Frank Sinatra - A Voice In Time 1939- 1952

The early years of a legend

This remarkable box set brings together 80 tracks from four different labels, including a smattering of previously unreleased material, to give a fuller picture of the forerunner of today’s bevy of teen idols (with, some wags might note, a key difference: he could actually sing).

The four CDs are divided into self-explanatory thematic categories: The Big Band Years, Teen Idol, The Great American Songbook, and The Sound Of Things To Come. It’s fascinating listening to Sinatra evolve from the brash performer of the early 40s to a coolly confident adult, foreshadowing his later classic work with Capitol. The previously unreleased tracks include alternate takes of From The Bottom Of My Heart, recorded with Harry James & His Orchestra in 1939, and All The Things You Are from 1945, and a number of radio airchecks. The radio sessions are especially fun, bolstered by the exciting shrieking of the audience.

As music buying moves increasingly online, there’s been a concerted effort to make CD packaging more enticing, and that’s certainly true of this set. Inside the box, the CDs are housed in a small booklet, and the lavishly-illustrated sleevenotes get a booklet of their own. All in all, it’s a terrific presentation of Sinatra’s early years.

5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars 5 stars

Columbia/RCA Victor/Legacy | 88697 09669 2 S-1 (4-CD)

Reviewed by Gillian G Gaar
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