Chris Daniels & The Kings: Louie Louie

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: March 1, 1999

Singer Chris Daniels leads his small swing band in the re-creation of some of the music of Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, and Louis Jordan. Recalling that and more, Louie Louie includes twelve classic vocal tunes and a surprise instrumental bonus track outtake. The arrangements are refreshing and include ample instrumental interludes from trumpet, saxophone, violin, piano, guitar, and harmonica. Although the album is under 40 minutes in length with tracks averaging three minutes, the horns are clean & tight, the singers are on target, and the result is enjoyable. Background information on Chris Daniels and The Kings may be found at http://www.chrisdaniels.com .

Chris Daniels has a smooth, relaxed, breathy vocal style unlike that of the three Louies. Along with pianist Dean Ledoux and guest singers, Daniels re-creates each arrangement accurately. The Kings capture Louis Jordan’s ensemble sound on "Ain’t Nobody Here but us Chickens" and Louis Prima’s swing rhythm on "Five Months, Two Weeks, Two Days." Forrest Means emulates Satchmo’s trumpet style accurately on "Shine" and offers an outstanding interlude on "Is You Is or Is You Ain’t my Baby." Sam Bush’s spirited violin interludes grace "Sure Had a Wonderful Time Last Night," "Penthouse in the Basement" and "Choo-Choo-Ch’ Boogie." Although the arrangements stand out as re-creations of the originals, Daniels has a unique vocal quality and spreads the fun among his many guests. Recommended.

Track Listing: If You

Personnel: Chris Daniels- vocals, guitar; Randy Amen- drums, vocals; Dean Ledoux- keyboards, vocals; Kevin Lege- acoustic and electric bass, vocals; Bones Jones- lead and rhythm guitars; Carlos Chavez- alto and tenor saxophones, vocals; Forrest Means- trumpet, vocals.

Guest Fly McClard- baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone; Jim Downey- trombone; Tony Klatka- trumpet on "I

Record Label: Moon Voyage Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream