Search - Sammy Davis Jr, Buddy Rich :: Sounds of 66

Outstanding. Sammy and Buddy swing Vegas.

06/30/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sammy sings and Buddy Rich and the band swing this album to near perfection. It is live, it is raw and it is real. It is as much a listening experience as it is a musical history lesson. From Sammy's opening narrative on what it is they are doing at 5am in the morning in Vegas, to Buddy Rich's insane drum-breaks. This is Vegas and this is swinging big band. It is intereting to note some of the awkward musical arrangements which make this album a wonder. It is 1966 and the Beatles have landed. Big band swing and the "Rat Pack" culture are on the popular downslide and Rock is about to take over the musical landscape. The subtle rock influence on some of the arrangements is unmistakable -- and as hard as the band tries they still swing the "2&4." "I know a place" is the prime example. It starts off with a choppy rock-pop piano rythme, but Sammy and the boys swing the pop right out of the tune by the time it ends. Heard of the "Cherry Poppin' Daddies"? Well, they "borrow" the entire "Come Back to Me" arrangement for their 1997 album from this 1966 album. If you have "Sinatra and Basie Live at the Sands" this is a must companion piece -- and if you have neither, run out and get both."

Bar None - The Best Live Sammy Davis Recording Available

Mack_T_Knife | USA | 08/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sammy decided to do a show at about 4:00 AM in Las Vegas and sent out invitations to all his entertainer friends on the Strip. The crowd, therefore, is very responsive. Very hard driving, compelling arrangements and Buddy Rich's band is explosive. Sammy is absolutley fervent in his singing. He puts everything he's got into every number. You also get a feel for Sammy's demeanor in Rat Pack era with his "hep cat" banter at the start and end of the record. "Well, we're running out of wax, end tape, all that jazz..." etc. etc. This is straightforward showcasing of the serious singing talent this man had. No celebrity impressions or clowning for Frank and Dean on this recording. He plays second fiddle to no one in this performance. All eyes & ears are fixed on Sam and he WOWs the crowd. Sammy was at his best live and this is the best recording of him live. Too bad it's out of stock. Find it used. A must."

The best of Both

S Papazian | Lakeside, Oh United States | 01/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own this album as an LP since 1966 and it is truely one of the best for both Buddy and Sammy!!! I don't think i have to say much more. But, I would love to have a CD of this album and wish that whoever makes the CD remakes would wake up and smell the coffee!! Thanks.........Steve"