The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra w/Helen O’Connell - Man, That’s Groovy
(c.1944)
Louis Prima - Medley: On The Sunny Side Of The Street/Exactly Like You (c.1958)
…Though I’m a big Louis Prima fan, I’m not usually a fan of live albums. This one is an exception for it documents a unique group at the height of its power.
This is from the third straight classic album by trumpeter-singer Louis Prima with his wife-singer Keely Smith and the spirited R&B tenor-saxophonist Sam Butera; it is as exciting as the first two. Recorded live in Lake Tahoe, the band romps through four medleys (including “On the Sunny Side of the Street/Exactly Like You” and “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me/I’m in the Mood for Love”), Keely’s feature on “A Foggy Day,” Butera’s showcase on “Come Back to Sorrento” and trombonist Red Blount’s extroverted rendition of “How High the Moon.” Toss in a few vocal duets and the results are quite memorable. All of Prima’s first three Capitol records (which have thus far only been reissued on CD in samplers) are highly recommended for they document a unique group at the height of its power. - allmusic.com
