[CABARET/Jazz ~ SA]
by Ian Bell
Adelaide’s Zooma Zooma is keeping the music of Louis Prima alive!
Louis Prima was a super hep cat. Born in 1910 and by the time he was twenty the American Italian was playing New Orleans style jazz. In the 1930s he fronted a swing combo. In the ’40s he lead a big band. In the ’50s he was a fixture in Las Vegas. Incredibly talented singer, trumpeter and showman his music combined jazz, R&B, swing, jump blues, boogie woogie, rock’n’roll and importantly Italian folk music, with great humour, you might not know the name but a lot of the music you certainly will. Oh, did I mention he was the voice of King Louie in the original movie of Jungle Book? “Ooby do – I Wanna Be Like You” – That is Prima.
Adelaide combo Zooma Zooma have been paying tribute to Louis since the early 2000’s and they are pretty damn good at it. Combining classic Prima songs but also embracing his famous sense of humour and combining it with their own and some killer musicians. Anthony Leppa tells The Clothesline how to Zooma our Zoomas.
For people who might not know tell us who Louis Prima was?
“Louis Prima was an Italian American, by way of New Orleans, jazz trumpeter who his big break playing with the Benny Goodman orchestra. Then went on to find fame in his own right as a Las Vegas fixture in the 1950s. Also, game but his gambling is another story.”
He was an interesting cat, mixing styles like swing, jump blues, jazz, R&B and boogie woogie. Do you think that mix of styles was part of his appeal? Also, his use of humour (and his Italian roots) seems crucial to his popularity.
“His appeal was definitely his blend of styles. Plus, his funny persona. Never took himself too seriously. His mix of big band jazz and early rhythm and blues is definitely why he was such a hit and excited the late-night crowds.
“His sense of humour is absolutely essential to his appeal. Also appealed to me as a performer. I was really enamoured with his amazing vocal skill set that seamlessly went from cool to goofy in one verse. No shoe gazing, chin stroking jazz to be seen here.”
When did you discover Prima’s music and what drew you to it?
“I discovered Prima’s music in the mid 90s courtesy of the Casino soundtrack which has the medley Angelina/ Zooma Zooma where we got our name. Also, the excellent Ultra Lounge series that showcased 50s oddities. Special mention to David Lee Roth’s cover of Just A Gigolo. Can’t be underestimated.”
Zooma Zooma has been around for a few years now, do you feel like people are warming to the Prima vibe of your shows?
Zooma Zooma has been around since 2001! With the odd hiatus here and there and umpteen line-up changes I feel like we’re definitely finding a sweet spot. Julian Ferraretto was the musical director from day one and we’ve found that our onstage dynamic has hit a whole new level.
What are your favourite Prima tunes? (Mine are Closer To The Bone, I Should Have Beeped, Buona Sera Senorita, I Wanna Be Like You and Jump Jive & Wail)
Great selections there. For me Buona Sera is a short and sweet song that I’ve always loved. Jungle Book just unites about five generations in a few short minutes and never fails to lift the vibe in the room. Just A Gigolo is such a strong arrangement and a showstopper.
Zooma Zooma perform at The GC – Grand Central at The Arts Theatre from 6pm until Wed 1 Mar.
Book at FringeTIX and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.
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