Good Spirit
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 06/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Hey, Daddy, I want a diamond ring, bracelets, everything; Daddy, you want to get the best for me," is how Sammy Kaye's 1941 classic "Daddy" opens. Sammy Kaye's light pop jazz was one of the most popular of the big bands. This set taken from his radio broadcasts has good quality and brings back the 40s era. Kaye worked with some excellent vocalists. Billy Williams sings on "You've Got Me Crying Again," "What is this love all about? I'm in, I'm out. Your kisses right from the start came from your lips, not your heart." Betty Barclay sings Sammy Kaye's delightful rendition of "Sunny Side of the Street," still a gorgeous melody sure to put a smile on your face. The Three Kaydets harmonize on the delightfully dated "Powder Your Face with Sunshine." Nancy Norman is probably my favorite of the vocalists, perhaps because I crack up each time the announcer goes, "Little Nancy Norman." On "Candy" she croons, transforming a good tune into a great performance. Her swing on the sassy "I'm Beginning to See the Light" takes this Duke Ellington melody and makes me press the repeat button. Sammy Kaye was a great entertainer. His music continues to have an appeal for his lovely melodies and good spirit. "22 Original Big-Band Recordings" is an excellent collection. Enjoy!"