Complete Recordings Nineteen Thirty-Nine

Read About This Recording

Frank Sinatra got his first big break in 1939 when he landed the job as singer with the Harry James Orchestra. Sinatra stayed six months with the struggling big band (James' outfit would not catch on big until 1941) before being lured away by Tommy Dorsey. He would always be grateful to James for letting him out of his contract so he could join the better-known Dorsey where he soon became famous.

Because Sinatra only recorded 10 selections while with James, his complete output with the trumpeter's band would seem to make for a rather brief CD. However, this disc not only has the ten songs but four alternate takes (two of which were previously unreleased) plus the seven listenable selections that exist from radio broadcasts (three other songs were deemed in too poor technical shape to release), making for a very complete reissue of Sinatra's period with James' band. Ironically the one hit, "All or Nothing At All," did not catch on until it was rereleased in 1943. Other highlights include a medium-tempo version of "My Buddy," a vocal rendition of James' theme "Ciribiribin" and broadcast versions of "Stardust" and "The Lamp Is Low."

Frank Sinatra fans do not need to be told about this invaluable release more than once. It gives listeners an opportunity to hear the legendary singer at the beginning of his career.

—Scott Yanow

Contents

From the Bottom of My Heart*; Melancholy Mood*; My Buddy; It's Funny to Everyone But Me*; Here Comes the Night; All or Nothing at All*; On a Little Street in Singapore; Who Told You I Cared; Ciribiribin (They're So in Love); Every Day of My Life; Stardust; Wishing Will Make it So; If I Didn't Care; The Lamp is Low; My Love for You; Moon Love; This is No Dream.

(*Includes alternate versions.)

Harry James and His Orchestra: Harry James, Claude Bowen, Tom Gonsoulin, Claude Lakey, Jack Palmer, Jack Schaeffer, Trumpets; Truett Jones, Russell Brown, Dalton Rizzotto, Bruce Squires, Trombones; Bill Luther, Drew Page, Claude Lakey, Dave Matthews, Saxes; Jack Gardner, Piano; Brian Red Kent, Guitar; Thurman Teague, Bass; Ralph Hawkins, Mickey Scrima, Drums; Frank Sinatra, Vocals.

CD Special Features

• First CD Release of Sinatra-James material!

• All the classic studio recordings plus 4 alternate takes!

• 7 Ultra-rare radio performances from 1939!

• Completely remastered from the original masters!