In my post of September 15, 2010 I wrote about Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Only, his 1958 album arranged by Nelson Riddle and produced by Voyle Gilmore. Today, I'd like to mention another brilliant recording by the same trio, an earlier one in fact, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning from 1955, which must be considered among the greatest albums in history. Riddle's arranging is of such originality and beauty that the album would be worth a listen for it alone. And Sinatra's work matches it on both fronts. I'm quite sure that he was one of those rare artists who inspired the very best in his collaborators, elevating them to their best moments (Miles Davis was another with that ability). The recording, though done with what would now be considered primitive equipment is, to put it simply, sparkling. I can never believe how good it sounds. And the songs, selected to show both the variety and the commonality of the experience in question, provide a cross-section of the work of some of the greatest American song-writers. Even the cover is great. It's a masterpiece, a must-hear. Here's the title track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ImGP33hcc4