Keely Smith - Return of the Wildest (1993) [Hi-Res]

Just prior to signing with Capitol, trumpeter/singer/comedian Louis Prima, singer Keely Smith and tenor saxophonist Sam Butera (leading his Witnesses) recorded several dates for the Dot label. There are some moments of magic on this long out of print LP, but the overall results are not as explosive as they would be in the near future. Prima is featured on such numbers as "Come Back to Sorrento," "After You've Gone," and "Chinatown My Chinatown"; Keely Smith is in the spotlight on "For Sentimental Reasons"; Butera gets to honk a bit; and trombonist Lou Sino goes a little crazy on "South Rampart Street Parade." The only Prima-Smith duet ("Absent-Minded Lover") is a bit forgettable. An enjoyable if not essential outing. [A CD version of the album was released in 1994.]
This re-issue from the near end of the Prima/Smith combination is definitely a good one. Originally released in 1961 by Dot records, this album has all the original features that made the Prima/Smith/Butera crew a hit, though Dot records still liked to throw in a violinist here or there. The album starts out hot with a dynamic recordings of "South Of The Border", which trumpeter Morgan Thomas shines on, as well does bassist Rolly Dilorio. The tune swings along, leading into a vocal version (done by Prima) of Butera's on-stage hit "Come Back To Sorrento". As the title suggests, the wildest is back, and it's not your typical arrangement. Sam Butera rocks this album with his honking tenor sax on a version of "For You", which swings thanks to the team of Lou Sino/Morgan Thomas and drummer Bobby Morris. He really lets loose on "The Grasshopper (let him hop)" which really gets your feet tapping. He is also featured in a beautiful instrumental version of "I Have But One Heart". His phrasing is incredible here... It seems as if all the members were pumped up for this album... Just listen to Prima tear it up on both vocals and trumpet in "After You've Gone" or Keely's sultry vocals as she sings "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons). Louis tongues his way through a delectable recording of Ray Bauduc's "South Rampart Street Parade", and the whole band has a blast with Louis Armstrong's "Old Man Mose" given the true Prima treatment. They make you feel as if you were in the studio with them as they recorded it. The most amazing part of this CD is the fantastic ending, on which Prima, Butera and his Witnesses shine in bringing on a chilling version of "Chinatown, My Chinatown". If you're looking for a wild romp with Prima and his boys, the title of the CD says it all.