Louis Prima / Keely Smith - Return Of The Wildest (WITH SAM BUTERA AND THE WITNESSES) (CD)

Originally released in 1961, as Louis Prima and Keely Smith's marriage and musical partnership were dissolving, RETURN OF THE WILDEST shows some signs of their behind-the-scenes drama, but this never overshadows the songs. Given Smith's co-billing, it's not surprising that the unflappable vocalist is featured more here than on her earlier outings with Prima. Her standout tracks include the bittersweet "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons" and the accusatory "Absent-Minded Lover," which both hint at marital discord. As always, though, it's the energetic vocalist/trumpeter himself who attracts the most attention, and Prima shines the brightest on the jaunty, swinging narratives "South of the Border" and "The Grasshopper," while saxophonist Sam Butera and his group cut loose on the jubilant "South Rampart Street Parade." Although this set doesn't quite match its predecessor, THE WILDEST!, it is another fine example of why Keely and "The Lip" were one of pop music's most entertaining and beloved duos.