Louis Prima - Louis Prima: Swing It, His 53 Finest, 1933-1960

An exuberant collection of the best of Louis Prima (1911-1978), this hugely entertaining pair of CDs shows just why he was one of the favourite entertainers of the last century. New Orleans-born Prima, the son of Italian immigrants, was one of the last century�s most irresistible performers. Like his idol Louis Armstrong, he was a fine trumpeter, singer, bandleader and extrovert entertainer. His inspirational trumpet style, self-taught, was based on Oliver and Armstrong. His singing, described as 'hoarse and horny', mixed Neapolitan slang with scat. He was a truly great showman. Much later on, his was the voice of �King Louis� in The Jungle Book. 'Swing It!', the catchphrase of his popular radio show, is also the title of Retrospective�s summary of the very best of Louis Prima�s whole career, opening with the two lively titles from his very first recording session in 1933 (Chinatown, My Chinatown & Dinah). His New Orleans Gang, with top jazz stars such as Pee Wee Russell, Georg Brunis and Eddie Miller, recorded some great jazz. The 15 tracks here from 1934/8 include such major hits as In A Little Gypsy Tea Room and The Lady In Red, and his most famous composition, Sing, Sing, Sing. In the 40s Louis led a big band, pouring out a string of hot swing numbers (Brooklyn Boogie, Saint Louis Blues) and entertaining novelties (Robin Hood, Bell-Bottom Trousers), often �Neapolitan flavoured� (Angelina, Felicia No Capicia). In contrast