TOGETHER DUETS ON THE AIR AND IN THE STUDIO

Description

This album is a superb compilation of Frank and friends from a long underappreciated part of his career. Here, Sinatra scales the heights of jazz with Louis Armstrong on "Birth Of The Blues" and makes three electrifying collaborations with one of his favorites, Ella Fitzgerald. Ella's voice is at its best in each of the three. His rival, Elvis Presley, gets the Chairman's respect on a wonderfully playful "Witchcraft" / "Love Me Tender" role-playing mash-up. The tunes are clear and vibrant, and many benefit from Nelson Riddle's arranging genius. Frank and Dean are great, improvising and playing off each other as always. But wait until you hear 'Together' in which Bing joins Dino and Frank for a joyous and hilarious trio.