“This is Staten Island, you don’t haveta worry about eating broccoli-type stuff,” was what Lorenzo’s dapper owner said after plying me with a full course meal that rendered me totally satiated, sedentary and relaxed as I took in Louis Prima, Jr.’s cabaret tribute to his father.

Although one might think Prima, Sr. was a novelty act, his distinctive voice, musicianship and jazz roots really contradict that assessment. Prima was novel—that is for sure—but only due to the fact that he was so uniquely gifted and original. Oh, and he nailed a mean trumpet.

Prima, Jr. is a scientific case that points to genetic imprint. He slings his horn easily and jumps nimbly across the stage as his father did and has a voice that is definitely out of God’s same tool box. He performed much of the famous repertoire. Hits like “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Just a Gigolo,” “Jump, Jive and Wail” were all trotted out (literally) for the audience to enjoy and remember. I would suggest that Jr. have a conversation with his band and the sound crew to ensure that he is not overpowered by the wall of sound that emerged from the ensemble. It would really sharpen up the show if his voice were allowed to be heard more.

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
October 29,, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org