At Last, the Chance to Do It His Way

The sound is similar enough to send chills up the back of Sinatra fans. More than that, the phrasing has the same subtle blend of storytelling and rhythmic drive that made Sinatra the voice of the century.

And why shouldn’t it? It’s Frank Sinatra Jr. And after years of lingering in his father’s immense shadow--first as a singer and later as Sinatra’s conductor and performance support--the son is now finally emerging in his own right.

Saturday night, in a gala celebration of the first anniversary of Merv Griffin’s Coconut Club, Sinatra Jr. began to make a case for his acceptance as one of the best of the post-Sinatra mainstream vocal stylists.

Does he have his father’s macho presence? Not a chance. In fact, Sinatra opened his set in unpretentious fashion by modestly singing a few tunes with his 20-piece back-up ensemble while the floor was filled with dancers--an echo of the distant time when Sinatra Sr. was a singer with a band.

What he has is a solid musicality, an ear for good material and the ineffable Sinatra sound. Combine those qualities with the singing style he has heard for his entire life and the results are irresistible, a reminder that pop music can be elegant, romantic and sophisticated.

But halfway through his first set, Sinatra inexplicably decided to do a Dean Martin imitation, managing in the process to butcher two fine songs.

And it was here, rather than in the area of sound and style, that Sinatra has to get his act together. At this point in his career, he no longer needs to associate himself with the Rat Pack, nor does he need to sustain his father’s memory. A quick glance at the Coconut Club’s packed dance floor, filled with young and old, happily jitterbugging through variations on the Lindy Hop, should have told him that the audience for the music he does so well is growing.

Junior no more, Sinatra now has the opportunity to do it on his own. Given the obvious skills he has at his disposal, it’s time for him to concentrate on himself, kick-start his engine, and see where his music can take him.