Keely Smith: Swing, Swing, Swing

In the 1950s Keely Smith and her husband Louis Prima were one of the hottest acts in Las Vegas. Their fun-filled lounge act emphasized the couple’s sly, sexy interplay and the honking tenor of Sam Butera. Surviving recordings demonstrate why they were billed as “The Wildest Show In Las Vegas.” In 1961 the couple divorced and in 1978 Louis passed away in a New Orleans nursing home. While Keely Smith has recorded sporadically, this is her first session in more than 15 years. Surprisingly, at the age of 68, she remains an energetic, exuberant vocalist. Backed by the roaring 17-piece Frank Capp Orchestra, Kelly gives it her all on 16 up-tempo swing standards. Many of the arrangements by Dennis Michaels and Don Menza recall the glory days of the Smith/Prima duo. While they may lack subtlety and shading there is certainly no shortage of energy or brassy volume. The CD’s title is derived from Smith’s vocalized adaptation of one of Prima’s most famous compositions, Sing, Sing, Sing. Along with chestnuts like Kansas City, Jump, Jive 'An Wail, Let The Good Times Roll, and Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Swing, Swing, Swing is the perfect party album for those still enamored with the 90’s hepcat revival. ###