Caros Audiophiles, while researching my previous post on the theme of being 17 years old, I found a fascinating video of Frank Sinatra in a recording studio in 1965. It was part of a television documentary which had followed Sinatra during six months of making music recordings, performing concerts and acting in movie films, and included interviews with him discussing his personal life in the public spotlight, his career and his legacy. You can find other parts of this illuminating documentary on youtube.
For me the most captivating section is here in the studio where he shows how and what he does best. Sing. To watch him perform, relaxed but totally focused on his job, totally in command of his environment, hearing instinctively every musical note played. Most interestingly, his body language and facial expressions when he listens intensely and critically, and quietly satisfied, to the recording's playback.
He wanted to be remembered as an innovative singer with a distinctive style. Here he reveals his understanding of the 'crooning' style of singing that preceded him in the early years of the 20th century. 'Crooning' refers to the soft sentimental style that became possible with the invention of the microphone and amplification. Before the microphone, a singer was generally obliged to project his or her voice loudly, and therefore often with less feeling, in order to be heard at the back of a theatre. Bing Crosby, one of Sinatra's idols, was the archetypal easy-listening crooner.
But Sinatra was influenced by the authentic emotion of the blues, especially of Billie Holiday. Ella Fitzgerald once commented: "With Frank, it's always this little guy, telling this ... story."
He was also influenced by jazz rhythms. His phrasing was considered impeccable, getting to the heart of a song by emphasizing words and lines in ways that made a song more personal, whilst his ability to hold notes, sing above or behind the beat and rest on a note were hallmarks of a singer fully in command of his instrument.
To read a longer appreciation of Sinatra's innovative style, and from which some of my words have come:
When I was seventeen
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for small town girls
And soft summer nights
We'd hide from the lights
On the village green
When I was seventeen
When I was twenty-one
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls
Who lived up the stair
With all that perfumed hair
And it came undone
When I was twenty-one
When I was thirty-five
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls
Of independent means
We'd ride in limousines
Their chauffeurs would drive
When I was thirty-five
But now the days are short
I'm in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine
From fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs
It poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for small town girls
And soft summer nights
We'd hide from the lights
On the village green
When I was seventeen
When I was twenty-one
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls
Who lived up the stair
With all that perfumed hair
And it came undone
When I was twenty-one
When I was thirty-five
It was a very good year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls
Of independent means
We'd ride in limousines
Their chauffeurs would drive
When I was thirty-five
But now the days are short
I'm in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine
From fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs
It poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year
Well, 2011 has not been a very good year, at least in terms of the global economy, and 2012 promises to be even tougher in this regard.
But I hope that you all can find reasons to look back at this year with warmth and personal satisfaction, and I wish everyone can look forward to the coming year with fresh enthusiasm and optimism.
In fact, just like being 17 again - full of frightening uncertainty but also exciting mystery and opportunity!
A proxima.
PO
I absolutely love the way you write! As much as your musical choices (you know you are my musical guru!). And this is an excellent choice once again. Your text gives one the right framing for a true appreciation of the video and of FS. And to listen to him sing and talk... well it's a joy! He was really special, unique, sophisticated, intelligent, a perfectionist, everything about him was light, yet not superficial; easy but not vulgar ... great, great choice. Bjs and hope to see you in the beginning of 2012! pcp
ResponderEliminarThanks pcp. I was thrilled to find this video. And coincidentally the song happens to be one of my favourites. PO
ResponderEliminar