Louis Prima – The Original

Louis Prima – The Original

“The Original” is a lively collection showcasing the unmistakable style of American singer, trumpeter and bandleader “Louis Prima”. Famous for his exuberant performances, raspy vocals, swinging rhythms and infectious sense of humour, Prima brought together jazz, swing, Dixieland, jump blues and Italian-American musical influences to create a sound that remains instantly recognisable.

The collection features some of Prima's best-known recordings, beginning with the irresistible “Buona Sera” and “Oh Marie”, before moving through “Pennies From Heaven” and the energetic medley of “Angelina / Zooma Zooma”. “Just A Gigolo / I Ain't Got Nobody” is another essential Prima performance, while “That Old Black Magic”, “I've Got You Under My Skin” and “Body And Soul” demonstrate his ability to put his own distinctive stamp on classic standards.

There is plenty of variety throughout the album, from the romantic “It's Magic” and “I'm In The Mood For Love” to the upbeat “Night Train” and the playful “Banana Split For My Baby”. The later medleys include “Should I / I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me”, “Embraceable You / I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good” and “Basin Street Blues / When It's Sleepy Time Down South”, before the collection closes with “The Music Goes 'Round And Around”.

With its combination of swinging jazz, big-band energy, jump blues and infectious showmanship, “The Original” is an entertaining introduction to one of the great characters of American popular music. A strong choice for fans of Louis Prima, swing, traditional jazz, big-band music and classic vocal standards.

Tracklist

1. Buona Sera – 3:06
2. Oh Marie – 2:26
3. Pennies From Heaven – 2:20
4. Medley: Angelina / Zooma Zooma – 4:16
5. Medley: Just A Gigolo / I Ain't Got Nobody – 4:42
6. That Old Black Magic – 2:55
7. I've Got You Under My Skin – 2:37
8. Body And Soul – 3:22
9. It's Magic – 3:45
10. I'm In The Mood For Love – 2:30
11. Night Train – 2:45
12. Banana Split For My Baby – 2:30
13. Baby Won't You Please Come Home – 2:05
14. Medley: Should I / I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me – 4:48
15. Medley: Embraceable You / I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good – 2:56
16. Medley: Basin Street Blues / When It's Sleepy Time Down South – 4:12
17. The Music Goes 'Round And Around – 2:34