Live from Las Vegas [2005] [Digipak] (CD - 2005)

Las Vegas is almost as famous for its longtime association with big-name performers as it is for its casinos. LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, an installment of the Las Vegas Centennial Collection, brings together a fantastic collection of live performances from some of Sin City's flagship artists. The 18 tracks are by heavy hitters such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nancy Wilson, and Nat "King" Cole, all of whom had notable tenures at the city's biggest hotels and showrooms, contributing to the glamorous mythos of Vegas.

The set kicks off with Sinatra's rendition of "Luck Be a Lady," a theme song to the high-stakes casino life if ever there was one. "Hello, Young Lovers" and "I Can't Get Started" are given fine turns with Nancy Wilson's sultry, ever-alluring voice. The musical accompaniment is hard-swinging big-band style throughout, making the perfect backdrop for each artist's showmanship. Good times abound: Bobby Darin cuts up a bit during his rendition of "Mack the Knife," while Louis Prima is characteristically witty on "Too Marvelous for Words." With its formidable array of musical legends, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS is the next best thing to a stage-side seat at the Sahara. minimize