Frank Sinatra: The Concert Sinatra

The Concert Sinatra: MOFI's Majestic Reissue of a Studio Masterpiece

If Elvis Presley is the King of Rock 'n' Roll and Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, then Frank Sinatra undoubtedly reigns as the King of Standards. With a voice as instantly recognizable as his charismatic persona, Sinatra's legendary status in American music is beyond question. Despite what its title might suggest, "The Concert Sinatra" is not a live album but rather an ambitious studio project featuring "show tunes" performed with concert-like grandeur under Nelson Riddle's direction, backed by a staggering 76-piece orchestra—the largest ever assembled for a Sinatra recording at that time.

The Musical Content
The orchestration and vocal performances on this album are truly exceptional. While the song selection may not be typical Sinatra fare for casual listeners, the execution is impeccable. As Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted in his AllMusic review, "Despite the large number of musicians, the music is never overbearing. Instead, it is grand and sweeping... Sinatra is given the opportunity to demonstrate his full emotional range."

MOFI's Audiophile Treatment
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab included this album in their Original Master Recording series, pressing it on 180-gram vinyl manufactured by Rhino Records—a production choice that might raise some eyebrows among quality-conscious collectors. The release features MOFI's signature Half-Speed Mastering process and the GAIN 2 ULTRA ANALOG SYSTEM™.

Given its 2011 release date, it's worth noting that this pressing may incorporate a digital step in the mastering process despite marketing claims suggesting otherwise. As revealed in the widely publicized lawsuit against MOFI, many releases from 2011 onward that were marketed as "all analog" actually weren't.

Digital or Analog: The Sound Matters Most
The digital versus analog debate remains a contentious topic among audiophiles. While analog recordings typically offer a warmer sound signature, certain digital releases can certainly hold their own in terms of quality—Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" being a prime example. MOFI's One-Step release of that album demonstrates that digital source material, when properly handled, can yield superb results.

Sound Quality Assessment
MOFI's pressing of "The Concert Sinatra" delivers impressive sound quality regardless of the mastering approach. Sinatra's vocals are rendered with remarkable presence—his characteristic vibrato warm and lifelike, creating the illusion that he's performing in your listening room. The vinyl surface is commendably quiet, allowing the orchestral details to shine through with excellent separation and dynamic range.

While the release does exhibit some traits of MOFI's famous "smiley face EQ" (emphasized bass and treble with somewhat recessed midrange), the effect isn't severe enough to cause listener fatigue even at higher volumes.

The Vinyl Verdict
Despite lingering questions about its analog purity, MOFI's "The Concert Sinatra" stands as a worthwhile addition to any serious Sinatra collection. The combination of Sinatra's masterful vocal performances, Riddle's magnificent orchestrations, and MOFI's generally excellent pressing quality creates a listening experience that captures the grandeur and emotional depth of these Broadway classics.

For those who prioritize sound quality over technical pedigree, this release delivers a thoroughly satisfying presentation of one of Sinatra's most ambitious and sophisticated albums. 💰

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