Louis Prima Jr: The Apple doesn’t Swing far from the Tree
As a trumpeter, I have a special appreciation for the trumpet playing greats in music. Louis Prima is someone I have admired for many years as a musician, entertainer, and just a true New Orleanian. My only regret is I am not old enough to have seen Prima in his heyday in New Orleans or Las Vegas.
Fortunately for me and for everyone else today, Louis Prima Jr. is carrying on the tradition of his father’s music and style with trademark Prima enthusiasm and energy.
I caught Louis Prima Jr. at his performace at the Kenner Italian Heritage Festival on September 8, 2007. The show he put on was a whirlwind tour through the vast collection of original and classic songs that Louis Prima performed in his career of 50 years. Starting with “You’re Just In Love”, the show was filled with great tunes like “Just a Gigolo”, “I’ve Got The World on a String”, the Louis Prima original “Sing, Sing, Sing” and more.
Louis Prima Jr. has an energy level like his father. Watching him move on stage reminds me of documentary footage I’ve seen of Prima Sr. in performance. And like his father, Prima Jr. had a female counterpart on stage as his foil. Emerald is the name of Louis Prima Jr’s female singer and she sang a really pretty rendition of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy”, as well as when she joined Prima Jr. for “That Old Black Magic” and added excellent harmonies to the rest of the musical repertoire.
The highlight of the show was a mini parade through the entire Italian Heritage Festival grounds to the tune of “When The Saints Go Marching In”. Handkerchiefs were provided to spectators for waving around to the music, and Louis Prima Jr. and band took off throughout the crowd.
It is always a pleasure to watch a performer who is not only talented but truly enjoys their work. Louis Prima Jr. captures the heart of his father’s music and brings that back quite well in his show. As cliche as this might sound, Louis Prima Jr. only left me wanting more when he was done. I hope to catch him in the near future – I highly recommend you seek him out as well. You won’t be disappointed!
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