Martini Time - Art Van Damme

Adios

Martini Time
Art Van Damme Quintet
Columbia CL 630
1953

This album features great cover design and a very hip accordion based easy listening or light jazz approach for the early 50s.

There are elements in the sample that reminds me of Martin Denny's small combo, although Denny was to make the scene several years later.

From the back cover: While the argument about the proportions of a proper martini whirls on, making strange bedfellows and bruised relationships, there is happily no controversy regarding the correct accompaniment for imbibing: nothing could be cheerier than the music of Art Van Damme on accordion, Charlie Calzaretta on vibraphone, Lewis Skalinder on bass, Max Mariash on drums and Fred Rundquist on guitar, the quintet provides some of the most bracing music to be heard, with just the right touch of dryness and a plentiful dash of imagination.

Adios
Blue Lou
Cheek To Cheek
Let Yourself Down
My Kinda Love
I Hear Music
If I Could Be With You
I Didn't Know What Time It Was
The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
Tenderly
It's Easy To Remember
Madame Van Damme