KEELY SMITH AND COUNT BASIE & HIS ORCHESTRA — Keely & Basie : A Beautiful Friendship (1963-2013) RM | DSD MONO | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Introduction
Voice – Count Basie, Keely Smith, Martin Block
2    Gonna Buid A Mountain
Accompanied By – Count Basie Orchestra
Vocals – Keely Smith
3    Cherry Point
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
4    Fly Me To The Moon
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
Vocals – Keely Smith
5    Jumpin' At The Woodside (Closer)
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
6    Young At Heart
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
Vocals – Keely Smith
7    Corner Pocket
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
8    Crazy He Calls Me
Accompanied By – Count Basie Orchestra
Vocals – Keely Smith
9    Whirlyt-Bird (Closer)
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
10    I Could Write A Book ~ A Beautiful Friendship
Accompanied By – Count Basie Orchestra
Vocals – Keely Smith
11    The Touch Of Your Lips
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
12    Make Someone Happy
Accompanied By – Count Basie Orchestra
Vocals – Keely Smith
13    Why Not? (Closer)
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
14    Basically Blue
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
15    My Heart Cries For You
Accompanied By – Count Basie Orchestra
Vocals – Keely Smith
16    Make The Man Love me
Accompanied By – Count Basie Orchestra
Vocals – Keely Smith
17    One O'clock Jump (Closer)
Orchestra – Count Basie Orchestra
Credits :
Keely Smith - Vocals
Count Basie - Piano
& His Orchestra
The National Guard Session. Recorded at WNEW Studio A, New York in December 1963.

KEELY SMITH — Dearly Beloved (1961-1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Another long-lost Dot album from Keely Smith! This one hails from 1961 and includes Here in My Heart; You'll Never Walk Alone; Twilight Time; Young in Years, and more, all lushly arranged by George Greely.
Tracklist :
1    Dearly Beloved    2:42
Jerome Kern / Johnny Mercer
2    Close    2:32
Shaw / Bacharach
3    Tea Leaves    2:16
Berk / Capano / Freedman
4    Help    2:54
Carr / Fain
5    Take My Hand    2:46
Prima / Smith
6    Here In My Heart    2:58
Bill Borrelli / Pat Genaro / Lou Levinson
7    Finally    3:16
Fain / Barnett
8    Great Expectations    2:40
Fain / Hilliard
9    La-Bou-Lay-A    3:16
M. Hooven / J. Hooven
10    You'll Never Walk Alone    2:32
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
11    Twilight Time    2:34
Alan Dunn / Al Nevins / Buck Ram
12    Clearance Sale    2:43
W. Samuels
13    Young In Years    2:51
Prima / Millet
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor – George Greeley
Vocals - Keely Smith

LOUIS PRIMA WITH KEELY SMITH - Breaking It Up! (1953-1998) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

In late 1951, Louis Prima was hot on the heels of a comeback success the year before with "Oh Babe!," and a record so big that it spawned numerous cover versions by everyone from Wynonie Harris and Lionel Hampton to Kay Starr and even a Spanish language version by Lalo Guerrero ("Chitas Patas Boogie" on Imperial and used in the movie Zoot Suit with Edward James Olmos). After three follow-ups went nowhere (one of which was the immortal "Zooma Zooma"), Prima came to Columbia Records and was handed over to A&R chief Mitch Miller. And here was part of the problem. Prima's audience liked a cruder Louis and were used to records cut on shoestring budgets with production values that were as raw as the music they framed, while Miller's production was state-of-the-art squeaky-clean. Miller had Prima covering R&B hits of the day ("One Mint Julep") jump blues ("Oooh-Dahdilly-Dah" and one of the few tracks to feature Keely Smith on here), Latin-flavored tunes ("Chili Sauce"), novelty tunes like "Barnacle Bill the Sailor," "Boney Bones," and "It's Good as New (I Painted It Blue)," as well as his patented Italian shuffles like "Eleanor," "Basta," "Luigi," "The Bigger the Figure" and a bombastic version of "Oh Marie" (perhaps the only dud in this entire package), framed in the corniest "Sing Along with Mitch" arrangement imaginable and a million light-years away from his famous Capitol recording of the same tune. This entire set combines all 14 sides of the seven singles issued, plus the addition of "Chop Suey, Chow Mein" along with the original 1958 cover art to Columbia's original issue of this material. Not his best, but an interesting one to add to the collection after you have most of everything else. by Cub Koda  
Tracklist :
1 Eleanor 2:02 
Written-By – N. Paon
2 Shake Hands With Santa Claus 2:25
Written-By – B. Hilliard, M. DeLugg
3 Oooh-Dahdily-Dah 2:19
Written-By – K. Smith, L. Prima
4 Basta 2:26
Written-By – A. Wilder, M. Barer
5 The Bigger The Figure 2:38
Written-By – A. Wilder, M. Barer
6 Boney Bones 2:42
Written By – DeMare, T. Eddy
Written-By – L. Prima
7 One Mint Julep 2:43
Written-By – R. Toombs
8 Chili Sauce 1:52
Written-By – B. Kinberg
9 Oh, Marie 2:18
Adapted By – L. Prima
Written-By – E. DeCapua
10 Luigi 2:42
Written By – A. Antonio, A. Araco, L. DiLeo
11 Paul Revere 2:30
Written By – A. Stillman, B. Darnell, G. Shannon
12 It's Good As New (I Painted It Blue) 2:12
Written-By – B. Bernier, M. Charlap
13 Barnacle Bill The Sailor 2:24
Written-By – C. Robinson, F. Luther
14 Shepherd Boy 2:31
Written By – R. Carlyle
Written-By – R. Bagdasarian
15 Chop Suey, Chow Mein 2:39
Written By – A. White

 

KEELY SMITH - Swing, Swing, Swings (2000) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Nearing the age of 70, without a recording session in more than 15 years, Keely Smith returned on the heels of the '90s rejuvenation of swing music. Recorded for the Concord label, Swing, Swing, Swing does just what the title promises. Smith rips through 16 songs with barely a pause for breath, including plenty of swing standards ("Kansas City," "Jump, Jive 'An Wail," "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," and the title track) as well as a few obscure songs and at least one new one ("Keely's Boogie"). The backing -- by the Frank Capp Orchestra with arrangements by Dennis Michaels and Don Menza -- is big, brassy, and more than enough to contend with Smith's surprisingly strong voice. Walking a very fine line between nostalgia and real innovation, Swing, Swing, Swing throws enough chestnuts to the younger audience to qualify as generational crossover, but never compromises the high-class swing that Keely Smith has always championed. by John Bush
Tracklist :
1     When Your're Smiling/The Sheik of Araby 1:41
Mark Fisher / Joe Goodwin / Larry Shay
2     Let the Good Times Roll 2:53
Shirley Goodman / Leonard Lee
3     Oh Louie 2:26
Eduardo di Capua
4     Kansas City 3:17
Jerry Leiber / Mike Stoller
5     Jump, Jive, An' Wail 3:00
Louis Prima
6     Keely's Boogie 2:36
Keely Smith
7     Yeah, Yeah, Yeah 2:18
Louis Prima / Keely Smith
8     Swing, Swing, Swing (Sing, Sing, Sing) 3:01
Louis Prima
9     Yata Hei 3:52
Unknown
Arranged Dennis Michaels
10     I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me 2:49
Clarence Gaskill / Jimmy McHugh
11     Palm Springs Jump 2:31
Slim Gaillard
12     House Party Tonight 2:47
Don Hill / Claude Trenier
13     On the Sunny Side of the Street 3:10
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
14     Giddy up Ding Dong 2:09
Freddie Bell / Joey Lattanzi
15     Robin Hood/Oh Babe 3:45
Bob Miketta / Louis Prima
16     Swing, Swing, Swing (Sing, Sing, Sing) 4:12
Louis Prima
Credits :
Piano / Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Vocals By – Keely Smith
Drums – Frankie Capp
Trumpets – Frank Szabo, Rick Baptist, Carl Saunders, Pete Candoli
Bass (Acoustic) – Chuck Berghofer, Richard Simon  
Bass (Electric) – Ken Wild
Sax (Tenor) – Pete Christlieb, Joel Peskin  
Sax (Alto) – Danny House, Sal Lozano
Sax (Baritone) – Jack Nimitz
Trombone – Andrew Martin, Jim Self,  Charlie Morillas,  
Arranger, Clarinet – Don Menza
Percussion  – Don Williams  

KEELY SMITH - Keely Sings Sinatra (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Ol' Blue Eyes is always ripe for a top-notch, big-band-flavored tribute, but how many who take on the daunting task knew him as well as his contemporary, whom Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. once dubbed "the female Sinatra"? And in case you don't know the history, Frank Sinatra Jr.'s liner notes and numerous archival photos of Smith with Sinatra fill you in. Smith recorded this prior to the legend's passing in 1998 and even had his thumbs up on the project, but held back its release so as not to appear to be capitalizing on the Sinatramania which followed his death. With the ample and energetic backing of the Frankie Capp Orchestra, Smith does him proud on 18 chestnuts from his catalog, her voice clear and honest, her phrasing sharp and emotional. The arrangers don't bombard you with too much brass where it's not welcome; Smith does the verses of "All the Way" with mostly a subtle string accompaniment, then the brass builds slowly with the emotion of the piece. Ditto "My Way." And Sinatra Jr. notes as you can that certain turns of phrase bring out a touch of humor. The set is bookended with a spoken intro and outro by Sinatra Jr. over an instrumental passage of Smith's signature song "I Wish You Love." First rate, but then again, it had to be. by Jonathan Widran  
Tracklist :
1    Intro 0:33
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Voice – Frank Sinatra Jr.
2    South Of The Border 4:17
Arranged By, Conductor, Tenor Saxophone – Don Menza
3    I've Got A Crush On You 4:27
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Trumpet – Wayne Bergeron
Violin – Gerald Vinci
4    Night And Day 3:53
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
5    A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening 2:44
Arranged By, Conductor – Billy May
6    Come Rain Or Come Shine 3:26
Arranged By, Conductor – Frank Collett
7    The Music Stopped 2:47
Arranged By, Conductor – Billy May
8    I'll Never Smile Again / Dream 5:19
Arranged By, Conductor – Frank Collett
9    I've Got You Under My Skin 3:36
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Trombone – Andy Martin
10    Angel Eyes 4:48
Arranged By, Tenor Saxophone, Conductor – Don Menza
11    Happy Birthday, Frank 0:50
Piano – Dennis Michaels
12    New York, New York 4:04
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
13    Without A Song 3:33
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
14    All The Way 3:17
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
15    This Love Of Mine 2:37
Arranged By, Conductor – Billy May
16    Until The Real Thing Comes Along 2:39
Arranged By, Conductor – Billy May
17    Goodbye 6:05
Arranged By, Conductor – Don Menza
18    It Was A Very Good Year 3:59
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Tenor Saxophone – Don Menza, Pete Christlieb
19    My Way 5:09
Arranged By, Conductor – Frank Collett
20    Closing Tribute 0:45
Arranged By, Conductor – Dennis Michaels
Voice – Frank Sinatra Jr.
Credits :
Performer – The Frankie Capp Orchestra
Vocals, Producer – Keely Smith

KELLY SMITH - Keely Swings Basie-Style With Strings (2002) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The swing revival was custom made for singers like Keely Smith. Keely Swings Basie Style...With Strings follows 2000's Swing, Swing, Swing and 2001's Grammy-nominated Keely Sings Sinatra, capping off a trilogy of lovingly performed classic jazz. Smith's backward glance, however, isn't just pure nostalgia. Keely Swings Basie Style, for instance, begins with Count Basie-style arrangements and then applies them to a number of songs not necessarily associated with the bandleader. The addition of strings provides another distinctive layer. Smith begins with "April in Paris" and brings her warm vocals to bear on a number of other classics, including "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" and "How High the Moon." There's a particularly lovely take on "Mood Indigo" and a bouncy version of "Cherokee (Indian Love Song)." Smith balances these standards with spry contemporary fare like "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" and "Can't Take My Eyes off of You." The closing number offers something of a surprise, beginning with "The House I Live In" and then flowing into "Star Spangled Banner," ending the album on a patriotic note. The combination of tasteful arrangements, good song choices, and Smith's pleasing vocals guarantees that fans will warmly embrace Keely Swings Basie Style. by Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.
Tracklist :
1.Intro-Voice Over: April in Paris 0:32
[Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg]
2.April in Paris 3:04
[Duke, Harburg]
3.You Go to My Head 5:36
[Gillespie / Coots]
4.How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) 4:04
[Lamont Dozier / Brian Holland / Eddie Holland]
5.Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe 4:17
[Holland / Lamont]
6.Lover 3:42
[Arlen / Harburg]
7.How High the Moon 4:43
[Hamilton / Lewis]
8.I Can't Stop Loving You 4:39
[Gibson]
9.Cherokee (Indian Love Song) 2:52
[Noble]
10.Mood Indigo 5:02
[Bigard / Ellington / Mills]
11.Some of These Days 3:00
[Brooks]
12.Love For Sale 5:23
[Porter]
13.One For My Baby (And One More For the Road) 4:09
[Arlen / Mercer]
14.Can't Take My Eyes Off of You 3:27
[Crewe / Gaudio]
15.St. Louis Blues 3:23
[W.C. Handy]
16.Take the 'A' Train 5:01
[Billy Strayhorn]
17.The House I Live In / Star Spangled Banner
[Lewis Allan / Earl Robinson / Francis Scott Key / John Stafford Smith]
18.Tag-Voice Over: April in Paris 0:35
[Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg]
Personnel:
Keely Smith - Vocals
Pete Christlieb - Tenor Saxophone
Wayne Bergeron, Andy Martin, Lanny Morgan - Alto Saxophone
Jim Self - Tuba
Pete Candoli - Trumpet
Don Menza - Arranger, Tenor Saxophone
Sal Lozano, Carl Saunders, Chauncey Welsch - Trombone
Frank Szabo, Kirk Smith - Bass
Bob Efford - Baritone Saxophone
Dennis Michaels - Leader, Arranger, Piano
Frank Collet - Arranger, Piano
Bryant Beyers - Bass Trombone
Steve Barnes - Drums

KEELY SMITH - Little Girl Blue / Little Girl New (1963-2017) 24bits-96hz / FLAC (tracks), lossless

Following her split with husband and creative partner Louis Prima, vocalist Keely Smith signed with Frank Sinatra's Reprise Records for a series of finely curated and well-received albums designed to showcase her voice and relaunch her career. The first of these, 1963's Little Girl Blue/Little Girl New, featured arrangements by Sinatra's longtime collaborator, the illustrious Nelson Riddle, and was conceptualized in two parts with Side A, "Little Girl Blue," featuring ballads and Side B, "Little Girl New," focusing on more upbeat numbers. The result was a tour de force of an album that presented Smith as the solo star she deserved to be -- and which Sinatra had known she could be for many years prior. Thankfully, as per all of Sinatra's Reprise contracts, the artists kept the rights to the master recordings, which is where they remained until Smith struck her own deal with Real Gone Music for a series of reissues, including this 2017 expanded edition of Little Girl Blue/Little Girl New. Though she had recorded solo albums for Dot during her years with Prima, she had been somewhat overshadowed by the kitschy, flamboyant tone (and Grammy-winning success) of their performances, which often found her playing the cheeky straight man to her trumpeter husband's swing-era clown. Afforded far greater freedom on Sinatra's label, she was presented on Little Girl Blue/Little Girl New as an urbanely sophisticated hipster and a clarion diva in the mold of such similarly inclined contemporaries as June Christy, Anita O'Day, and Kay Starr. Cuts like her yearning take on "Here's That Rainy Day" and her languorously sensual reading of "I'll Never Be the Same Again" reveal her as a mature and knowing performer in contrast to the lighter, more comedic tone of her work with Prima. That said, she can still knock 'em dead as she does on the latter half of the album, her highly resonant voice slicing through uptempo swinger's like "I'm Gonna Live 'til I Die" and "I've Got a Lot of Livin' to Do." Ultimately, listening to Smith and her pointed yet dusky, golden-toned voice pouring out of Riddle's shimmering, sky-blue arrangements, one can easily see why Sinatra jumped at the chance to work with her.  by Matt Collar  
Tracklist:
1 Little Girl Blue  3:56
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
2      Here's That Rainy Day  3:20
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
3 Gone With the Wind  3:13
Herbert Magidson / Allie Wrubel
4 Willow Weep for Me  3:51
Ann Ronell
5 I'll Never Be the Same  3:09
Gus Kahn / Matty Malneck
6 Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry  2:57
Gus Kahn / Jule Styne
 7 I'm Gonna Live Till I Die  2:16
Al Hoffman / Walter Kent
8 It's Good to Be Alive  2:38
Bob Merrill
9 A Lot of Livin' to Do  2:15
Lee Adams / Charles Strouse
10 Once in a Lifetime  2:44
Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley
11 New Sun in the Sky  1:43
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
12 Blue Skies  2:27
Irving Berlin
13 Going Through the Motions  3:00
Bob Brass / Al Kooper / Al Levine / Irwin Levine
14 When You Cry  3:06
Ray Allen / Wandra Merrell
Credits
Arranged & Conductor – Nelson Riddle