I think I may already know the answer, but who is that singing onthe WELCOME TO SINATRAFAMILY page? At first I thought it was Sinatra, but he sounded different. I was thinking it was something off Reprise early period. But once I heard the word Spice I was thinking it's Frank jr. singing. Which is wonderful because I heard he had a very good album -possibily named Spice. I haven't been able to find the album anywhere before so it was a gas to hear the song.... anyone have any info for me?

Hi James,

Yes, Frankie is singing Spice on the opening page! It's always wonderful to hear him sing. I have my Spice album in front of me. Here's some information for you:

Songlist is:

Side one:

Spice (Frank Sinatra, Jr.)

The Windmills Of Your Mind (Michel Legrand - Alan & Marilyn Bergman)

Tomorrow Is The First Day Of The Rest Of My Life (Peter Link - C.C. Courtney)

Fun To Be Fooled (Arlen - Gershwin - Harburg)

Everybody's Talkin' (Fred Neil)

Believe In Me (Frank Sinatra, Jr.)

The Trolley Song (Martin - Blane)

Side two:

Black Night (Frank Sinatra, Jr.)

Love Is Here To Stay (George & Ira Gershwin)

So Many Stars (Sergio Mendes - Alan & Marilyn Bergman)

Black Coffee (Burke - Webster)

We've Only Just Begun (Williams & Nichols)

Indiscreet (Cahn & Heusen)

Frankie performs with the Larry O'Brien Octette and Nelson Riddle and his orchestra.

Daybreak Records - Stereo DR2003

The cover has a wonderful picture of a younger Frankie!



P.S. James, I would look on Ebay for a copy of this recording. I've often seen it listed there.

I've searched for something on this, but I absolutely HAVE TO HAVE that CD! I simply go in the front door so I can sit and listen to that entire recording. It's absolutely fantastic!

Have looked on all my sources, from Amazon to Zebra (if there is on) but it is no where to be found.

Could someone please tell me where I can get this recording, and what the title is?

I simply cannot get this song out of my head, much like his papa's recording!

Thanks for your help!

Frank Jr's "Spice" lp came out in 1971...still have mine...unfortunately it is unavailable to my knowledge on CD....

great album!

[pattisam]

Speaking of....I picked up this album yesterday, at my favorite used record store.

No, Lux, it is not on CD

I first heard this song when Nancy was a guest on KLAC in Los Angeles, some months ago. I immediately loved this recording.

Finally, I own the LP!

Other Sinatra LPs I chose,,, Sinatra '65, Softly As I Leave You and A Man Alone

I had many others in my arms, but had to put them back, because they were a little pricy -- soundtracks to Some Come Running and Pal Joey

Patti,

I am very glad that you were able to locate a copy of Spice. The songs are terrific! I love the cover with Frankie.



Mike,

You're right. Spice is not available yet on cd. I hope they will decide to eventually release it in that format.

[ARIES3032]

check this out for you Sis Lux.

[ARIES3032]

My daughter found a copy of "Spice" and gave it to me for my birthday. Sis Lux, I will make you a cassettee as soon as I can. What a great surprise. I am in heaven!!

[Bob W]

This was a great album by Frank, JR. and arranged by Nelson Riddle. It was released in '71 on the Daybreak Records label. Frank, Jr. wrote this song, incidentally..In fact, he performed it in concert when I saw him last July in Lancaster, PA. He has some other great tunes on this album. He sings "So Many Stars" so good, it's frightening. I think it's the definitive version of this great song by Sergio Mendes & the Bergmans. Also, a Gershwin song, "Fun To Be Fooled." Other tracks are Black Coffee, We've Only Just Begun, Indiscreet, The Trolley Song, Love Is Here To Stay, Believe in Me (also penned by Frankie), Windmills Of Your Mind, ...On "So Many Stars," check out the trombone solo by Larry O'Brien. I sure wish this was on CD...It's super !

[ARIES3032]

For all the information. I did not know he wrote those songsI loved the cassettes, but the record was a complete surprise. My daughter knew I was searching for it. I would love to hear him in concert sing these songs. Maybe next time I see him. Hugs, Lee

[ARIES3032]

I hope to bring some "Spice " by Frankie JR. when I am in St., Louis.

[ARIES3032]

I have it already taped n a cassette for you. Write me if you want anything else taped. Hugs, Sis Lee

[davidoro]

A very good friend of mine who is a huge FS fan, regards Frankie's version of The Trolley Song as his favorite.
David

[davidoro]

I finally got to hear this record and it needs to come out again. Frank Jr. sounds amazing on this. I love it, and BTW, the version of the Trolley Song IS great!!!
David.

[Nancy]

Frankie does a wonderful version of Spice on my yet to be aired television special, "Movin' With Nancy Nice 'n' Easy." I hope someday this show will be released for all to see. He is teriific in this show.

[JamesDeFrances]

<<I finally got to hear this record>>

I still haven't had the opportunity, Dave. I've been looking for Spice for a few years now with no luck. I know I could get it on ebay but some of the recordings sold there are very questionable.


<<"Movin' With Nancy Nice 'n' Easy." >>

Wow, never heard of that before!

Nancy, can you provide us with more info about this tv special? (i.e. year, cast etc...)

Thanks

[ARIES3032]

PM me your address, and I will make you a cassette of my copy. At least you will be able to hear the great music. I am still awaiting for another great albumn. Have to check on it.

I found the Spice LP on ebay. It's a matter of luck, but keep checking and you might just luck out.

Lynn

Having recently written a small portrait of Frank Sinatra jr. the musician & singer for a German quarterly, may I give just a bump-up for this thread, combined to the strong recommendation that everyone check out this album.
Very unfortunately it's hard to find an LP copy these days (a CD re-issue is long overdue), but it's definitely worth the search. A much overlooked and underrated gem.

Bernhard.

SPICE
LP Issue: Daybreak Records DR-2003 (1971)
Musical Arrangements: Nelson Riddle
Orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle

Side A
1. Spice*
2. The Windmills Of Your Mind
3. Tomorrow Is The First Day (Of The Rest Of My Life)
4. Fun To Be Fooled
5. Everytbody's Talkin'
6. Believe In Me
7. The Trolley Song

Side B
1. Black Night*
2. Love Is Here To Stay
3. So Many Stars
4. Black Coffee
5. We've Only Just Begun
6. Indiscreet

* = Song written by Frank Sinatra jr. himself


A most underrated album and a much overlooked musical gem, that would definetely deserve a CD re-issue. Nelson Riddle's magical craft as an arranger & conductor needs to further evaluation here, while in this case, there is also some marvelous accompaniment on some of the recordings by trombonist Larry O'Brien and his octet. Many of you will know O'Brien from his later leadership of the Glenn Miller Orchestra (a position he held from 1981-1983 and took again in 1988 to continue to date) - Sinatra jr. had toured with O'Brien for several years already before recording this album.

Juniors two own marvelous compositions aside, a definitive highlight of this album is the most wonderful "Windmills Of My Mind", a great Michel Legrand/Alan & Marilyn Bergman composition of first rate quality. (Such great material might also have been perfect for Sinatra senior and his contemporary-orientated recordings of the mid-70s).

Variations of beat and "sound" are a joy - from Swing to Ballads and Bossa Nova (wonderfully on Sergio Mendes' "So Many Stars"). As is variation of song type, from American Songbook Classics like the Gershwins ("Love Is Here To Stay") or Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg ("Fun To Be Fooled") to, by 1971, modern material like The Carpenters ("We've Only Just Begun").

Nelson's son Christopher Riddle, who has since become a prominent musician & bandleader of his own, as a trombonist made his first professional recordings for this album, a great solo of his is featured in the opening aka title number "Spice".

Get a-hold of this piece now - and if you have any contacts to the recording industry or whatever people in charge: Request a CD issue. It's a multi-star rating.

Bernhard.