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By Charleston Hepston

Live from Las Vegas
2005 Capitol Records
SQ Issue:  Winter 2005/6, Volume 16, Issue 1 

 The Band:  Louis Prima – Vocals, trumpet; Keely Smith – Vocals; Sam Butera & The Witnesses – Vocals and rest of band.

 “There’s so much to savor in these recordings:  Louis’ outrageous antics and double entendre verbal play; evidence of Keely’s burgeoning vocal skills, presaging the world-class singer she would become and still is today…And best of all, the rapport they shared:  he the antagonizing but likeable cad, and she the stonefaced doll who was always ready with a zinger.”   --- Liner notes.

The liner notes say it all.  There’s not much left to say but this is far and away the most entertaining CD I own.  I keep it in my car, on my PC, in my iPod and in my laptop.  I’ve never been more drawn into a CD than with this one.  I feel like I have a table next to the stage and am living it live right along with them.

The music is fabulous.  You’ll hear all the Prima gems (with the exception of Jump, Jive & Wail – yes, that was Prima, not Brian Setzer) recorded live.  Prima and Smith tag team the vocals as well as team together for a few duets.  Not only that but they let Sam Butera into the act with a couple songs to go along with his fantastic sax licks.

If you are familiar with Louis & Keely, you’ll recognize a lot of the songs.  Songs like Them There Eyes/Honeysuckle Rose, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Too Marvelou for Words, Embracable You, Buona Sera and When the Saints Go Marching In.

Some other fun, danceable songs include Robin Hood and The White Cliffs of Dover.

I paid about $17 for this CD.  Something I don’t normally do.  However, I realize that Louis Prima is oft forgotten in the swing world as one of the best entertainers from that era.  I had a strong feeling it would be worth the coin.  I couldn’t have been more right.

Dancers be forwarned:  This CD has more listening value than danceability.  I would guess about half the 19 songs are danceable but 100% are entertaining.

Bottom Line:  To buy or not to buy….. BUY!  Here’s how: