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Friday, November 5, 2021

Keyboard Kapers - Ferrante & Teicher

 

Echo Canyon

Keyboard Kapers
Ferrante & Teicher
United Artists STEREO UAS 6284
1964

Blue Skies
Tea For Two
A Bee And His Honey 
The Lady Is A Tramp
The Sheik Of Araby
Alternating Current
Cold Turkey
Mine
Holiday For Strings
They Can't Take That Away From Me
Echo Canyon 
Liza

More Love Themes - Francis Lai

 

MacArthur Park

More Love Themes
Francis Lai
Produced by Francis Lai
*Arranged by Christian Gaubert
**Arranged by Michel Colombier
Recorded in England
Kapp Records KS 3646
1971

From the back cover: Francis Lai had become a professional musician by the age of 18, and at 24 was writing for Yves Montand and Juliette Greco, two of France's best-known performer. Later he became the accompanist of one of the most celebrated chanteuses of all-time, Edith Piaf, also composing some of her memorable hits. Then a chance meeting with Claude Lelouche, the director and writer of "A Man And A Woman," led to the assignment of his first film score. It proved to be an auspicious debut, with critics praising the poignantly haunting score as highly as the film itself. This success led to he becoming on of the most sought-after composers in the field. In between film score assignments, however, he has taken time out to write for individual artists, and the list includes such impressive names ad Petula Clark and Mireille Matheiu and Patachou. – Ellis Nassour

A Man And A Woman*
This Guy's In Love With You*
Once Upon A Summertime*
Lover Man*
Cambridge (One Day Soon)*
How Insensitive*
I Remember April*
MacArthur Park*
I Wish You Love*
Mon Amour, Mon Amour**
Live For Life**

Music A Part Of Me - David McCallum

 

Insomnia

Music... A Part Of Me
David McCallum
Produced by David Axelrod
Recording Engineer: Joe Polito
Cover Photo: Capitol Photo Studio - George Jerman
Capitol Records ST 2432 
1966

From the back cover: At the time I was born my father was a musician, a violinist – he still is. As I grew up, I was surrounded by music and musician. My parents wanted me to become one too. So they suggested I take violin lessons – like father like son. Then they suggested the violoncello – mother played the violoncello. Then the piano – grandfather taught the piano! Finally I gave in – my choice, much to their surprise, being the oboe and the English horn. I played both these instruments for many years and even studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Then I found out that I really wanted to be an actor. I had a choice: the theatre or music. I chose the theatre. Acting is a totally demanding profession and I was soon forced to give up all ideas of a musical career. I sold my oboe and I sold my English horn. As an actor, I needed the money. But the desire to express myself in music never left and I still studied, including harmony, and the theory of music.

In the fall of 1965 I devised an idea for a record album using the combination of instruments used here. It was born out of my past and out of my enjoyment of the music of today. I wanted a sound that could play the current hits and at the same time possibly project something of me – a part of me.

I took the idea to Capitol Records and within ten days we had recorded the first session. My career as an actor had allowed me to return to my first interest in music. Out of sheer loyalty I used the oboe and the English horn – and the playing of Gene Cipirano on the record is exactly as I would have liked to be heard. However this time I was here as composer and conductor.

Eight of the twelve tunes  need no introduction. Of the other four, one was written and arranged by H. B. Barnum. Another by the producer of the album David Axelrod. Two of them are mine. But al of them are very much a part of me. I hope you like it. – David McCallum

January 22, 1966: The popular "Man From U.N.C.L.E.," David McCallum, give his personal instrumental impressions of the hit singles in this well produced and performed album. McCallum conducts the orchestra as they perform such hits as "Turn! Turn! Turn!," "The "In" Crowd" and "Yesterday." A bow to arranger H. B. Barnum and producer David Axelrod. MaCallum's statue as a TV star insures the sales appeal of the LP.

Turn! Turn! Turn!
The "In" Crowd 
A Taste Of Honey
Yesterday
I Can't Get No Satisfaction
We Got Get Out Of This Place
Downtown
The Far Side Of The Moon
Louise
Insomnia
The Sugar Cane

Dancing In Paris - Simometti

 

J'attendrai

Dancing In Paris
Simonetti and His Ensemble
Photo: Murray Laden
Harmony HL 7076
A Product of Harmony Records

Paris je t'aime
Mademoiselle de Paris
J'attendrai
La Mer
Autumn Leaves
I Love Paris
Douce France
Parlez-moi d'amour
Under Paris Skies
La Vie en rose

Thursday, November 4, 2021

The Wheel Of Hurt - Margaret Whiting

 

Where Do I Stand

The Wheel Of Hurt
Margaret Whiting
Arranged and Conducted by Arnold Goland
Produced by Jack Gold
Cover Photograph: Paul Jonali
Color Consultant: Peter Bitlisian
London Records LL 3497
1966

From the back cover: Originally a protege of the great Johnny Mercer, Margaret Whiting emerged as of the brightest stars in a golden age of singer, with a fantastic string of hit singles and albums that lasted for years. During the sensational run of million sellers the following songs were included "It Might As Well Be Spring," "A Tree In The Meadow," "Far Away Places," "Moonlight In Vermont," "Guilty,' "Baby It's Cold Outside," "Come Rain Of Come Shine," "Wonderful Guy," "Let's Go To Church On Sunday." Her repertoire ranged all the way from from pop songs to jazz and included sacred and country songs as well. Indeed, with Jimmy Wakely, she formed one of the most successful recording teams in country music history. Their recording of "Slippin' Around" is a classic and has sold millions.

The voice of Margaret Whiting has weathered many changes and styles of popular music. In this new album, Margaret has been joined by two major talents: first the gifted composer-arranger Arnold Goland has supplied her with magic background the represent the best of today's musical stylings. Secondly, the Album was produced by Jack Gold who has a way with writing and selecting songs and who always gets the best performance possible out of those people involved in his projects. – Ed Sullivan, Noted TV Personality and Syndicated Columnist

From Billboard - December 31, 1966: The powerful recording comeback made single "Wheel Of Hurt" will continue right through to the LP chart with this diversified package. She brings fresh luster to "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" and "Time After Time." Country flavored "Where Do I Stand" and production ballad "It Hurts To Say Goodbye" are gems.

The Wheel Of Hurt
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
The World Inside Your Arms
Winchester  Cathedral
Somewhere There's Love
Where Do I Stand
It Hurts To Say Goodbye
Time After Time
Show Me A Man
You Won't Be Sorry, Baby
Nothing Lasts Forever
But Why

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

More Of The Great Lorez Alexandria

 

Angel Eyes

More Of The Great Lorez Alexandria
Produced by Tutti Camarata
Cover Design: Robert Flynn/Viceroy
Cover and Liner Photos: Roger Marshut
Liner Design: Joe Lebow
Impulse STEREO A-76
Impulse Records, a product of ABC-Paramount Records, Inc.

From the inside cover: The transformation of Dolorez Alexandria Turner, a 15-year-old religious singer of spirituals in a choir, to Lorez Alexandria the Great (see Impulse A-62), a mature song stylist, has ben taking place for almost ten years. Like her male counterpart, Johnny Hartman (another recent acquisition of Impulse's), Miss Alexandria has worked hard and learned well in the school of experience. Her work today is excitingly individualistic.

Lorez Alexandria has a rare ability of taking a wide range of material – here we have song from France and Brazil, a tune written expressly for the late Billie Holiday, a number composed by an artist identified with rock 'n roll, two Broadway show melodies, a couple of lead songs from motion pictures scores, and a hit tune by television's Steve Allen – and lending her own interpretation to the songs without disturbing the originally intended moods. She makes no attempt to imitate any singer who might have become identified with a particular number. Yet, when she sings No More, the listener is reminded of Miss Holiday without really hearing her. Lady Day's feeling is present, but the reaction to that feeling is Miss Alexandria's. 

Two over-all factors contribute considerably to the pleasing results of this vocalist's latest recordings: One is the careful selection of songs with interesting words and music. The other is the high caliber of her accompanists. This writer is sure Miss Alexandria will understand if I say the album is worth getting for Wynton Kelly's piano alone. Kelly, who once spent around three years as accompanist for the late Dinah Washington, beautifully paraphrases Miss Alexandria's ideas – ideas that sometimes make her sound as though she were using her voice as a horn.

More important than the above-mentioned factors is that Lorez Alexandria possesses a well-rounded talent. Besides the firm foundation built from her early training in choral work, she has been endowed with a good contralto vice, tonal control, perfect dictation, and a musicianly approach to the interpretations of lyrics.

Miss Alexandria is married to her manager, Dave Nelson, a native of Georgetown, British Guiana, and is a full-time resident of Los Angeles, California. These tracks, as were the previous album's (Impulse A-62), were recorded during 1964 on the West Coast. They were produced by longtime conductor-arranger Tutti Camarata and were intended for a projected new label that failed to materialize. Tutti contacted his old friend, Bob Thiele at Impulse and, after hearing the unissued tapes, he decided that they were an ideal introductory release for the label's "new find." – George Hoefer, Contributor, Down Beat, Associate Editor, Jazz Magazine

From Billboard - May 27, 1965: A bright new find! A sophisticated singer supported by superior musicians. Miss Alexandria's lucid style is shown to great advantage, thank to the production of the venerable Tutti Camarata. As an added attraction, Wynton Kelly (with Dinah Washington for about three years) plays the sort of piano all vocalists hope for but seldom get.

But Beautiful
Little Boat
Dancing On The Ceiling
It Might As Well Be Spring
Once
The Wildest Gal In Town
Angel Eyes
This Could Be The Start Of Something Big
No More
That Far Away Look

The Fool On The Hill - George Shearing

 

Somewhere In The Hills

Fool On The Hill
George Shearing
The George Shearing Quintet and Quartet
Produced by David Cavanaugh
Recording Engineer: Jay Ranellucci
Cover Photo: Capitol Photo Studio - Ed Simpson
Capitol Records ST-181
1969

Easy To Love
The Gentle Rain
Wave
I Concentrate On You
Promises, Promises
Maybe You'll Be There
Meditation
A Man And A Woman
Simple Sideman
The Fool On The Hill
Somewhere In The Hills

Monday, November 1, 2021

Madrigals - George Crumb

 

Book Three

George Crumb
Madrigals
Recording Engineer: Glenn White
Turnabout TV-S 34523
Vox Productions, Inc.
1973

Elizabeth Suderburg - Soprano
The Contemporary Group, University Of Washington - Robert Suderburg, Co-Director
David Shrader - Percussion
Felix Skowronek - Flute
Pamela Vikolek - Harp
W. Ring Warner - Double Bass

From the back cover: Elizabeth Suderburg was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and studied with M. Balstead at the Chicago  Conservatory, Blake Stern and Ray Schussler in New Haven and Minneapolis. She has been leading soprano with numerous groups throughout her professional career, and is a regular guest artist at several Music Festivals throughout the U.S. Her premiere performances of works composed for her by George Crumb. George Rachberg and Stephen Albert have singled her out as an outstanding artist by critics everywhere. She has twice successfully toured Europe as soloist of Schoenberg's Second Quartet and Mahler's Fourth Symphony, and regularly performs with the Philadelphia String Quartet and The Contemporary Group.

Founded in the fall of 1965 by William O. Smith, Robert and Elizabeth Suderburg, and the Philadelphia Sting Quartet, under the administration of William Bergsma, The Contemporary Group has grown to include sixteen faculty performers and twelve undergraduate and graduate associates. A grant from the Rockefeller Foundation in 1967 made this growth possible, enabling Stuart Dempster, the Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet and W. Ring Warner to join The Contemporary Group and the faculty of The University Of Washington in 1968; David Shrader and Pamela Vokolek followed in 1969. The Contemporary Group presents an average of fifteen to twenty concerts annually, its members dividing their time between performances and instruction. It was awarded a Naumberg Foundation award in 1971.

Book One (1965)
   Verte Desnuda Es Recordar La Tierra
   No Piensan En La Lluvia, Y Se Han Dormido
   Las Muertas Llevan Alas De Musgo
Book Two (1965)
   Bebe El Agua Tranquila De La Canción Añeja
   La Muerte Entra Y Sale De La Taberna
   Cabalito Negro ¿Dónde Llevas Tu Jinete Muerto?
Book Three (1969)
   La Noche Canta Desnuda Sobre Los Puentes De Marza
   Quiero Dormir El Sueño De Las Manzanas
   Nana, Niña, Nana Del Caballo Grande Que No Quiso El Agua
Book Four (1969)
   ¿Por Qué Naci Entre Espejas?
   Tu Cuerpo, Con La Sombre Violeta De Mis Manos, Era Un Arcángel De Frio
   ¡La Muerte Me Está Mirando Desde Las Torres De Córdoba!

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Music USA - Neal Hefti

 

San Fernando Valley

Music USA
Neal Hefti 
And The Band With The Sweet Beat
Coral STEREO CRL 757256
1959

From the back cover: Neal Hefts, the young conductor-composer-arranger whose "Band With A Sweet Beat" is rapidly becoming one of the country's most popular musical groups, was born in Hastings, Nebraska. At the age of ten Neal was playing the trumpet with surprising skill, and while still in high school he was doing arrangements for local dance bands. His professional career began with a carnival band. It wasn't long, however, before his talents were recognized and exploited by famous music-makers such as Charlie Barnet, Charlie Spivak, Horace Heidt and Woody Herman. While with the Herman group, Heal met Mrs. Hefti, Frances Wayne, who was at that time vocalist for the band.

After a stint with the Herman "herd," Neal want to Hollywood, where he worked with Harry James and was quite active in radio. After the birth of the first of two children, Neal and Frances moved to New York.

The recipient of numerous musical awards, Neal Hefti recently earned a gold record for his recording of "Sugartime" with the McGuire Sisters.

Old Cape Code
New York, New York
Allegheny Moon
Chicago
From The Land Of The Sky And Blue Water
Home On The Range
When It's Springtime In The Rockies
A-las-ka
San Fernando Valley
Blue Hawaii
Cimarron
South
On Miami Shore

Tenderly - John Gary - Gordon MacRae - Johnny Desmond

 

Tenderly

Tenderly 
John Gary
Gordon MacRae
Johnny Desmond
International Award Series AK 244
Pickwick International, Inc.
196 4

My Happy Time - Johnny Desmond
It's The Talk Of The Town - Johnny Desmond
Tenderly - Johnny Desmond
How Many Teardrops - John Gary
How Many Times Must We Say Goodbye - John Gary
Pray Today - John Gary
Stars Fell On Alabama - Gordon MacRae
Talking Is A Woman - Gordon MacRae
It's Anybody's Spring - Gordon MacRae

Frankie Laine Sings - Andre Previn Plays

 

Fatstuff

Frankie Laine Sings
Andre Previn Plays
Rondo R-2015
A Product of Kimberly Records Corp.

You Can Depend On That
That's My Desire
Rosetta
Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
Someday Sweetheart 
Ain't Misbehavin'
Stealing Apples
Oh, You Sweet Thing
Fatstuff