Frank Sinatra & Count Basie & Duke Ellington - The Giants of Jazz [2LP]

Frank Sinatra meets two of jazz's biggest bandleaders on The Giants of Jazz, a double vinyl set that pairs It Might As Well Be Swing with Francis A. & Edward K. in one handsome package.

Both albums come from Sinatra's Reprise years. The first, from 1964, puts him in front of the Count Basie Orchestra for a brass-bright, finger-snapping swing session. The second, from 1967, is his collaboration with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, a softer, more romantic affair. Together they make a neat two-for, pressed on standard black vinyl.

On the Basie album, Fly Me to the Moon sets the tone with effortless cool, and The Best Is Yet to Come struts like it knows it. Over on the Ellington album, Indian Summer and Yellow Days slow the pace, wrapping that unmistakable voice in lush, late-night arrangements.

The set includes rare photos and faithful recreations of the original artwork, so the packaging feels as thoughtful as the music inside.

Whether you are a longtime Sinatra devotee, a big band romantic, or someone who simply likes a great vocalist with a great orchestra behind them, this is a smooth, rewarding listen. Pour something good, drop the needle and let three legends do the rest.