Although the pop music world was in the throws of Beatlemania,
Sammy Davis, Jr. (vocals) started off 1964 with one of his best-selling efforts of the entire decade.
Shelter of Your Arms (1964) placed at a respectable number 26, confirming his status among the finest adult contemporary artists of the era. The success of the long-player was undoubtedly boosted by the title composition, which made it into the Top 20 (number 17). The unusual Polynesian flavor, emphatic syncopated melody, and modern interpretation -- including an electric rhythm guitar -- are perfectly suited to
Davis' commanding vocals. The platter was further endowed with a few tried and true tunes from the Broadway stage and the silver screen. Rodgers & Hammerstein's "That's for Me" comes via the film State Fair (1945). The airy and lilting accompaniment sits comfortably beside the lush score and prominent chorus on the Carousel (1956) derived "If I Loved You." Bells Are Ringing (1956) yields the enduring torch ballad "The Party's Over," while Jule Styne's Do Re Me (1960) produced "Make Someone Happy." For a contrast to those laid-back and decidedly mellow numbers, listen to the robust and happy-go-lucky "Some Days Everything Goes Wrong" or the rambunctious "I Married an Angel."
Davis pulls out all the stops over top of
Marty Paich's energetic and otherwise perfectly matched arrangements, displaying the indescribable and undeniable magic that more often than not occurred between the two. The affair concludes in much the same way that it began, with a toe-tappin' and up-tempo jazzy workout. This time it is
Davis' turn to take on a cut typically associated with fellow Rat-packer
Frank Sinatra. He gives Ol' Blue Eyes a run for his money, swinging solidly through the main theme to Guys and Dolls. In 2004
Shelter of Your Arms was brought into the digital domain as part of
Sammy Davis, Jr.'s Reprise Records catalog restoration by Collectors' Choice Music. ~ Lindsay Planer