Personnel includes: Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby (vocals); Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Morty Stevens, John Dankworth, Marty Paich, George Rhodes, Ernie Freeman, Benny Carter, Jimmy Haskell (arranger, conductor); Buddy Rich Orchestra; Sam Butera & The Witnesses.
Compilation producers: David McLees, Pat Siercho, Gary Peterson.
Recorded between 1960 & 1968. Includes liner notes by Pat Sierchio.
Digitally remastered by Dan Hersch & Bill Inglot (DigiPrep).
Audio Remasterers: Daniel Hersch; Bill Inqlot; Bill Inglot.
Liner Note Author: Pat Sierchio.
Arrangers: Ernie Freeman; George Rhodes; Jimmie Haskell; Marty Paich; Mort Stevens; Sam Butera; John Dankworth.
This CD is a generous compilation not only featuring Sammy Davis Jr. and his buddies, but also highlighting his unique humor and personality. Here we catch a glimpse of the swinging and passionate Davis spirit.
The songs are a mixed bag of fun-loving fluff, and standards that have been sung by many performers over the decades. "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?" is a humorous number written for a film starring Davis and the rest of the Rat Pack. Dean Martin's version is also included, and the opportunity to compare Davis and Martin is irresistible. Sammy goes so far as to sneak in a little impersonation of Martin in his production. The duets between Davis and Frank Sinatra as, well as with Martin, accentuate the infectious rapport between these partners in crime.
