And Frankie Capp's triangle opening is one of the greatest triangle solos ever recorded. Plas loved these musicians, and his 15 years of nightly Merv Griffin Shows with that great band> Plas saw himself as part of a team, never a star. He was incredibly talented, and always completely modest and self-deprecating, as demonstrated by his performance here.
As one who worked with Ray Anthony in the mid-1980s, I can attest that he was/is (and still alive at this writing) much hipper than he is normally credited. The band here is an excellent L.A. studio ensemble, and Steve Allen's tunes are typically serviceable if undistinguished. But the key question here is: who wrote the Basie-style arrangements? My guesses are Ernie Wilkins or Manny Albam, both of whom contributed to many such ad hoc projects in the 1950s and '60s.
Impossible to know. Could have been shared. I agree that the charts' sectional work is so tight and punchy that a more seasoned hand may well have been involved on some or many of the tracks.
Another recording where Plas shines is the fine soundtrack to “Blonde,”by Pat Williams. The 2-part “fictitious bio,” based upon the life of Marilyn Monroe, has 5 numbers that feature Plas, who is part of a dream band that includes James Moody, Kenny Burrell, Bill Watrous, Roy Hargrove (who solos on the moody noir theme) & Warren Luening. My favorite might be “Firelight,” the aptly-named Mancini-esque piece that features Plas & Larry Bunker….I even used it as my ringtone for a long time. Another choice Plas album is “Evening Delight,” which contains a tasteful collection of jazz standards. I actually bought it from him at a jazz festival, where he was kind enough to write a few words on the insert.
Dear Marc, thanks so much for remembering Plas Johnson at JazzWax. It took a little bit longer to answer Peter with all the session dates with Sinatra than I thought. So will will split it... the first half of your clips I will hear tonight and the other half tomorrow. 👍 I'm really looking forward to your selection.
Plas was a giant, and received far too little recognition for all of his uncredited music. Plas's recent favorite Mancini recording was the early "Uniquely Mancini" full of great tunes, with his favorite being "C Jam Blues." My personal favorite of his many Mancini contributions is the beatifically symphonic "House of the Rising Sun", with great art work here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM03RdDkOxg&list=RDMMMM03RdDkOxg&start_radio=1
I got out pen and paper to identify the band, and Bill beat me to it. No competing with him. I saw Carl Fontana, Bill Berry and Frank Capp right away. The best LA musicians. I always thought Plas played the solos on Sinatra’s album “Sinatra’s Swingin’ Session.” Especially “Blue Moon.” I could be wrong. Ironically I was playing Mancini this afternoon, and thought about how many different moods he created with his music. He took the elements of his big band experience and translated it to a modern era that seemed to have universal appeal. I never tire of hearing his music. Plas’s sound was a key component.
you're absolutely right. Plas played the solo on "Blue Moon". I just checked at my Sinatra Discography "Put Your Dreams Away" by Luiz Carlos do Nascimento Silva. I always use that fine book when search something from Sinatra or other musicians at the sessions. The best on that book is that every musician in named on every sessions.
Well, I think it's a good idea to search the book for every date where Plas Johnson was involved. See it as a little tribute to him. So, this time not Sinatra is the "Main Event" but Plas Johnson. 👍
CAPITOL
March 7th, 1955 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"If I Had Three Wishes" (Album: "Look To Your Heart")
"How Could You Do A Thing Like That To Me? (Album: "Swing Easy")
March 23rd, 1955 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Learnin' The Blues" (Album: "This Is Sinatra")
March 1st, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"You Go To My Head" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"Fools Rush In" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"That Old Feeling" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy") tenor solo: Plas Johnson 👍
"Try A Little Tenderness" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
March 2nd, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"She's Funny That Way" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"The Nearness Of You" (Album: "Sinatra Sings... Of Love And Things")
"Nevertheless" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy") tenor solo: Plas Johnson 👍
March 3rd, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Dream" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"I've Got A Crush On You" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"Embraceable You" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"Mam'selle" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"How Deep Is The Ocean" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
August 23rd, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"My Blue Heaven" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!") tenor solo: Plas Johnson 👍
"I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
"Always" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
"It All Depends On You" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
August 31st, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"It's Only A Paper Moon" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
"September In The Rain" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
"Hidden Persuasion" (Album: "Sinatra Sings... Of Love And Things")
September 1st, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Sentimental Baby" (Album: "Sinatra Sings... Of Love And Things")
"In The Still Of The Night" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"A Foggy Day" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
December 20th, 1960 conducted by Johnny Mandel
"Let's Face The Music And Dance" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"Easy To Love" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"A Fine Romance" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"The Coffee Song" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"Be Careful, It's My Heart" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"Have You Met Miss Jones?" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
December 21st, 1960 conducted by Johnny Mandel
"I've Got my Love To Keep Me Warm" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"You And The Night And The Music" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"When I Take My Sugar To Tea" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! 😄
May 1st, 1961 conducted by Sy Oliver
"I'll Be Seeing You" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"Imagination" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"Take Me" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
May 2nd, 1961 conducted by Sy Oliver
"Without A Song" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"Polka Dots And Moonbeams" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"Daybreak" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
May 3rd, 1961 conducted by Sy Oliver
"The One I Love" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"There Are Such Things" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"It's Always You" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"It Started All Over Again" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"East Of The Sun" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
April 10th, 1962 conducted by Neal Hefti
"I'm Beginning To See The Light" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"I Get A Kick Out Of You" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Ain't She Sweet?" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"I Love You" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"They Can't Take That Away From Me" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Love Is Just Around The Corner" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
April 11th, 1962 conducted by Neal Hefti
"At Long Last Love" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Serenade In Blue" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Goody Goody" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Don'cha Go 'Way Mad" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Tangerine" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Pick Yourself Up" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
August 27th, 1962 conducted by ???
"The Look Of Love" (Album: "Softly As I Leave You")
"I Left My Heart In San Francisco" (Single) (Note: The original single issue had "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" and "The Look Of Love". Shortly after it was issued, the record was withdrawn and then re-released with "Indiscreet" in place of "I Left My Heart In San Francisco")
"I'll Be Seeing You" (Single) (Note: The Union lists "I'll Be Seeing You" as having been recorded on this date, but a memo attached to it gives the clue. As it lists the same personnel as the one for May 1st, 1961 conducted by Sy Oliver, there is only one explanation: this was the date on which the take originally issued on LP was edited to fit a single. A new master number was assigned to it, and the contract also shows the catalog number. In cases like this, the musicians that played in the original session are payed as for a new recording.)
October 22nd, 1962 conducted by Bill Miller
"Me And My Shadow" together with Sammy Davis jr. (Single)
January 21st, 1963 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Come Blow Your Horn" (Album: "Softly As I Leave You")
"Call Me Irresponsible" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
February 21st, 1963 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Soliloquy" (Album: "The Concert Sinatra")
"You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me" (Album: "Sinatra '65")
April 29th, 1963 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
"Nancy" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
"Young At Heart" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
"The Second Time Around" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
"All The Way" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
April 8th, 1964 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"My Kind Of Town" (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
"I Like To Lead When I Dance" (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
"I Can't Believe I'm Losing You" (Album: "Softly As I Leave You")
April 10th, 1964 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Style" together with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jr. and Bing Crosby (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
"Mister Booze" with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jr. and Bing Crosby (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
"Don't Be A Do-Badder" with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jr. and Bing Crosby (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
10 A.M to 1 P.M. (strings) and from 2 to 5 P.M. (rhythm)
"Everybody Ought To Be In Love" (Note: The Union contract says that the strings recorded at the first session and the rhythm recorded at the second. Brass and reeds are not mentioned. Judging from what happened in similar cases, we may deduct that they recorded with the strings. This orchestra track was not used!!!)
June 6th, 1988 conducted by Billy May + Billy Rogers
"My Foolish Heart" (Album: only on the Sinatra-Box "The Complete Reprise Studio Recordings" which was released in 1995
"Cry Me A River" (Unreleased)
"If I Ever Would Leave You" (Unreleased) (without Sinatra)
"Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise" (Unreleased) (without Sinatra)
(Note: Sinatra was in the studio from 8 to 9:40 P.M. He did some 17 takes of "My Foolish Heart", and that was all. The track for "Cry Me A River" was never used. The session conducted by Billy May lasted from 8 to 10:30 P.M. At 10:30, Billy Rogers took over. The session with Billy Rogers lasted until 12 Midnight. The orchestra tracks were not used. "Masquerade" and "Easy Street" were scheduled to be recorded, but were not. There is no orchestra or vocal track.)
Note from me (Christian): I remember from old Sinatra Fan Club Magazines that this session was planned for a new CD called "Digital Sinatra". Everybody at the Fan Club was really looking forward to this new recording. But sadly, nothing happens except "My Foolish Heart" years later at the box.
So, now I'm an expert in Plas Johnson sessions with Sinatra. 😄
Christian thank you so much for that information. You have validated my ears. Plas had a distinct sound. I thought I had every Sinatra book but I don’t have that one. Must find. On another note, I always wondered who played the wonderful trumpet solos on “Nice N Easy.” I have heard rumors it was Cappy Lewis, who was a star of an earlier Herman Herd.
Peter, I just looked at the book again. Sadly the session where "Nice 'n' Easy" was recorded, the musicians are not known. Quote from the book again: "April 13th, 1960 (Wednesday) - Hollywood - Capitol recording session No. E-77 - Capitol Tower - Frank Sinatra with Orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle - The session report and the Union contract do not give any names of musicians. The only ones mentioned are the two singers that join Sinatra on "It's Over, It's Over, It's Over": Mack McLean and Clark Yocum". Quote end.
"It's Over, It's Over, It's Over" was released on the album "All The Way" together with "River, Stay Away From My Door" which was also recorded on April 13th, 1960. The fourth song recorded on this date was "I Love Paris" which was released on the album "Sinatra Sings... Of Love And Things".
The recording session before April 13th was on March 3rd, 1960. And yes, there is Cappy Lewis in the trumpet section. But I'm afraid we won't find out whether he played the solo on "Nice 'n' Easy".
After I heard the Plas Johnson selections from Marc tonight and tomorrow I will hear all the Sinatra tracks where Plas is in the reed section. That will be fun. 👍
Christian, this is invaluable. Thanks for sharing. If you or others on this thread have any good ideas for finding all of the tunes on all the sessions that Plas ever recorded, I would appreciate knowing about it. There have to be thousands, as he recorded on 3 or 4 sessions a day for many years. I am a friend and former student of Plas's and am working with his family to gather all of this and other information about Plas for posterity.
Jim, I'm sure your searched already in the Internet for good and complete discographies of Plas. I just searched by myself and sadly I didn't find any. Only LPs, CDs and the release years but no exact recording dates.
Thanks Christian. I would be happy to just have a complete list of his LPS, CDs and 45s, without recording dates. I will keep looking and hopefully compiling. Plas recorded so much that is now being compiled in CDs, like "Savvy Sugar," that he was continually amazed at what was showing up on YouTube and elsewhere that he thought was long forgotten.
A sad day for music lovers. A big loss. In the early sixties, Capitol records released an LP titled "This must be the Plas". Long out-of-print. Could not afford to buy or steal (joke!) it then. Have been looking for it ever since.
On the 1983 "Steve Allen's Music Room" TV show, with Plas Johnson playing "The Pink Panther," here's the band:
Terry Gibbs Band personnel:
Trumpets:
John Audino, Pete Candoli, Conte Candoli, Bill Berry
Trombones:
Carl Fontana, Charlie Loper, Dick "Slide" Hyde
Saxophones:
Med Flory, Gus Bivona, Plas Johnson, Jerome Richardson, Bill Green
Piano: Alan Broadbent
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Drums: Frank Capp
Vibes & Conductor: Terry Gibbs
And Frankie Capp's triangle opening is one of the greatest triangle solos ever recorded. Plas loved these musicians, and his 15 years of nightly Merv Griffin Shows with that great band> Plas saw himself as part of a team, never a star. He was incredibly talented, and always completely modest and self-deprecating, as demonstrated by his performance here.
Thanks, Bill. I knew you’d be there for readers. Perhaps tell readers why Pete Condoli was circling his hand in the air with an amused look.
As one who worked with Ray Anthony in the mid-1980s, I can attest that he was/is (and still alive at this writing) much hipper than he is normally credited. The band here is an excellent L.A. studio ensemble, and Steve Allen's tunes are typically serviceable if undistinguished. But the key question here is: who wrote the Basie-style arrangements? My guesses are Ernie Wilkins or Manny Albam, both of whom contributed to many such ad hoc projects in the 1950s and '60s.
Addendum: Marc's description lists bassist Don Simpson as the arranger. But I nonetheless wonder if that is entirely true.
Impossible to know. Could have been shared. I agree that the charts' sectional work is so tight and punchy that a more seasoned hand may well have been involved on some or many of the tracks.
May have been Don Simpson, Ray's bassist and long-time, prolific arranger for the band.
Another recording where Plas shines is the fine soundtrack to “Blonde,”by Pat Williams. The 2-part “fictitious bio,” based upon the life of Marilyn Monroe, has 5 numbers that feature Plas, who is part of a dream band that includes James Moody, Kenny Burrell, Bill Watrous, Roy Hargrove (who solos on the moody noir theme) & Warren Luening. My favorite might be “Firelight,” the aptly-named Mancini-esque piece that features Plas & Larry Bunker….I even used it as my ringtone for a long time. Another choice Plas album is “Evening Delight,” which contains a tasteful collection of jazz standards. I actually bought it from him at a jazz festival, where he was kind enough to write a few words on the insert.
Dear Marc, thanks so much for remembering Plas Johnson at JazzWax. It took a little bit longer to answer Peter with all the session dates with Sinatra than I thought. So will will split it... the first half of your clips I will hear tonight and the other half tomorrow. 👍 I'm really looking forward to your selection.
A favorite Plas Johnson solo, unfortunately cut off and faded at the end (or perhaps that adds to the charm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa7HLc43-9g&list=RDqa7HLc43-9g&start_radio=1
Plas was a giant, and received far too little recognition for all of his uncredited music. Plas's recent favorite Mancini recording was the early "Uniquely Mancini" full of great tunes, with his favorite being "C Jam Blues." My personal favorite of his many Mancini contributions is the beatifically symphonic "House of the Rising Sun", with great art work here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM03RdDkOxg&list=RDMMMM03RdDkOxg&start_radio=1
What a session player! A regular with the Wrecking Crew as well.
I got out pen and paper to identify the band, and Bill beat me to it. No competing with him. I saw Carl Fontana, Bill Berry and Frank Capp right away. The best LA musicians. I always thought Plas played the solos on Sinatra’s album “Sinatra’s Swingin’ Session.” Especially “Blue Moon.” I could be wrong. Ironically I was playing Mancini this afternoon, and thought about how many different moods he created with his music. He took the elements of his big band experience and translated it to a modern era that seemed to have universal appeal. I never tire of hearing his music. Plas’s sound was a key component.
Dear Peter,
you're absolutely right. Plas played the solo on "Blue Moon". I just checked at my Sinatra Discography "Put Your Dreams Away" by Luiz Carlos do Nascimento Silva. I always use that fine book when search something from Sinatra or other musicians at the sessions. The best on that book is that every musician in named on every sessions.
Well, I think it's a good idea to search the book for every date where Plas Johnson was involved. See it as a little tribute to him. So, this time not Sinatra is the "Main Event" but Plas Johnson. 👍
CAPITOL
March 7th, 1955 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"If I Had Three Wishes" (Album: "Look To Your Heart")
"How Could You Do A Thing Like That To Me? (Album: "Swing Easy")
March 23rd, 1955 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Learnin' The Blues" (Album: "This Is Sinatra")
March 1st, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"You Go To My Head" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"Fools Rush In" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"That Old Feeling" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy") tenor solo: Plas Johnson 👍
"Try A Little Tenderness" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
March 2nd, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"She's Funny That Way" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"The Nearness Of You" (Album: "Sinatra Sings... Of Love And Things")
"Nevertheless" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy") tenor solo: Plas Johnson 👍
March 3rd, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Dream" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"I've Got A Crush On You" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"Embraceable You" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"Mam'selle" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
"How Deep Is The Ocean" (Album: "Nice ´n` Easy")
August 23rd, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"My Blue Heaven" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!") tenor solo: Plas Johnson 👍
"I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
"Always" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
"It All Depends On You" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
August 31st, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"It's Only A Paper Moon" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
"September In The Rain" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!")
"Hidden Persuasion" (Album: "Sinatra Sings... Of Love And Things")
September 1st, 1960 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Sentimental Baby" (Album: "Sinatra Sings... Of Love And Things")
"Ol' MacDonald" (Album: "All The Way")
"Blue Moon" (Album: "Sinatra's Swinging Session!") tenor solo: Plas Johnson 👍
REPRISE
December 19th, 1960 conducted by Johnny Mandel
"Ring-A-Ding Ding" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"Let's Fall In Love" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"In The Still Of The Night" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"A Foggy Day" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
December 20th, 1960 conducted by Johnny Mandel
"Let's Face The Music And Dance" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"Easy To Love" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"A Fine Romance" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"The Coffee Song" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"Be Careful, It's My Heart" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"Have You Met Miss Jones?" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
December 21st, 1960 conducted by Johnny Mandel
"I've Got my Love To Keep Me Warm" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"You And The Night And The Music" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
"When I Take My Sugar To Tea" (Album: "Ring-A-Ding Ding")
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! 😄
May 1st, 1961 conducted by Sy Oliver
"I'll Be Seeing You" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"Imagination" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"Take Me" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
May 2nd, 1961 conducted by Sy Oliver
"Without A Song" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"Polka Dots And Moonbeams" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"Daybreak" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
May 3rd, 1961 conducted by Sy Oliver
"The One I Love" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"There Are Such Things" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"It's Always You" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"It Started All Over Again" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
"East Of The Sun" (Album: "I Remember Tommy...")
April 10th, 1962 conducted by Neal Hefti
"I'm Beginning To See The Light" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"I Get A Kick Out Of You" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Ain't She Sweet?" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"I Love You" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"They Can't Take That Away From Me" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Love Is Just Around The Corner" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
April 11th, 1962 conducted by Neal Hefti
"At Long Last Love" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Serenade In Blue" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Goody Goody" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Don'cha Go 'Way Mad" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Tangerine" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
"Pick Yourself Up" (Album: "Sinatra And Swingin' Brass")
August 27th, 1962 conducted by ???
"The Look Of Love" (Album: "Softly As I Leave You")
"I Left My Heart In San Francisco" (Single) (Note: The original single issue had "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" and "The Look Of Love". Shortly after it was issued, the record was withdrawn and then re-released with "Indiscreet" in place of "I Left My Heart In San Francisco")
"I'll Be Seeing You" (Single) (Note: The Union lists "I'll Be Seeing You" as having been recorded on this date, but a memo attached to it gives the clue. As it lists the same personnel as the one for May 1st, 1961 conducted by Sy Oliver, there is only one explanation: this was the date on which the take originally issued on LP was edited to fit a single. A new master number was assigned to it, and the contract also shows the catalog number. In cases like this, the musicians that played in the original session are payed as for a new recording.)
October 22nd, 1962 conducted by Bill Miller
"Me And My Shadow" together with Sammy Davis jr. (Single)
January 21st, 1963 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Come Blow Your Horn" (Album: "Softly As I Leave You")
"Call Me Irresponsible" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
February 21st, 1963 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Soliloquy" (Album: "The Concert Sinatra")
"You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me" (Album: "Sinatra '65")
April 29th, 1963 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
"Nancy" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
"Young At Heart" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
"The Second Time Around" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
"All The Way" (Album: "Sinatra's Sinatra")
April 8th, 1964 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"My Kind Of Town" (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
"I Like To Lead When I Dance" (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
"I Can't Believe I'm Losing You" (Album: "Softly As I Leave You")
April 10th, 1964 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Style" together with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jr. and Bing Crosby (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
"Mister Booze" with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jr. and Bing Crosby (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
"Don't Be A Do-Badder" with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jr. and Bing Crosby (Album: "Robin And The Seven Hoods")
October 3rd, 1964 conducted by Nelson Riddle
"Pass Me By" (Album: "Softly As I Leave You")
"Emily" (Album: "Softly As I Leave You")
"Dear Heart" (Album: "Softly As I Leave You")
May 6th, 1965 conducted by Donnie Lanier
"Forget Domani" (Album: "Frank Sinatra's Greatest Hits")
October 18th, 1966 conducted by Donnie Lanier
"That's Life" (Album: "That's Life")
November 17th, 1966 conducted by Donnie Lanier
"Give Her Love" (Album: "That's Life")
"What Now My Love" (Album: "That's Life")
"Somewhere My Love" (Album: "That's Life")
"Winchester Cathedral" (Album: "That's Life")
January 10th, 1977 conducted by Charles Calello
10 A.M to 1 P.M. (strings) and from 2 to 5 P.M. (rhythm)
"Everybody Ought To Be In Love" (Note: The Union contract says that the strings recorded at the first session and the rhythm recorded at the second. Brass and reeds are not mentioned. Judging from what happened in similar cases, we may deduct that they recorded with the strings. This orchestra track was not used!!!)
June 6th, 1988 conducted by Billy May + Billy Rogers
"My Foolish Heart" (Album: only on the Sinatra-Box "The Complete Reprise Studio Recordings" which was released in 1995
"Cry Me A River" (Unreleased)
"If I Ever Would Leave You" (Unreleased) (without Sinatra)
"Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise" (Unreleased) (without Sinatra)
(Note: Sinatra was in the studio from 8 to 9:40 P.M. He did some 17 takes of "My Foolish Heart", and that was all. The track for "Cry Me A River" was never used. The session conducted by Billy May lasted from 8 to 10:30 P.M. At 10:30, Billy Rogers took over. The session with Billy Rogers lasted until 12 Midnight. The orchestra tracks were not used. "Masquerade" and "Easy Street" were scheduled to be recorded, but were not. There is no orchestra or vocal track.)
Note from me (Christian): I remember from old Sinatra Fan Club Magazines that this session was planned for a new CD called "Digital Sinatra". Everybody at the Fan Club was really looking forward to this new recording. But sadly, nothing happens except "My Foolish Heart" years later at the box.
So, now I'm an expert in Plas Johnson sessions with Sinatra. 😄
Christian thank you so much for that information. You have validated my ears. Plas had a distinct sound. I thought I had every Sinatra book but I don’t have that one. Must find. On another note, I always wondered who played the wonderful trumpet solos on “Nice N Easy.” I have heard rumors it was Cappy Lewis, who was a star of an earlier Herman Herd.
Peter, I just looked at the book again. Sadly the session where "Nice 'n' Easy" was recorded, the musicians are not known. Quote from the book again: "April 13th, 1960 (Wednesday) - Hollywood - Capitol recording session No. E-77 - Capitol Tower - Frank Sinatra with Orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle - The session report and the Union contract do not give any names of musicians. The only ones mentioned are the two singers that join Sinatra on "It's Over, It's Over, It's Over": Mack McLean and Clark Yocum". Quote end.
"It's Over, It's Over, It's Over" was released on the album "All The Way" together with "River, Stay Away From My Door" which was also recorded on April 13th, 1960. The fourth song recorded on this date was "I Love Paris" which was released on the album "Sinatra Sings... Of Love And Things".
The recording session before April 13th was on March 3rd, 1960. And yes, there is Cappy Lewis in the trumpet section. But I'm afraid we won't find out whether he played the solo on "Nice 'n' Easy".
After I heard the Plas Johnson selections from Marc tonight and tomorrow I will hear all the Sinatra tracks where Plas is in the reed section. That will be fun. 👍
Thanks Christian. Please share your findings and favorites.
Christian, this is invaluable. Thanks for sharing. If you or others on this thread have any good ideas for finding all of the tunes on all the sessions that Plas ever recorded, I would appreciate knowing about it. There have to be thousands, as he recorded on 3 or 4 sessions a day for many years. I am a friend and former student of Plas's and am working with his family to gather all of this and other information about Plas for posterity.
Jim, I'm sure your searched already in the Internet for good and complete discographies of Plas. I just searched by myself and sadly I didn't find any. Only LPs, CDs and the release years but no exact recording dates.
One of the best researched discography in my opinion is from Duke Ellington. And it is updated regulary. https://ellingtonia.com/discography/full/
Thanks Christian. I would be happy to just have a complete list of his LPS, CDs and 45s, without recording dates. I will keep looking and hopefully compiling. Plas recorded so much that is now being compiled in CDs, like "Savvy Sugar," that he was continually amazed at what was showing up on YouTube and elsewhere that he thought was long forgotten.
This is great! Several here are new to me, excited to dig in.
Very underrated player. My favorite Plas tune is a rather obscure one: "Downstairs" from 1958. https://youtu.be/2ZeIF1iJgA8?is=Xyd169NEVFjkseLa
A sad day for music lovers. A big loss. In the early sixties, Capitol records released an LP titled "This must be the Plas". Long out-of-print. Could not afford to buy or steal (joke!) it then. Have been looking for it ever since.
Here ya go Marc-Antoine...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMyF7rK7qxU
How about that! A big, big thank you.
MUST be! Got to BE! Thanks to Marc & Marc.
And let's not forget Plas as a master piccoloist, as he demonstrates in the opening bars of "Rockin' Robin."
FYI, last July, Rhonda Hamilton and KJAZZ honored Plas on his 94th birthday, which was the highlight of his year. This year, KJAZZ will celebrate his life and legacy on what would have been his 95th birthday, tomorrow, during Rhonda's show from 11 AM - 3 PM PT. Should be great. https://www.kkjz.org/home/engagement/index.aspx?id=482&title=%3cspan+style%3d%22font-size%3a14px%3b%22%3ePlas+Johnson%3cbr%3eJuly+21%2c+1931+-+July+15%2c+2026%3c%2fspan%3e
Thank you Scott.