Original released on LP Capitol T755
(US 1956, October 1)
A collection of jump blues and classic jazz numbers played with such frenetic energy and grinding libido that some of the songs almost swagger their way into rock & roll territory. Louis Prima (1910-12-07 > 1978-08-24) hams his way through the vocals in a way that is almost self-parody, but the music itself (including Prima's own peppy trumpet playing) is so bold and full of vitality that the singer's silliness can be ignored for the sheer pleasure of hearing what was then perhaps the best party band in the country. Wild, swinging, bombastic music which can be enjoyed by anyone of any age in any era. I loved this album so much (from the very first song) that I started dancing to it right away. And nope, I don't think I've heard of Prima before (feel free to flame me) but felt that his husky jazzy swinging voice was familiar. Oh wait, he was the King Louie orangutan in Disney's "Jungle Book" as the king of the swingers! Seriously, "The Wildest!" is just too much fun, especially the friendly banter duet with Louis' then-wife Keely Smith, who, incidentally passed away on 2017, December 16th. Their "Just a Gigolo / I Ain't Got Nobody" performance (which you may also recognize after David Lee Roth's cover) is hysterical (find it on YouTube) as the husband and wife act! The album is an infection collection of top big band, swing, and jump blues hits. This one is a keeper! Cha-ching! (in AllMusic)