Customer Reviews

At the Cocoanut Grove (Dlx)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I start this review by expressing my gratitude to Altovise Davis, who bravely hung in there and cleared Sammy's estate with the IRS and, teaming with the good people at Rhino Records, is giving us wonderful recordings like this one (and a spectacular box set of a few years ago) of one of this world's truly greatest entertainers on CD format. While Sammy could sing, dance, act, and play any number of instruments, many agree his forte was found in his live performances. Here is a prime example.Sammy swung "The Grove" on this night with long time arranger/conductor George Rhodes. He sang, joked, danced, and did his famous impersonations of singers and actors alike. To truly understand this man's uncanny talent, never mind all that; you need only listen to the tracks he does with drummer Michael Silva (a medley of Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin", "Night And Day" and a tune of the day (back then) "Big Bad John"...some combination huh?) and the "West Side Story" Medley he did with Michael's cousin, bongo player Johnny Mendoza. To never miss a beat, to stay in tune and tempo with just percussion, is mind boggling. The remastering is second to none (as is the case with everything Rhino does) and the liner notes, both original and new are the finishing touch on this great re-issue. After enduring years of meager offerings of Sammy's work, this is one helluva payoff. As my fellow reviewers have mentioned, please also buy (and thoroughly enjoy) the corresponding release of Sammy's "THAT'S ALL" album, comprised of two fantastic discs, recorded live in Vegas. Keep up the good work Rhino!

It is so fantastic that Rhino & Warner Bros. have resissued this classic live recording on CD, complete with original artwork, liner notes and even the original Reprise Steamboat logo as it appeared on the vinyl. The re-mastered recording sounds great and it is an awesome document of Sammy's multi-talented prowess. There's even a plug for the Southern Poverty Law Center in the booklet, so you can help make a difference as well as be entertained. Also check out "That's All," which was released in conjunction with this CD and features Sammy live at the Sands Hotel a.k.a. the House That Frank Built. It's a wonder the joint didn't implode back then due to the sheer force of Sammy's talent. One request for Rhino: please, please, please re-issue "When the Feeling Hits You," which features Sammy live with Sam Butera & the Witnesses at the Sands.

Sammy Davis, Jr. possessed a natural ability to entertain; his skills were amongst the rarest and the most divinely given to any human being. Sammy could reach out to his audience and lead them wherever he wished; no wonder Frank Sinatra often referred to Sammy as "The Leader!" This CD captures Sammy at the top of his game performing live at The Cocoanut Grove Lounge in Los Angeles in late 1962; and from start to finish the electricity in the air reflects Sammy's singular talents and his rapport with his audience.

Sammy begins with the classic "Once In A Lifetime" by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley; Sammy delivers this with strength, poise and masculine charm. His band plays an excellent musical arrangement for "Once In A Lifetime," too. "In The Still Of The Night" gets the royal treatment from Sammy and the musicians; Sammy sings this with great sensitivity and the horns complement his vocals very well. "What Kind Of Fool Am I," a song Sammy Davis, Jr. loved to perform, showcases Sammy's singularly beautiful interpretation of this ballad. Awesome!

Of course, Sammy enjoyed an excellent rapport with his audience. On this CD he tells the audience about the time he met President Kennedy after a concert appearance; and later on in the concert Sammy pokes fun at old movies to make his audience howl with laughter.

Other great numbers recorded from this concert include Sammy's medley of songs from West Side Story; and Sammy's medley of "I've Got You Under My Skin/Big Bad John/Night And Day" wows the audience.

Sammy delivers "Me And My Shadow" with panache and sensitivity; and "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody" gives Sammy the chance to perform some of his famous--and very funny--impressions of other well known performers.

The band does some awesome jamming near the end of the concert and Sammy introduces them all; and after saying a sweet parting "thank you" to his audience Sammy closes with a refrain of "The Birth Of The Blues." "The Birth Of The Blues" provides a strong ending for the concert and leaves the audience--and you--wanting much, much more.

The liner notes have incredible photos of Sammy Davis, Jr.; and you get the original liner notes for the record album written by Joey Bishop. Army Archerd also contributes a fine essay about Sammy; and you get the song credits as well.

There will never be another Sammy Davis, Jr. Sammy could sing, dance and act with the best of them; and that's something few entertainers ever achieve in their lifetimes. Sammy loved his audiences; and when they loved him back for loving them Sammy loved them even more. The love fest is evident on this recording and on all of Sammy's other live recordings, too.

I highly recommend this CD for Sammy Davis, Jr. fans; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals and easy listening will treasure this CD for years to come.

This is Sammy Davis, Jr. @ his very best! The little room @ the old Coconut Grove was excellent for recordings and this one turned out FABULOUSLY!

The energy, the personality, the Frank-isms are all there. His "West Side Story Medley with just bongo accompaniment is breathtaking...and his swinging of "Falling in Love Again" is crisp.

This is one that even those who are "eh!" about Sammy should try out. You will LOVE it1

An electrifying performance in an intimate setting. A true master of cabaret entertainment.

Singing Weasel

Due to litigation, those without the original LP had to wait a long time for this CD's release. Finally, a real taste of the true genius of Sammy Davis Junior in an easier format. This is where he is at his best, with a live audience feeding his energy. He pulls out all the stops as an entertainer. If you have never heard him truly "live", this is an absolute must have; it is the essence of his nightclub performance and a real feel of the "Rat Pack" genre. The recording itself is a high quality, giving you the sense of actually being there. Do yourself a big favor and buy it.

I first bought the 1963 double live album in 1969. I loaned it to a friend and 'lost it' many years ago. I thought I had lost this wonderful performance forever. I was so pleased to see it available on CD via your website. It is, to my mind, the best work from the greatest entertainer who ever lived. The quality of the CD [which, I guess, is 'remastered'] is truly worthy of a classic collectors item such as Sammy Davis Jr "Live At The Coconut Grove". Thank you.

sammy davis at the coconut grove is brilliant,hilarious,sammy swings like no other sammy made me laugh after it's comedy is 40years old i drove around in my car laghing all the time at his jokes and impersonations!
but dont get me wrong its musically brilliant,what kind of fool am i is toughing and sung just briliantley he has such wide range vocally i feel he was the best of the 3ratpack guys,sammy had the biggest voice of them all!!
brilliant thats all i can say!cant wait for my next SDJ cd"that's all"

I had this CD on vinyl at one time & absolutely loved it! It's even better as a CD! Sammy was an awesome performer & this CD brings that all out. Wish it was on video, it would be even better. I really miss that man.

A must-own for Sammy lovers! Reminds me of just why so many of us enjoyed him and miss him so much. Sammy singing, doing schtick and -- especially! -- doing impersonations of everyone who was anyone. A born entertainer, a once-in-a-lifetime performer. This performance prompted me to find a video of the priceless episode of "All in the Family" -- Sammy's visit to the Archie Bunker household. TV at its seldom-achieved best!!!