What was The Sinatra Symphonette?
Frank Sinatra appeared on the 15 minute To Be Perfectly Frank show. During this show, Sinatra played a combination of special small group recordings, called the Sinatra Symphonette, and other commercial recordings, including Sinatra’s and other artists. To Be Perfectly Frank was a twice weekly feature on the NBC network, from late 1953 to the spring of 1955. While the original broadcasts were on Tuesday and Friday evenings, the shows were rebroadcast over the US Armed Forces Radio and Television Services. While the Sinatra Symphonette was identified on AFRTS #18, consisting of Tony, Sunny, Mike, Johnny, and Graham; there are no complete records of the actual members of the quintet. The following musicians most likely appeared on all, many, or some of the special recordings: Piano: Bill Miller and Graham Forbes Drums: Johnny Blowers and Alvin Stoller Bass: John Ryan and Joe Comfort Guitar: Tony Mottola and Alan Reuss Reeds and Flute: Sonny Salad and Abe Most The typical format of the sh
