Swinging Together: Sammy Davis Jr & Frank Sinatra’s Underrated Jazz Gem
Let’s cut to the chase—Swinging Together is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2000 under Newsound 2000 (yep, a UK label), this jazz/swing collaboration between Sammy Davis Jr and Frank Sinatra feels like stumbling into an old-school jam session where two legends just vibe off each other. The tracklist? Packed with classics and hidden gems. But it’s not all smooth sailing—it’s got its quirks too.
First off, let’s talk about “Oh Lonesome Me.” This tune sticks because, honestly, who hasn’t felt a little lonesome at some point? Sammy’s voice carries this raw edge here, like he’s singing from experience rather than just reading lyrics off a page. It’s simple but hits hard. Then there’s “Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette).” Now, if you’re expecting some deep philosophical moment, nah, this ain’t it. But man, does it groove! It’s playful, cheeky even, and Frank brings his signature charm to make it feel effortless. You can almost picture him leaning against a mic stand, cigarette dangling casually… wait, do people still smoke indoors?
The rest of the album follows suit—tracks like “I’ll Never Smile Again” tug at your heartstrings while “Hey Won’t You Play (Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song)” keeps things light and fun. And yeah, sure, some songs blend together after a while, but isn’t that kinda the beauty of swing music? It doesn’t demand your full attention; instead, it lets you drift along for the ride.
One thing worth mentioning is how fresh this record feels despite being released decades after these guys hit their prime. Like, imagine two icons coming together late in life to remind everyone why they ruled the scene back in the day. That’s what Swinging Together does—it bridges generations without trying too hard.
But here’s the kicker: listening to this album made me realize something kinda random. These guys weren’t just entertainers—they were storytellers. Every note, every pause, every laugh woven into the background tells you they’re having fun. Not many artists today pull that off so naturally.
So yeah, give Swinging Together a spin if you’re into jazz or swing—or heck, if you just wanna hear two legends trade vocals like it’s no big deal. Just don’t blame me if you end up humming “Smoke, Smoke, Smoke” for days. Oh, and maybe grab a cuppa tea while you listen since smoking inside probably won’t fly anymore.
