Search - Louis Prima :: Jump Jive & Wail: Essential

This legendary performer knocked 'em dead for nearly half a

Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 08/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"He was the leader of his own band when he was just 18 years old. He had a number of hit records during the 1930's and 1940's and would go on to become one of the most popular acts in the history of Las Vegas. He was a showman in every sense of the word. He hosted his own network radio program and was a much sought after guest on popular television variety shows including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and The Dean Martin Show to name but a few. He also appeared in a any number of motion pictures and was a an accomplished songwriter to boot. Yes, there's just no doubt about it. Louis Prima was the total package! In the late 1950's Louis Prima was itching to get back into the recording studio and inked a new multi-year deal with Capitol records. Over the next several years at Capitol Louis Prima would make what are generally considered to be the finest recordings of his career. "Jump, Jive an' Wail: The Essential Louis Prima" is a long overdue compilation of his very best work at Capitol. One cannot help but be impressed by the pure joy and sheer energy of so many of these memorable tunes. Long-time Prima fans are sure to fondly recall his work in the late 1950's with his then wife Keely Smith. "The Essential Louis Prima" features four of these great numbers including their wonderful rendition of "I've Got You Under My Skin", "The Lip", "Hey Boy! Hey Girl!" from the motion picture of the same name and of course the duo's signature tune "That Old Black Magic" which was a Top 20 hit in 1959. Personally, I had never heard very many Louis Prima records before purchasing this disc. I must tell you that I was absolutely blown away by the work of saxophonist Sam Butera on tunes like "Up A Lazy River" and "St Louis Blues" to name but a couple. Sensational stuff! And of course no Louis Prima collection would be complete without the title tune "Jump, Jive An' Wail" and "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody' from the Capitol LP "The Wildest" in 1956. Also included in "The Essential Louis Prima" is his wildly popular "I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)" from the animated Disney feature "The Jungle Book". In that film Louis is the voice of "King Louis" the orangutan. "The Jungle Book" has been a family favorite for more than 40 years.

"Jump, Jive An' Wail: The Essential Louis Prima" comes with a colorful and informative 12 page booklet that you are sure to enjoy. These wonderful recordings have been lovingly remastered by the folks at Capitol. Although Louis Prima passed away in 1978 he remains a legendary figure in the entertainment business. Whether you are a long-time fan or someone merely interested in sampling his work "The Essential Louis Prima" would certainly be an excellent choice for you. Highly recommended!"

It was okay , but there is better out there

Ms. Betsie | Northridge, CA, USA | 09/03/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I had half expected to have some different songs than what was on this CD...Like "Louis Prima Collectors Series" better, especially his duets with Keely Smith. If you only were going to buy one, I would personally get the Collectors Series, not The Essential Louis Prima. I do not like the arrangements as well, either and have only listened to the CD two times since I got it."

What FUN!

chavruta | Silver Spring, MD United States | 10/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is great stuff. I can't stop listening to it. I'm going to wear out my mp3 player."