Many people will probably remember Louis Prima as the voice of King Louis from Disney's the Jungle Book and duetting with Phil Harris on probably the best song in the movie (I Wanna Be Like You), but he actually had a very lengthy jazz/big band/Dixieland career. Prima was born in New Orleans to Italian immigrant parents in 1910. He started a seven-piece New Orleans style jazz band in the late '20s, a swing combo in the '30s, a big band in the '40s, and lounge act in Vegas in the '50s and a pop-rock band in the '60s. He was apparently very good with his fan base, often posing for pictures and signing autographs and was an equine enthusiast. He was a bit of a cad, having had an Elizabeth Taylor-esque string of marriages and divorces and eventually died of complications from a brain stem tumor in 1975. Apparently the inscription on his crypt reads, "When the end comes, I know, they'll all say 'just a gigolo' as life goes on without me. Lovingly, your little family..."
The Wildest! was recorded and released in 1956 and runs a tight 32:00. It also features Keeley Smith, who became one of Prima's many wives. This album is seen as probably the best in Prima's catalogue due to its fun mix of jump blues and jazz as well as its raunchy sense of humour. The book says, "this is simply irrepressible music that more than matches its cover shot. Prima is joyous, rumbustious, and irresistible.".
What do we say?
Holly:
Louis Prima: The Wildest! (1956):
What a well needed change of pace! From Tragic Songs of Life, to the Wildest! I thoroughly enjoyed this week’s listening, partially because it wasn’t the Louvin Brothers, and partially because this album is so damned fun!
The band is energetic, and Prima’s trumpet playing is clear and strong. Saxophonist Sam Butera influenced a whole ton of jazz, pop, and rock saxophonists for decades after this recording. He just has such a confrontational way of playing. It’s awesome!
I liked that there are a few different singers, including Prima’s wife, and that all the instruments in the band get a chance to shine on this album. I also like how there are a number of different styles of songs on this album, from ballads, to swing, to Dixieland.
I have a few favourite songs on this album. First is Just a Gigolo. I know it’s the Louis Prima song that everyone knows, but it really is a great, fun song with energy, and good singing by Louis Prima. There’s a reason everyone knows it!
I also enjoyed Oh Marie, I like the rock and roll tenor sax, the Dixie brass section at the end, and just the overall fun vibe of the song.
And, just to have three favorites, Night Train. It’s such an unexpected version of this song. It’s slow, and dirty, and like the rest of this album, very in your face. I love the unexpected silences, and the crazy piano.
Ok, a bonus one. I also like the trombone solo, Body and Soul. It’s very musical, great trombone sound, and he quotes The Peanut Vendor at the end!
All in all, this was a super fun listen. Maybe not incredibly virtuosic on any level, but a super satisfying listen all the same. 8/10
Kelly:
Oohhh this album is so much fun! It was probably a total gas being in Prima's band/watching one of his live shows. I really love this kind of exuberant big band/jump and I feel like in this album, Prima has a really good thing going.
I really like tight back up vocals, and he's got some here! I'll leave the instrumental/saxo opinions to Holly, because I'll probably just end up sounding like a fool. I also really like his effortless little bits of scat and improvisation in some of the phrases. His voice is really recognizable too, and he doesn't sound like he takes himself too seriously at all. I couldn't help but dance and smile when I listened to this!
I have to say my favourite song on this album is Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody. It's so cheeky and I just love the great big chord the voices open up on "Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ain't got nobody". So good! Prima's characterization in the song is good too.
As a second favourite I have to go with Night Train. I always thought this was a James Brown song and am more familiar with the faster James Brown version, but I must say, I really like this slow, raunchy shuffle! It's like a slightly intoxicated saunter. And the piano noodling is just great. Oh, AND when the sax solo is going on, I love the other band members cheering and jeering. It makes it feel like you're in on the jam session.
And for final favourite song I like (Nothing's Too Good) For My Baby. It's just more fun and more cheeky singing, with some really solid vocals from Keely Smith.
There really wasn't anything I didn't totally enjoy on this album. In fact, I am adding it to my 'to buy' list! 8.5/10
And just for a bonus, here's a fun live version of Night Train, complete with bitchy side-eye from Keely.
Night Train Live
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