Frank Sinatra Reprise Collection CD

Reprise, the label Sinatra founded and moved to from Capitol Records in 1961, commemorates Sinatra's 75th birthday with this 4-disc set. The collection contains 81 tracks, arranged chronologically. Concurrently, Capitol Records has released a 3 disc-set chronologically covering Sinatra's recordings from 1953 to 1960.
Personnel includes: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Nancy Sinatra (vocals); Count Basie (conductor, piano); Duke Ellington, Felix Slatkin (conductor); Tony Mottola, Laurindo Almeida (guitar); Buddy DeFranco (clarinet); Johnny Mandel (trombone); Bill Miller (piano); Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Producers include: Sonny Burke.
Compilation producers: Mo Ostin, Joe McEwen, James Isaacs.
Includes liner notes by William Kennedy, David McClintick, Jonathan Schwartz, James Isaacs.
Like The Capitol Years, the four-disc box set The Reprise Collection was released to celebrate Frank Sinatra's 75th anniversary. However, it works as a better sampler than the Capitol set, partially because Sinatra released so many albums on Reprise that it is necessary to have an introduction to such a large body of work. Also, his Reprise records, while still being concept albums, were more inconsistent and therefore easier to anthologize. Many highlights, as well as most of his biggest hits from the era, are included on The Reprise Collection, along with a handful of rarities that are nearly as enjoyable. It's a dynamite collection and proves that the '60s and '70s were a surprisingly diverse, rewarding time for Sinatra. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
For those unable to invest the necessary funds for the 20-disc COMPLETE REPRISE box, THE REPRISE COLLECTION is an excellent representation of Sinatra's post-1960 work on the label he founded in the interest of furthering his artistic freedom. Sure, he had left the sweet-voiced Bing Crosby acolyte side of himself far behind by the 60's, but that only meant that his voice, wisdom and artistic well were all simultaneously deepened. Though he approached his songs from a more mature perspective, this period produced some of Sinatra's most outrageously swinging tunes, including "Summer Wind," "Fly Me To The Moon" and "Luck Be A Lady."
Sinatra had also begun to look back with wistful melancholy on his life, as on the introspective, moody "It Was A Very Good Year," "September Song" and "A Man Alone." This collection is spiced up by the inclusion of such relatively esoteric gems as Sinatra's collaborative efforts with Antonio Carlos Jobim, a move made possible by Sinatra's creative freedom with Reprise. There are irresistible pop hits like "Somethin' Stupid," his duet with daughter Nancy, and latter day classics like "Send In The Clowns." Overall, a fine representation of this crucial period in Sinatra's career.Rolling Stone (1/24/91) - 4.5 Stars - Excellent Plus "..are not only fine testaments to Sinatra's self-willed resilience but blissful examples of the undervalued side of the 1960s pop.."
Musician (3/91) - "..Whether swinging some golden oldie or dipping into that seemingly endless supply of ballads redolent of blue cigarette smoke and sipped bourbon, tailor-made for a sadder but wiser crooner, Sinatra carries on, above the fray, above the charts and, no doubt, above criticism.."
Time Magazine (12/31/90) - Rated as one of the "Top Ten Releases Of 1990".
New York Times (Publisher) (12/31/90) - "..the record of how one intelligent, willful, gifted sensualist with infinite resources for distraction felt the passage of time.."