Frank Sinatra Jr. - Young Love For Sale Album

Nepotism is a controversial subject, and an ugly one too. Those not fortunate enough to have well-connected parents inevitably point the finger at one's success as happenstance rather than ability. And those who do benefit usually claim they get scrutinised far more regardless of whatever talents they may have, and have to work a lot harder as a result. Here’s a typical example: footballer Frank Lampard won over 100 international caps and a shed load of club trophies (jncluding the European cup), and was once voted the second-best player on the planet. But as an aspiring teenager, had his Uncle Harry (Redknapp) not been in charge at the time (not to mention his Dad and Hammers legend Frank Senior being ‘Arry’s assistant), would he have even got the opportunity to play for the West Ham youth team?

By coincidence another famous family dynasty of Franks was the Sinatra clan. Frank Junior decided at an early age to follow in Pa’s footsteps by fronting a big band, and spent some time slogging around the supper club circuit before getting the chance to record this album. Although his backing musicians are not big names (presumably the same ones as accompanied him on tour?) they are tightly-drilled and perform the impressive arrangements of (mainly) standards well - in my view certainly giving the legendary Count Basie band a run for their money. But what of the man himself? Well, he’s no Sinatra (oh - he is actually, but you see what I mean), although he has a pleasant-enough style more in the manner of Bobby Vee. However, producer Sonny Burke’s insistence on smothering his vocals in reverb suggests he was perhaps not so confident in this particular chip of the old block.

But to be frank, whatever his vocal abilities the musical path he chose to pursue was fast becoming outmoded. Not only by rock ‘n’ roll, but also now by the “beat” groups and the “British invasion”. Even his old man was being forced to tackle contemporary pop tunes and other new-fangled fads like bossa nova to keep up with the kids. However, fortunately for Junior there was one record company that was willing to allow him his old-fashioned indulgence. Its proprietor? One Francis Albert Sinatra…