Twist With Keely Smith / Doin' The Twist With Louis Prima

This danceable CD is a re-issue from Jasmine Records from 1962. Originally released as two separate LP's on Dot Records, these two albums feature Keely backed by H.B. Barnum and his Combo and Louis with Sam and the Witnesses. These albums are from the period shortly after their divorce and Louis' return to Capitol Records. Keely does well on her own, and the band behind her serves better than Nelson Riddle or Billy May strictly for the type of music she's singing. Her voice sounds particularly young and delectable, as she sings some very familiar songs such as "Let's Twist Again," "The Twist," and "Shout!" These songs are all fun, but short, and not typical of Keely. Louis, Sam and the boys tear into some of the same songs, but Louis also does a vocal version of "The Glow-Worm" and "Route 66." It comes as no surprise that Irving Berlin's "Marie" is almost unrecognisable with the exception of the lyrics.. but as always, Louis works his charm, and does just fine without Keely. If you dig the band and are a collector, this CD is for you. The same goes for folks who are looking to twist.