Sinatra and Sextet: Live in Paris

Live in Paris captures Frank Sinatra in 1962, circa "Come Fly with Me," smack in the middle of his shift from swinging cock-of-the-walk to schmaltzy, cocky pig. So he'll bring tears to your eyes with the dignity and gentle reverence he pours into "Ol' Man River," then leave you cursing when he tags it with a smarmy "That's a song about Sammy Davis' people." Live in Paris is loaded with similar groaners, but the disc also includes cooking, intimate versions of "My Funny Valentine," "In The Still Of The Night," "One For My Baby" and a half dozen more that immediately render all future versions second rate. --David Cantwell