DEEP cuTS

Nigel Pulsford on lost-classic guitar albums you must hear

Frank Sinatra Frank Sinatra Sings For Only The Lonely Capitol Records 1958

The early 50s were a difficult period for Frank Sinatra. After a fallow time, he’d re-established himself as America’s premier crooner through an Oscar-winning role in 1953’s From Here To Eternity and a successful stream of albums on Capitol Records. Only The Lonely was his 10th release in four years and is a sombre, reflective masterpiece. It was recorded (in four three-hour sessions) during his divorce from Ava Gardner, and a famously heartbroken Frank channelled his despair through these 12 songs. Nelson Riddle was also grieving, his young daughter’s death being followed closely by his mother’s. He was able to amplify Frank’s feelings and construct a musical canvas to melt even the coldest heart.

Frank’s phrasing is seldom better than on Blues In The Night. He is in total control as the arrangement shifts rhythmically and harmonically. Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry features Al Viola on gut-string guitar. Riddle’s arrangements could be tough on guitarists, so Viola had to tune his low E string up to an F# to play the intro.

An album to marvel at: the voice perfectly married to the songs and arrangements, and Frank’s favourite from his long career. Further listening: Songs For Young Lovers

(1954), In The Wee Small Hours (1955), Come Fly With Me (1958), Sinatra At The Sands (1966)