The Summer Wind Came Blowin’ In… DJNYC’s Frank Sinatra Favorites

First there was a three-day blistering heatwave, then last night a rather violent windy thunderstorm. It seems that in New York City, summer is defintely here. It’s always at this time – as soon as the spring gives way to more sun and the short sleeves begin come out more regularly – that I resume spinning one of my favorite Frank Sinatra tunes, “Summer Wind.”

I spun it for the first time this year at a wedding last weekend. Whenever I put it on for the first time after several months I’m amazed by how pleasant and versatile of a song it is. Like most of the best upbeat Sinatra, the song is bouncy, light, leisurely, and shows a hint of humor. What’s impressive is that all these elements feel mixed in at just the right amounts, like a well-made gin and tonic. Plus, the song fits in nicely at almost any kind of event – and at almost any part of an event, be it guest arrivals, cocktail hour, or dinner.

“Summer Wind” got me thinking about some of my other favorite upbeat Sinatra songs that I’ve found consistently prove themselves at many kinds of events and with many age groups, from those in their 20s to those in their 80s. Like many hugely popular and enduring artists, Sinatra has his share of upbeat songs that I (and I’m sure many others) think are worn out, such as “Strangers in the Night” and “Love and Marriage,” though he seems to have many more tunes that you’d think should feel worn out, but, when played at the right time, absolutely don’t, like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “New York, New York.”

Here, in no particular order of importance, are several Sinatra songs – like “Summer Wind” – that I’ve found work best:

“You Make Me Feel So Young” – In this lean, brassy tune, Frank shows how convincing of a vocalist he is by taking its occasional silly lyrics such as “a wonderful fling to be flung” and making them seem heartfelt and true. One of the most rewarding moments I’ve had as a DJ was when I played this song at a party for a visiting nurse service, and one of the nurses danced to it with a very elderly man who was one of her patients.

“Hey Jealous Lover” – With its bouncy rhythm, catchy melody, background singers supporting Frank’s vocal in near doo-wop fashion, and a topic of romantic jealousy, everything about this song is fun!

“ New York, New York” – When played during the right moment at events (especially weddings) anywhere near the city, this song often results in guests forming impromptu Rockettes-style kick-lines.

“I’ve Got You Under My Skin” – Upon hearing the first few seconds of this classic, I’ve seen couples of all ages stroll out to the dance floor with out hesitation, unable to resist its intimate romantic sweep.

“Nice ‘n’ Easy” – A truly excellent lounge song – it’s sly, relaxed, romantic, and never slides into kitsch – a hard thing to pull off.

“The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank’s smooth-as-silk vocal coupled with a mid-tempo arrangement makes his version of the often-covered classic about appreciating an evening with a loved one the gold standard for this pop standard.

“I’ve Got the World on a String” – In this effervescent tune, Frank’s vocal magic manages to perfectly capture the exuberance of falling head over heels in just nine words: “What a world, what a life, I’m in love.”

Cocktail Hour, dj nyc, djnyc, Frank Sinatra, Jazz