Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ABOUT TIME!, June 27, 2001
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!
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sammy swings the Grove!, June 20, 2001
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.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE WHAM OF SAM!, June 20, 2001
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
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DVD ~ Jr. Sammy Davis
~ Sammy Davis Jr.
~ Sammy Davis Jr.
~ Sammy Davis Jr.
~ Frank Sinatra
by Sammy Davis Jr. 
