UMe, in collaboration with Frank Sinatra Enterprises, has announced an exclusive new double-vinyl collection honoring the Chairman of the Board’s legendary partnerships with two of jazz’s most influential bandleaders: Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Titled The Giants of Jazz, the set will be released on September 26, 2025, and is now available for pre-order via the Official Store.
This meticulously curated package features two landmark albums—It Might As Well Be Swing with Count Basie and His Orchestra, and Francis A. & Edward K. with Duke Ellington—newly remastered from the original archival recordings. Housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket, the collection includes rare photographs and original cover artwork, making it a must-have for jazz enthusiasts, Sinatra collectors, and vinyl aficionados.
A Meeting of True Musical Giants
The title, The Giants of Jazz, could not be more fitting. Both albums represent career-defining collaborations where Sinatra’s unmistakable voice was paired with the unmatched swing of Basie’s big band and the sophisticated elegance of Ellington’s orchestra.
It Might As Well Be Swing (1964)
Originally released in August 1964, this album marked Sinatra’s second studio pairing with Basie after 1962’s Sinatra–Basie and his first studio collaboration with Quincy Jones as arranger. The tracklist boasts timeless standards, including:
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“Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words)” – now surpassing 766 million streams on Spotify
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“The Best Is Yet to Come” – one of Sinatra’s most enduring optimistic anthems
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“I Wanna Be Around” and “Hello, Dolly!”, showcasing his playful phrasing
Upon release, the album reached #13 on the Billboard 200, and critics continue to hail it as a definitive jazz-vocal recording. The Guardian praised Quincy Jones’ arrangements for blending Sinatra’s vocals seamlessly into the orchestra, while Jazz Music Archives gave it a 5-out-of-5 star review.
Francis A. & Edward K. (1968)
First released in January 1968, this album brought together Sinatra and Ellington for an elegant big-band session arranged by longtime Sinatra collaborator Billy May. The record features Ellington’s star-studded orchestra, including Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Paul Gonsalves, and Cat Anderson. Highlights include:
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“All I Need Is the Girl” – a swinging rendition with Ellington’s trademark touch
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“Indian Summer” – featuring a soulful saxophone solo by Johnny Hodges
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“I Like the Sunrise” and “Poor Butterfly”, rich in jazz sophistication
The sessions produced a set of refined, richly orchestrated tracks that stand as a testament to the artistry of both men.
More for Collectors and Fans
The release is part of a wider Sinatra reissue campaign. Ahead of the holidays, fans can also look forward to a special 4-inch Tiny Vinyl Edition of “Jingle Bells/Silent Night”, arriving September 12, 2025.
Tracklisting for The Giants of Jazz
It Might As Well Be Swing
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A1. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)
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A2. I Wish You Love
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A3. I Believe In You
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A4. More (Theme From Mondo Cane)
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A5. I Can’t Stop Loving You
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B1. Hello, Dolly! (From Hello, Dolly!)
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B2. I Wanna Be Around
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B3. The Best Is Yet To Come
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B4. The Good Life
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B5. Wives And Lovers
Francis A. & Edward K.
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A1. Follow Me
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A2. Sunny
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A3. All I Need Is The Girl
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A4. Indian Summer
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B1. I Like The Sunrise
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B2. Yellow Days
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B3. Poor Butterfly
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B4. Come Back To Me
Key Highlights
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Historic double-vinyl release featuring Frank Sinatra with Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
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Newly remastered from archival sources for premium sound quality.
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Includes rare photographs and original cover artwork in a gatefold design.
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It Might As Well Be Swing features Quincy Jones’ first studio collaboration with Sinatra.
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Francis A. & Edward K. brings together Ellington’s legendary big band with Billy May’s arrangements.
The Giants of Jazz is more than a reissue—it’s a tribute to the enduring genius of three of America’s most celebrated musical icons. With newly restored sound, timeless performances, and stunning visuals, this collection offers both nostalgia for longtime fans and discovery for a new generation.
Pre-order now through the Official Store and experience the magic when it arrives September 26, 2025.
Report By Kal Thompson
