A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra (50th Anniversary Edition)

This set from early in his career finds Sinatra in classic form. Gordon Jenkins' arrangements and The Ralph Brewster Singers' vocal accompaniment privilege pep, so Sinatra creates just the right amount of tension by hanging back a bit. He indulges in coolly strolling phrasing during “Jingle Bells,” and he puts some sly humor into “Mistletoe and Holly.” Elsewhere, it’s a blast to hear Sinatra train his vibrato on swing-free readings of carols; his stirring performance on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” also thrills.