Album: A Swingin' Affair!

Introduction
"A Swingin' Affair!" is a studio album by American vocalist and actor Frank Sinatra, launched in 1957. It is Sinatra's twelfth studio album and a follow-up to his extremely effective 1956 release, "Songs for Swingin' Lovers!" Produced by Voyle Gilmore and featuring arrangements by legendary conductor and arranger Nelson Riddle, "A Swingin' Affair!" is often hailed as one of Sinatra's finest and most definitive albums.

Background and Recording
Following the significant success of "Songs for Swingin' Lovers!" Frank Sinatra and his group looked for to capitalize on the appeal of the swing and jazz categories. They chose to produce a sequel to the previous album that would continue to showcase Sinatra's gift for interpreting the Great American Songbook with modern, energetic arrangements.

For "A Swingin' Affair!", Sinatra when again partnered with master arranger and conductor Nelson Riddle, who had worked with him on a number of earlier albums, including "In The Wee Small Hours" and "Songs for Swingin' Lovers!" They selected a wide range of tunes from the American music canon, drawing from the works of authors such as Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and Harold Arlen.

The album was recorded at Capitol Studio A in Hollywood, throughout 6 sessions held between November 1956 and January 1957. Sinatra was backed by a full orchestra, featuring Riddle's signature blend of brass, strings, and rhythm sections, which provided the perfect backdrop for Sinatra's meaningful vocal efficiencies.

Album Content
"A Swingin' Affair!" includes a total of 15 tracks, the majority of which are upbeat, dynamic, swing tunes. With a running time of over 45 minutes, the album takes the listener on a journey through a diverse selection of melodies, varying from romantic ballads to upbeat dance numbers.

Some highlights of the album consist of Sinatra's performance of Cole Porter's "Night and Day", a sophisticated, syncopated arrangement of Rodgers and Hart's "I Wish I Were in Love Again", and a spirited take on the Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen structure "I've Got the World on a String".

In addition to these popular songs, "A Swingin' Affair!" likewise includes lesser-known gems such as "I'll Be Seeing You", a lovely and sentimental ballad originally popularized by Bing Crosby, and "No One Ever Tells You", a melancholy jazz tune about the realities of love.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release in February 1957, "A Swingin' Affair!" was met extensive appreciation from critics and fans alike. The album peaked at # 2 on the Billboard album chart, where it remained for over six months, and went on to achieve gold accreditation from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over 500,000 copies.

For many years, "A Swingin' Affair!" has been recognized as not just one of Sinatra's finest albums but likewise as an essential and specifying record of the swing and jazz age. In 2010, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its status as a critical work in American music history.

The success of "A Swingin' Affair!" helped solidify Sinatra's track record as a premier interpreter of the Great American Songbook, and his partnerships with Nelson Riddle would continue to yield impressive results through the late 1950s and early 1960s.

In conclusion, "A Swingin' Affair!" remains a vital listen for fans of Frank Sinatra, jazz, and swing, as it showcases the singer at his absolute finest, supported by the matchless plans of Nelson Riddle, and a carefully curated selection of timeless American standards.