Search - Louis Prima :: Beepin & Boppin

"Prima with Mardi Gras flavor"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 06/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Louis Prima was a swinger, with many copy-cat singers today still singing his praises. Brian Setzer, Big Voodoo Daddy, Cherry Poppin' Daddy and Royal Crown Revue have all tried to duplicate this cats style and music. It's difficult to improve on an original, so this CD proves there was only one Prima, Keely Smith and Sam Butera's, whose sax sound and style is as fresh today as it was then. This album rocks, very upbeat and is corny and dated on some tracks, but that's what makes this CD unique. Music lovers and collectors want what was then and still appreciated and accepted today. Though Prima started in his native New Orleans, he was very much influenced by Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong's singing and playing style, which is evident on many selections.This album from Hip-O Records is completely "pure entertainment" from beginning to end on sixteen tracks. Many selections not heard on other collections or compilations. Few stand outs - "AI-AI-AI" which Prima composed, he and Keely sing with Mardi Gras Flavor - "I BEEPED WHEN I SHOULD HAVE BOPPED" is a novelty tune with fresh and catchy lyrics, Prima breaks into an unrehearsed laugh - "CHARLESTON" down right Dixieland, having a ball one and all - "ENJOY YOURSELF (IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK)" is a group sing-a-long, with Prima, Smith and band members having a blast - "YES, WE HAVE NO BANANAS" has Prima crooning, with band backup replying. The list could go on and on, entire album is the "Ultimate" with room to spare. Hip-O Records is giving a party, and you are all invited, album has "New Years Eve" written all over it.Total Time: 44:33 on 16 Tracks/ Hip-O Records - HIPD 40160 (1999)"