Keely Smith is one of the great unsung singers/ performers/ comediennes of that cool Vegas/ Rat-Pack era of music. She was one hep-cat. As side-woman to Louis Prima she was the poker-faced foil for the hip swinging Prima to bounce off and be-bop around. They were a dynamic duo, and all their recordings are super-cool and well worth devoting time to. But Keely also made many solo records from the late 50s to the mid-60s. This is one of my favourite Christmas albums. Her interpretation of these classic carols is right up there with Bing, Frank and Dino (whose Xmas albs are the thing of legend). Those smooth Nelson Riddle arrangements are as sublime as ever, and Keely matches each vibe perfectly. From the fun renditions of “Jingle Bells”, “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”; to the Hawaiian “Christmas Island”; to the timeless cozy beauty of “White Christmas”, “Silent Night” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”; she nails every one. This is one for those nights leading up to Christmas, when you need that warm instant hit of the Xmas spirit. You can’t go wrong.
~ DECOY SPOON
2011/12/22