by Scott Yanow
Louis Prima's second Capitol LP with Keely Smith, Sam Butera and the Witnesses is just as exciting as his first. The trumpeter-vocalist was a natural entertainer and comedian, and all of his skills are on evidence during this spirited program. The honking tenor of Sam Butera, Keely Smith's appealing voice and the mixture of dixieland and R&B results in some remarkable and very accessible music. Highlights include the medley of &When You're Smiling& and &The Sheik of Araby,& trombonist Red Blount's feature on &Blow, Red, Blow,& &Pennies from Heaven,& &The Birth of the Blues& and &When the Saints Go Marching In.& What a band.