Louis Prima arranger??
The back beat sounds like the Louis Prima/Keely Smith Vegas Act but maybe that was the main rhythm at the time this was made. Great for dancing.
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The band here is no match!
Cootie Williams is nearly always great, and he certainly is here -- but these pedestrian arrangements don't do much to complement his skills (rather, they detract from the overall impression). Williams is better off playing with Duke, where he really shines.
Great Album!
I love Cootie Williams because he puts more flair and passion into one note than most trumpet players. If you've ever seen him play, he looks like his head is going to explode from the extreme pressure he's pushing into that trumpet! The rich texture and growl that comes out of his trumpet is like no other and is instantly recognizable. Duke Ellington, one of the most prolific composers of our time, wrote music specifically for his musicians to highlight their talents, and none exemplified that more than Cootie Williams. This album has so many great interpretations of classic songs!
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