Swing, Swing, Swing

Keely Smith

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 22, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 22, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B00004NRVW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #106,871 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The mid-'90s lounge music revival has come and gone, the music of Louis Prima has been used to sell khaki pants, but--strangely enough--vocalist and Prima ex-wife Keely Smith has remained relatively quiet. Until now. With the appropriately titled Swing, Swing, Swing, Smith proves she still has the perfect timing, pitch, and vocals that she had on those classic collaborations with Prima. Also, the late trumpeter-bandleader's spirit seems to permeate this infectious disc. Smith starts with a lively medley of "When You're Smiling" and "The Sheik of Araby," does Prima favorites "Jump, Jive, An' Wail" and "Robin Hood," and includes plenty of unique numbers she can call her own (just check out "Keely's Boogie"). "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," "Yata Hei," and the album's title track are some highlights--upbeat numbers where the 17-piece Frankie Capp Orchestra provide all the jazzy energy of Smith's old bandleader, Billy May. There are a few disappointing tunes--"Let the Good Times Roll," a studio performance meant to sound like a live lounge recording--and "Palm Springs Jump," but this is still a great comeback. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keely's Back!, March 17, 2000

By	Peter Kline (Coral Springs, FL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This fantastic fun album marks the return to recording for Keely Smith. (Actually an album of Sinatra songs was made before this one but has not been officially released yet). Keely's in great voice and Frankie Capp's swinging big band is sensational as well. The arrangements ARE NOT BY BILLY MAY as stated in another review (by "me"). They are by Dennis Michaels and Don Menza. Debuting March 20 on the Billboard Jazz Chart at #17. Way to go Keely!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keely's back and better than ever!, March 14, 2000

By	Leigh Anne Bramlett "Frequent books and music... (Louisiana) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are a Keely Smith fan, or even if you are just a fan of swing music, you must own this CD. It's packed with fun, swinging numbers, including several that pay homage to the Prima style (check out "I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me" and "Sunny Side of the Street") Keely sounds amazing, and is embracing more of a jazzy style these days. I've been listening to this CD non-stop the past few days, and it's put me in a great mood! Go grab it! (Keely, if you're reading, you absolutely have to do a show in New York soon!)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keely Still Swings, November 7, 2003

By	R. Angeloni "slicktiger28" (Northern California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Three simple words. This CD swings. From the first cut to the last, "Swing, Swing, Swing" will have you moving, if not dancing!
Backed by the Frankie Capp Orchestra, Keely still proves that she has the chops to sing these songs. Certainly, at 70 her voice is not the same as it was when she was 30, but it still remarkably strong, and quite honestly, her voice and talents clearly surpass many of today's so-called divas.
Some highlights of the CD are "Jump, Jive, and Wail," "When You're Smiling/The Shiek of Araby," and the extended version of "Swing, Swing, Swing."
My only complaint, and it's minor, is the CD length. At about 47 minutes, I was hoping to hear more. But still, if you like swing, jazz, or music that moves, this CD is highly recommended.