Davis, Sammy Jr. – “Yes! I Can (Vol One) ” – [Rhino Records]

Starting at the age of 2 and a half in 1928, Sammy Davis Jr. was almost instantly an incredible Vaudeville performer, dancing, singing, comedy, acting and becoming a big part of “American Show-Biz” for 64 years. This 4 CD set spans most of his adult career (from 1949 to 1988) with outstanding quality and variety. Even if you ignore the religion, politics and “Rat-Pack” environment that came later his lifetime you will have to agree that the guy had the chops! Jazz songs, Blues, Tin-Pan Alley classics, Broadway show-stoppers, ballads and Pop – many hits and award winning stuff here (and even the less well known tracks are moving!) Disc One covers 1949 to 1960 including some of his tracks from the film version of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.”
My Hot Picks for this disc: #1, #7, #8, #15, #21but give the others a try as well. *review by Studebaker Hawk