The mid-'90s lounge music revival has come and gone, the music of Louis Prima has been used to sell khaki pants, but--strangely enough--vocalist and Prima ex-wife Keely Smith has remained relatively quiet. Until now. With ... more »the appropriately titled Swing, Swing, Swing, Smith proves she still has the perfect timing, pitch, and vocals that she had on those classic collaborations with Prima. Also, the late trumpeter-bandleader's spirit seems to permeate this infectious disc. Smith starts with a lively medley of "When You're Smiling" and "The Sheik of Araby," does Prima favorites "Jump, Jive, An' Wail" and "Robin Hood," and includes plenty of unique numbers she can call her own (just check out "Keely's Boogie"). "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," "Yata Hei," and the album's title track are some highlights--upbeat numbers where the 17-piece Frankie Capp Orchestra provide all the jazzy energy of Smith's old bandleader, Billy May. There are a few disappointing tunes--"Let the Good Times Roll," a studio performance meant to sound like a live lounge recording--and "Palm Springs Jump," but this is still a great comeback. --Jason Verlinde« less
The mid-'90s lounge music revival has come and gone, the music of Louis Prima has been used to sell khaki pants, but--strangely enough--vocalist and Prima ex-wife Keely Smith has remained relatively quiet. Until now. With the appropriately titled Swing, Swing, Swing, Smith proves she still has the perfect timing, pitch, and vocals that she had on those classic collaborations with Prima. Also, the late trumpeter-bandleader's spirit seems to permeate this infectious disc. Smith starts with a lively medley of "When You're Smiling" and "The Sheik of Araby," does Prima favorites "Jump, Jive, An' Wail" and "Robin Hood," and includes plenty of unique numbers she can call her own (just check out "Keely's Boogie"). "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," "Yata Hei," and the album's title track are some highlights--upbeat numbers where the 17-piece Frankie Capp Orchestra provide all the jazzy energy of Smith's old bandleader, Billy May. There are a few disappointing tunes--"Let the Good Times Roll," a studio performance meant to sound like a live lounge recording--and "Palm Springs Jump," but this is still a great comeback. --Jason Verlinde
Peter Kline | Coral Springs, FL United States | 03/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This fantastic fun album marks the return to recording for Keely Smith. (Actually an album of Sinatra songs was made before this one but has not been officially released yet). Keely's in great voice and Frankie Capp's swinging big band is sensational as well. The arrangements ARE NOT BY BILLY MAY as stated in another review (by "me"). They are by Dennis Michaels and Don Menza. Debuting March 20 on the Billboard Jazz Chart at #17. Way to go Keely!"
Keely's back and better than ever!
Leigh Anne Bramlett | Louisiana | 03/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are a Keely Smith fan, or even if you are just a fan of swing music, you must own this CD. It's packed with fun, swinging numbers, including several that pay homage to the Prima style (check out "I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me" and "Sunny Side of the Street") Keely sounds amazing, and is embracing more of a jazzy style these days. I've been listening to this CD non-stop the past few days, and it's put me in a great mood! Go grab it! (Keely, if you're reading, you absolutely have to do a show in New York soon!)"
Keely Still Swings
R. Angeloni | Northern California, USA | 11/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Three simple words. This CD swings. From the first cut to the last, "Swing, Swing, Swing" will have you moving, if not dancing!
Backed by the Frankie Capp Orchestra, Keely still proves that she has the chops to sing these songs. Certainly, at 70 her voice is not the same as it was when she was 30, but it still remarkably strong, and quite honestly, her voice and talents clearly surpass many of today's so-called divas.
Some highlights of the CD are "Jump, Jive, and Wail," "When You're Smiling/The Shiek of Araby," and the extended version of "Swing, Swing, Swing."
My only complaint, and it's minor, is the CD length. At about 47 minutes, I was hoping to hear more. But still, if you like swing, jazz, or music that moves, this CD is highly recommended."
Keely's hotter then ever now
HepCatSwinger | 09/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Until she releases her next CD (which I am really looking forward to) Keely Sings Sinatra, we have this CD which overall is enjoyable, however this is Louis Prima's music not Keely's. Keely is a ballad singer, not a swing singer, however the tribute is sincere and loving. I think her Sinatra tribute CD (coming out any day now) will be even better. Keely handles the swing/R&B tunes well, and their are no ballads, howevr I recently saw herin concert and she sang a ballad "It's Magic" and it blew the entire audience away, she really has improved as an artist since the 50's. Amd this CD really does swing, you can dance Jitterbug and Lindy to it, so pick it up support Keely Smith's comeback to the second era of swing."
Like a breath of fresh air
enso j maleri | Bridgeport ct. | 03/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Keely, where has she been?, I was always a GREAT admirer of Keely Smith, her swinging style, her vocal ability and the beauty and hippness of her pharasing, and not having heard of her in so long a time made me worry that perhaps she was gone for good, but, thanks to this recent release, those concerns have been dispelled, not only does she sound better than ever, but the Great big band behind her makes this cd a breath of fresh air when compared to the stuff thats out there now pretending to be swing"