The Official Web Site of Louis Prima

BY GENE KNIGHT

A GENUINE AMERICAN NIGHT CLUB ACT in the grand tradition (there are only a few of 'em left in the midst of all these juvenile singers, sick comics and imported performers) opened in Basin Street East and last night the joint was jumpin' with jive.

Louis Prima, jazz trumpeter, individualistic throaty singer and natural comedian, led his company of wild musicians and choralists with a style of their own, onto the bandstand for more than one hour of triumphant tumult.

You know what happened to the audience? They broke up!

Prima and his perpetrators of merry mayhem are the nearest thing to perpetual motion in show business these nights. Not since he played 52nd Street - when that strip was the jazz center of New York have I seen an act take over like Louis did last evening.

'Twas Frantic

Not only did the hard-working star play, sing and gesture madly, but he danced - and kicked high. 'Twas frantic.

And Prima will be in orbit over Basin Street East the next three weeks.

This act is so new and fresh in presentation that It looks as if Louis makes it up as he goes along. Their songs are given such different treatment that they sound new, too.

One reason for this is the fact that Prima is a specialist in scat singing. "Them There Eyes," for instance.

Louis' new girl singer is Gia Maione and she is a fine find.

New Singer

She's lively, amusing, pretty and excels in rapid rhythmic duets with Prima: "Look What You Did to Me," "I Want You to Be My Baby," "My Scooter Won't Scoot No More."

Prima's sidemen, The Witnesses, all are stars.

Sax player Sam Butera, who sings like "Satchmo" Armstrong; versatile Morgan Thomas, who plays half a dozen instruments, all of them well; big Louis Sino, who can toot a trombone faster and longer than anyone I've heard in years.

Rolly Dee, who gets real jazz music out of a bass viol; serious Alan Seltezr, who keeps his mind on his guitar; Jimmy Vincent, funniest drummer on any bandstand.

Breathless

At the beg-off, Louis Prima and his partner were breathless. So was the audience.

Jack Kelly and his musical threesome warmed up the room quickly for the Prima parade.

This is a happy, laughing bunch of whirlwind entertainers Louis has under his command.

Last night in Basin Street East, Pandemonium reigned. So did Prima. I pushed my way out of the crowded club at an early hour this morning - tingling.