo chambers, and the overall development of the studio (the introduction of tape, stereo, and 'long-playing records'). On this basis alone the book is highly recommended and should be on every music technology course book list.Incidentally, I was awestruck at the level of commitment shown by Sinatra to his recordings. A model for us all. From the excellent lists of recommended listening I've now just bought the Sinatra Columbia box set and six of his Capitol CDs.Inspirational stuff. Buy.

Wonderful insight into the production, arrangement and recording of the music, Sinatra's relationships with the bandleaders, arrangers, musicians etc with whom he worked and the development of recording techniques. Essential reading for Sinatra buffs and of great interest to any musician.

The perfect companion to a Sinatra CD. Read it as your listen and discover what went into its recording.

Famtastic Sinatra CD.