On Stage

Another one of Dot Records released on to CD , this recording was made at Wilbur Clark's Desert Hotel Inn. Surprisingly, it features Prima's trumpet playing more than anything, we only hear two short songs from Keely. Lou Sino does his best displaying his ability to double and triple tongue on "12th Street Rag," while Sam struts his stuff on "Crazy Little Bee." Louis outdoes himself on his own composition "The Chief's Special," a song titled to reference his nickname within the band. We hear very little (as usual) from Morgan Thomas, who shadows Lou Sino on alto valve trombone. Keely's vocals are deep and mournful on Sinatra's "This Love of Mine," but Louis manages to keep spirit alive with his quips and comedy. The big surprise comes in the ending (I won't ruin the surprise), which is pre-empted by an amazing power-house arrangement of "It Happened in Monterrey." For both collectors and fans this CD is still one that is top-notch.