Customer Reviews

Jump Jive & Wail: Essential

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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!

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.

Exuberant entertainer, singer, actor, songwriter and trumpeter Louis Prima was known as King of the Swingers and his over-the-top personality must have been something to behold as a bandleader during the 40's and whilst appearing in Las Vegas during the following decade when he teamed with wife Keely Smith as a duo. This ultimate 50's Capitol collection retains Keely's straight vocal charm for their timeless re-styled renderings of THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC and I'VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN whilst OH MARIE, (UP A) LAZY RIVER and SING, SING, SING are album tracks sure to brighten the dullest day. However, perhaps Prima is mainly nowadays recalled for I WANNA BE LIKE YOU (THE MONKEY SONG) which he shared with Phil Harris in Disney's 1967 classic animated THE JUNGLE BOOK. Adding latter-day tracks HELLO DOLLY and CABARET to the mix was obviously intended as competition but even if they failed to equal Louis Armstrong's Hit Parade classics, Prima delivers them with full-thrust feel-good factor, while CIVILISATION (BONGO, BONGO, BONGO) is a welcome throwback to the late 40's.

We all love the music of Louis Prima, and this CD has all the best of his work. My first CD had a visible flaw that affected the quality of the sound. I had no problem exchanging it. My second CD also has a slight visible flaw, but it doesn't affect the sound of the CD. Love all the songs!

This CD did not dissapoint me- It was classic Prima, some live cuts made it great- The music really gets your feet to swinging..

I have loved the sound of Louis Prima for years, just didn't know his name. Pandora helped me connect the two, and off to Amazon I went.

WARNING: Listening to this CD may cause finger snapping and toe tapping.

NOTE: These songs can be heard in the best Italian restaurants.

Louis Prima entertained millions of people with his nightclub engagements, concert tours and record albums; and he certainly wasn't a shy guy, either! This CD gives us a whopping 26 tracks of Louis doing what he did best.

"Angelina/Zooma Zooma" is a live medley track with Louis singing of Angelina, a woman he loves. The musical arrangement is infectiously catchy and the male backup chorus enhances the number, too. Listen for Louis Prima singing with Keely Smith on "That Old Black Magic;" the percussion and brass are great; Louis and Keely make magic in my book! Moreover, there's "I've Got You Under My Skin;" this duet with Louis and Keely shines like gold in their competent hands. I really like "I've Got You Under My Skin!"

"Pennies From Heaven" has a great arrangement that swings brightly; and "(Up A) Lazy River" swings gently--but it still sparkles as Louis delivers this with panache and all his heart and soul. "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" uses the piano well; and Louis sings this one to perfection. Love those backup vocalists, too! Listen also for a musical jam session that'll knock your socks off as the band totally lets loose on "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody!"

"Just One Of Those Things" features Louis's vocals squarely in the spotlight and the piano starts the musical arrangement beautifully. Listen for Louis to scat a bit on "Just One Of Those Things," too. "Hello Dolly!" gets the royal treatment from Louis; he sings this wonderfully. Satchmo, watch out! SMILE "Cabaret" is another number that I love; and I predict that you will enjoy "Cabaret" very, very much.

The liner notes have a great essay by James Ritz and the photos are really nicely presented. David McEowen did a perfect job remastering these tunes at Capitol Studios in Hollywood.

If ever you feel depressed, put on a Louis Prima album. His zest for life and his electric performances can put a big broad grin on just about anyone who has a pulse! I highly recommend this CD for Louis Prima fans; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will treasure this CD for ages to come.

Thank you, Louis! Great job, everyone!

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