Frank Sinatra Sings “Summer Wind”

If there is one song associated with Frank Sinatra, it would have to be "Summer Wind," originally a popular German song written in 1964 by Heinz Meier, Hans Bradtke, and Johnny Mercer (who wrote the English language lyrics). The lyrics are anything but about how nice the summer winds in Italy are-rather it evokes not only the temporary sirocco winds but also the temporary love of a summer love. The dour opening and the use of a Hammond organ as a second orchestra offering an edgy sounding comfort. Nelson Riddle's arrangement is very jazzy and memorable with its Neal Hefti inspired Basie fillers as well as the dark tone. The performance of Frank Sinatra is deceptively cavalier in attitude but there is a deeper, blues inflected nostalgia for that wonderful but brief "Summer Wind" affair.