|
|
Keely Smith - The Essential
Capitol Collection (Capitol) Underrated. More than playing straight for Louis Prima - for my money, Ms. Smith was the better of that pair. And for less than a dozen bucks, you can get the best of her Capitol years all in one pile, at iTunes. Such a deal. Ms. Smith signed to Capitol at the insistence of Mr. Prima - her then-husband - who said, in effect, "You don't get me, unless you sign her, too." Yes, the best of the work they did together is here - but so, too are some outstanding solo turns, without the silly stuff. Tunes like, "Stormy Weather," and "Someone To Watch Over Me." Add a pair of duets with Frank Sinatra - including "How Are You Fixed For Love," and more than half the tracks have been remastered - and, well - this is quite a collection. Ms. Smith - now 75 - still tours. She recently appeared on the "Radio Deluxe" program, where she said she and Ol' Blue Eyes were an item at one time. Asked if he was a good kisser, she said, "...he wasn't even a good lover!" But they made nice music in the studio. Good stuff, this. And while a steady diet of Ms. Smith's Virginia accent gets in the way a little, I think of this as a great big can of spice worthy of any mix I cook up on the 'pod. Very highly recommended.
- Doug Boynton |
| Pertinent Stuff: | |
Three
and one-half microphones (out of four)