Swing, Swing, Swing

Smith,Keely ~ Swing Swing Swing

The mid-'90s lounge music revival has come and gone, the music of Louis Prima has been used to sell khaki pants, but--strangely enough--vocalist and Prima ex-wife Keely Smith has remained relatively quiet. Until now. With the appropriately titled Swing, Swing, Swing, Smith proves she still has the perfect timing, pitch, and vocals that she had on those classic collaborations with Prima. Also, the late trumpeter-bandleader's spirit seems to permeate this infectious disc. Smith starts with a lively medley of "When You're Smiling" and "The Sheik of Araby," does Prima favorites "Jump, Jive, An' Wail" and "Robin Hood," and includes plenty of unique numbers she can call her own (just check out "Keely's Boogie"). "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," "Yata Hei," and the album's title track are some highlights--upbeat numbers where the 17-piece Frankie Capp Orchestra provide all the jazzy energy of Smith's old bandleader, Billy May. There are a few disappointing tunes--"Let the Good Times Roll," a studio performance meant to sound like a live lounge recording--and "Palm Springs Jump," but this is still a great comeback. --Jason Verlinde