Louis Prima with Keely Smith, Sam Butera & the Witnesses - The Wildest

"Based upon the diversity of music, quality of product and their extraordinary rate of progress, Pure Pleasure Records is our re-issue record company of the year." - hi-fi+

A tireless showman and an underrated musical talent, Louis Prima swung his way to icon status thanks to an irresistible, infectious sound whose appeal translated across generations. Normally a swing artist, Prima's distinctive sound also encompassed New Orleans-style jazz, boogie-woogie, jump blues, R&B, early rock and roll, and even the occasional Italian tarantella. Regardless of what form his music took, it swung hard and fast, with a rolling, up-tempo shuffle beat. His greatest period of popularity coincided with his marriage to singer Keely Smith, whose coolly sophisticated vocals and detached stage manner made a perfect counterpoint to Prima's boisterous presence. A veritable greatest-hits album, The Wildest! is a gem of Louis Prima's catalog.

Medley: Just A Gigolo

I Ain’t Got Nobody

(Nothing’s Too Good) For My Baby

The Lip

Body And Soul

Oh Marie

Basin Street Blues

When It’s Sleepy Time Down South

Jump, Jive And Wail

Buona Sera

Night Train

You Rascal You

Customer Reviews (4.40 Stars) 5 person(s) rated this product.

Wild indeed! posted on 08/02/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Shug According to the liner notes, Prima was never satisfied with any of his studio recordings because they didn't capture the band's live sound -- until this one. It definitely seems like they had a good time recording this LP. It sounds as close to a live 1950s Las Vegas gig as you can get without the smoke in your face.

One of my favorites posted on 03/27/2018 5 Stars This is an exceptionally fine quality recording, and one of my favorite records I own, both for sound quality and content. There’s a good chance you’ve heard some of the material on this album and may not have known who it was. This sound quality on re-issues can be highly variable, but this is among the most satisfying. I have a Louis Prima original from the 50’s that’s not nearly as good as this. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to reliably find original pressings in excellent condition. When a brand new, sealed, unplayed, quality re-issue becomes available, it’s a real find!

Great Fun posted on 01/05/2009 5 Stars Really great fun. Louis at his best.

the wildest IS! posted on 12/11/2008 5 Stars Reviewer: Tom great album, as usual the vinyl really brings out all the nuances of the performances, if you like Louis then you got to have this album!!!

Great record but poor remastering. posted on 09/26/2008 2 Stars I have the original Capitol rainbow pressing of this record which sounds fairly alive. This transfer sounds dead. High frequencies lost. Sounds like severe tape deterioration.

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