Search - Sammy Davis Jr :: That Old Black Magic

More impressive than it might look

Daniel Jolley | Shelby, North Carolina USA | 03/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Coming in at just over 29 minutes in length and featuring a number of hits readily available on other Sammy albums, this CD may not look like a must-have at first glance. Such looks are deceiving because this CD contains some very interesting tracks. You do get the standard versions of such great songs as That Old Black Magic (one of Sammy's best), The Candy Man, Hey There, and Something's Gotta Give, and The Birth of the Blues, another Sammy staple, appears here in a studio version which pales in comparison to Sammy's fantastic live performances. That leaves five songs that require a little closer scrutiny in terms of making a buying decision. Love Me or Leave Me is a great song featuring some scorching saxophone and vintage Sammy scat work. Don't Get Around Much Any More is a song I really like and would include on my own personal list of Sammy's best. Begin the Beguine is as interesting as it is enjoyable. The last two songs are not your typical Sammy fare, and that makes them quite notable in my opinion. Chicago has a short and choppy presentation that has Sammy almost talking rather than singing; my description makes it sound unappealing, and I admit it does take some getting used to, but it's really quite enjoyable. Then there is Because of You. Sammy's amazing impersonation skills may not be known to everyone, but they are evidenced here in this song. I admit that I can't readily identify several of the singers he imitates, but I know Nat King Cole is one of them. Because of You is really quite a beautiful song, and I would love to have heard Sammy sing it in his normal voice, but Sammy's imitations are never to be missed. This album does provide a great introduction to Sammy's magic, but it is also a more than worthwhile purchase for those already intimately acquainted with Sammy's greatest hits and most memorable performances."