During 1940-1941, Louis Prima led a medium-size (ten-piece) combo, which by 1944 had expanded to a full big band. Although a popular figure during this era, Prima was not quite a star and his big band never really caught on. The 23 numbers on this good-natured CD include a couple instrumentals ("To You, Sweetheart, Aloha" and the swinging "Look Out"), novelties, vocal numbers for Lily Ann Carroll, and the debut versions of "Robin Hood," "Angelina," and "Oh Marie" (which hints at Prima's 1950s rendition). The leader is the main star throughout the historic release. Scott Yanow
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