[Dixielandjazz] Sam Butera & The Wildest (after the Witnesses)

[David M Richoux]

I think a lot of people, even some "serious OKOM folks" tend to  
sometimes forget about the "Italian Connection" in early Jazz. Not  
just Nick La Rocca and Louie Prima!

I see there is a book by Bill Dal Cerro coming out called "Bebop,  
Swing and Bella Musica: The History of Italian Americans in Jazz" -  
looks like it might be interesting...
http://www.italiansinjazz.com/
and a pre-review article: http://www.italiansinjazz.com/interview.php
Dave Richoux
On Jul 27, 2010, at 4:22 PM, Harry Callaghan wrote:

> Steve:
>
> I just stated things as to what had been my recollection but it  
> certainly
> isn't worth haggling over.
>
> I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and we'll say that Louis had  
> the
> rights to the Witnesses and Sam the Wildest.
>
> The most important thing here is that their legacy is not getting  
> lost in
> the shuffle what with Louis' son carrying on.
>
> Incidentally, I understand that the most recent New Orleans Jazz &  
> Heritage
> Festival had a poster bearing Louis Prima's likeness from a painting  
> by
> Anthony Benedetto, who we know of as Tony Bennett when he sings.
>
> I acquired a CD by Sam recently entitled "The Whole World Loves  
> Italians"
> that has him singing some ballads that really came as a surprise to  
> me.
> "Unforgettable" was one, and he also played a lush instrumental  
> version of
> "Misty" and naturally, a few Italian standards, in what you might  
> wish to
> call Prima style
>
> Last I heard Keely is still belting them out at about 80.
>
> Tides,
> HC.
>