Frank Sinatra: In the Wee Small Hours
Originally released in 1955 by Capitol Records, In the Wee Small Hours is one of Frank Sinatra's most iconic albums, marking a milestone in his career and popular music. Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025, this album has been continuously in print and was recently remastered by Blue Note Records for their Tone Poet audiophile vinyl series.
New Remaster and Release Details
The 2025 Tone Poet vinyl edition was produced by Joe Harley and cut entirely in analog by Kevin Gray. An important highlight of this reissue is the discovery and use of alternate original "master" tapes, which had been stored away and seldom played. These tapes offered a fresher, more transparent sound compared to the frequently used master reels.
Larry Walsh, a retired longtime Capitol engineer, noted, “You might want to take a look at the phono reels.” Capitol ran two tape decks for this recording; one set was assembled and used hundreds of times for the 12" LP, while the other was preserved and remained unheard for a long time.
Sound Quality and Production Insights
The remastering team aimed to maintain the artistic integrity of Sinatra's voice, using subtle equalization to enhance clarity without altering the original performance. The result is a vinyl edition with greater transparency, dynamic range, and lifelike presence, including better bass definition and air around the instruments.
Joe Harley said, “Kevin’s unbelievably transparent chain, along with what is on the original master, allows you to hear what was truly on the master tape.”
Recording Sessions and Artistic Care
The album was recorded in smaller studio sessions designed to highlight Sinatra's voice and sparse arrangements, carefully sequenced by Sinatra with collaborators. For example, the first four songs were recorded without brass or strings, emphasizing an intimate atmosphere. Sinatra was meticulous, halting recording sessions if he felt his voice lacked the right quality at that moment.
Guitarist George Van Eps recalled Sinatra stopping a session after singing only a few notes because his voice "did not have the right sound," then returning the next night for a session that was "perfect."
Legacy
In the Wee Small Hours is widely regarded as a turning point in Sinatra's career, pioneering the concept album format and influencing generations of vocal jazz and popular music artists. The 2025 remastered edition preserves this legacy with enhanced sound quality that brings listeners closer to the original artistic vision.
Author’s Summary
The 2025 remaster of Frank Sinatra's seminal 1955 album offers enhanced clarity and presence by using alternate master tapes, preserving its timeless emotional depth and artistic excellence.