Frank Sinatra: Portrait of an Album
with Quincy Jones and Orchestra

        

        Sinatra and Jones in 1964                   Sinatra and Jackson in 1984

In 1984 Warner Bros. released the last Frank Sinatra solo album, featuring Quincy Jones as producer and arranger. Quincy was working with Sinatra again after teaming up for “It Might as Well Be Swing” in 1964. Sinatra did record three more solo songs after this album. However, he never recorded another solo album.
The album went into production when another album for duets, which united Sinatra and Lena Horne, prompted by Jones, was cancelled. The reason being was Horne displayed vocal trouble and Sinatra, obligated to other performances, was not able to standby and wait until Horne’s voice was better
In fact, most of the recording of the album was filmed throughout the recording sessions with a small audience. Frank Sinatra: Portrait of an Album, a 1985 documentary, was released after the album. The documentary has some memorable scenes. One is where Sinatra meets Michael Jackson for the very first time.
The documentary is a wonderful celebration of watching to great talents, Jones and Sinatra, working together as they create big band music — such an impressive album. The commentaries are worthwhile as we see and hear from top performers that made it and how it was done. If you are a Jones or Sinatra fan, you want to see this documentary.
Other celebrities make their appearances during the recording session with Sinatra, which can be seen in the documentary. We witness visits with Donna Summer, Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth.
Some Sinatra fans may say the album is uneven. But, clearly it is easily pleasant with Sinatra’s style in singing contemporary standards. The album is energetic and fun. Jones uses synthesizers and professional production systems, which is pleasantly noticed in the title song.
Some fans say Jones might have been too ambitious but the sound recording works. The album spiked at #58 with the Billboard 200 and made it to #8 with the Top Jazz Albums Chart. Listeners easily can hear Sinatra, Jones and the orchestra having a great time.
Today, artists produce behind the scenes footage all the time for YouTube, studio websites or as a DVD/CD package. However, when “L.A. is My Lady” was produced in 1984, the idea of creating a documentary of the production was a novelty. Many Sinatra fans would love to get their hands on Frank Sinatra: Portrait of an Album. Source:Sinatra Club