Frank Sinatra had sung on television and even hosted variety specials and series, but when he strutted through the empty hallways of NBC studios, took a stool next to a lonely microphone, and belted out the opening lines to "I've Got You Under My Skin," it was a TV revelation. Here was the mature, confident, at times even swaggering saloon singer and balladeer in a solo showcase: literally, the man and his music. The mix of classic tunes ("I Get a Kick Out of You," "The Lady Is a Tramp," "Witchcraft"), key songs from his 1950s reinvention ("Come Fly with Me," "You Make Me Feel So Young"), and 1960s standards ("My Kind of Town," "This Is All I Ask") is mirrored in an effective medley anchored by "It Was a Very Good Year," giving us a brief tour of his career from the bobby-soxer heartthrob crooning hopeful ditties ("Young at Heart") to the reflective maturity of the artist in 1965 (the melancholy "Last Night When We Were Young"). Vocally, Sinatra is in excellent form--clear and bold, with the dexterity of his 1950s recordings now colored by phrasing at once thoughtful and seemingly spontaneous--and the combination of top-notch arrangements and impeccably chosen material makes this special Sinatra's finest televised hour. --Sean Axmaker

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My point is, although this is a TV show, with much cosy banter in front of a friendly audience, Sinatra is restlessly pushing back boundaries in the most audacious ways, from the bizarre sets (the most prominent being a curious (self-revealing?) insect/crucifix hybrid), daring medleys (especially the brilliant, but rather distubing journey through his career framed by 'It was a good year'), and the astonishing singing, as we watch Sinatra frequently having to grapple with the most excitingly jarring backing ever misnamed 'easy' - my dog was startled by a particularly off-kilter bass rumble.

There are more reassuring pleasures too - 'Nancy' is tremendously moving, and 'My kind of town' is the kind of singalong that has you flailing out of your seat. And it's great to actually see those music maestros Riddle and Jenkins take a bow. Fantastic stuff.

13 of 13 found the following review helpful:

A Singer and His SwingFeb 23, 2000
By Joe Monahan
If you fast forward to the final 15 minutes of this incredible video you can be forgiven. For upon arrival you will view what is perhaps the greatest 15 minute medley of swing/jazz singing ever recorded for the venerable tube. Frank with precision backing from Nelson Riddle and the boys, nails every selection with a zest and confidence that can only be described as breathtaking and one of the great moments in music. Highlights: "I've Got the World on a String" in which Frank soars and where you just know he is singing about his own life at the time. "You Make Feel So Young" in which Frank belts it out like he's 20, not 50. The overall feel of this set is of a masterpiece which is why one watches it over and over again seeking out the nuance and little pleasures hidden throughout. I do not mean to give short shrift to the ballad section which opens the tape but the swing set contains classic must-have renditions for the jazz/swing fan. And yes, the very opening of the tape is as startling as you have heard. The Man, heels clicking, takes a brisk walk thru a shadowy studio up to a waiting stool and mike and goes accapella with his most famous line: "I've got you Under my Skin'. Then the music kicks in and you are grabbing the rewind button to see this oh so special moment again. It all ends with Frank singing you away with the ballad; "Put Your Dreams Away." I understand this song was played at his funeral service. Here it ends a fabulous set where Frank stakes his claim to musical immortality. He will not be denied and neither should you.

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