Howdy Folks! Welcome to The UnEarthed In The Atomic Attic album blog! Here you will find a wide variety of unusual Space Age Vinyl finds that feature good quality cover scans, jacket notes and audio samples for you to enjoy. I'm here to have fun and hope you will share in my process of discovery!
The Many Faces Of Jazz Vol. 39 Claude Luter et ses lorientais Mode Serie - Vogue International Industries Collection Universelle CMDINT. 9843
From the back cover: The name of Claude Luter and his "Lorientais" is, more than any other, associated with the vogue for New Orleans music in France.
In fact, what was the deeper meaning of this "NEW ORLEANS REVIVAL"?
It's important to understand that the public, and more specifically the youth of the Old World, only truly began to discover jazz in the aftermath of the Second World War.
It was perfectly natural that this introduction, like jazz itself, should begin with its original form, and Claude Luter, like his followers, first sought inspiration from the great pioneers who had given New Orleans its distinctive sound.
For a long time, King Oliver's old records constituted the veritable "Bible" for New Orleans musicians, whose atmosphere needed to be recreated and whose secrets of collective improvisation needed to be rediscovered.
We still remember the extraordinary enthusiasm for "Les Lorientais" in that cellar in the Latin Quarter where these new "apostles," like their "gods," preached this new religion. And this is not just a metaphor. For this phenomenon must be considered a social event whose profound repercussions were felt for a long time among French youth. And it is precisely to some of the works of King Oliver, Kid Ory, and Louis Armstrong that this LP by Claude Luter is dedicated, where the Lorientais demonstrate the extent to which they had managed to identify with their mentors.
New Orleand - Oh! Didn't He Ramble Workin' Man Blues Jazz Lips Steppin' On The Blues Ory's Creole Trombone Alligator Blues Gumbo Creole Oriental Strut Georgia Bo Bo Chattanooga Stomp Riverside Blues Buddy's Habits Weather Bird Rag Tia Tia
Bird In A Silver Cage Arranged and Conducted by Sylvester Levay Produced by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay for Rosalba Music, Inc. Recorded at Union Studios, Munich, Germany Recording Engineer: Zeke Lund Cover Art: Don Brautigam Design & Art Direction: Paula Bisacca Atlantic SD 18209
1976
Flutes - Herbie Mann Keyboards - Sylvester Levay Drums - Martin Harrison Bass - Gary Unwin
Guitar - Nick Woodward Percussion and String Ensemble of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Fritz Sonnleitner
Background Vocals on all tracks by Jerry Rix except on "Aria," Munich Studio Choir. The Lady on "Aria" is Penny McLean
Bird In A Silver Cage Aria Fly, Robin, Fly Birdwalk Years Of Love The Piper
From the back cover: ABOUT THE IDEA FOR THIS RECORD: This recording is a legitimate source of pride for KUBANEY RECORDS, as it has satisfied the desire of the immense public who, day after day, throughout the years, have listened to and admired Maria Teresa Vera on various radio frequencies throughout the Republic. We have achieved a high level of sound quality on this record, never before attained in a recording based on guitars and rhythm. Therefore, we would like to congratulate the person directly responsible for the high quality of this Long Play, Mr. Medardo Montero, recording engineer at Radio Progreso.
ABOUT THE PERFORMER: MARIA TERESA VERA, a legitimate source of Cuban pride (she is undoubtedly the greatest exponent of the romantic songbook of yesteryear, where so many heartfelt songs were forged).
Her unique style has earned her the affection of a large audience for over forty years, an audience that has continued to delight in the romantic melodies that only she has been able to interpret.
María Teresa has taken our music to various Latin American countries. She has visited the United States on several occasions, where she recorded for different labels.
On this album, María Teresa perfectly blends her diverse interpretations, from her incomparable "Santa Cecilia" to her highly personal style of the Bambuco "Esta vez toca perder." The Clave Ñáñiga "En la alta sociedad" is a particularly striking addition to this album, appearing for the first time on a long-playing record.
ABOUT THE ACCOMPANIMENT: The accompaniment for this recording is provided by the performer herself, showcasing her mastery of the guitar, and the Nené Allué Ensemble, composed of two guitars, a treble, bass, and rhythm guitar.
Disc Label Track List
Santa Cecilia Sobre Una Tumba Una Rumba Doble Inconciencia Y Tu Que Has Querido ? Esta Vez Toco Perder Veinte Amos El Soldado Nena Boda Negra En La Alta Sociedad
Longina Pensamiento
Jacket Track List
Santa Cecilia Longina Veinte Años Y Tu Que Has Hecto El Soldado Nena En La Alta Sociedad Doble Inocencia Pensamiento Sobre Una Tumba Una Rumba Esta Vez Toco Perder Bodas Negras
In The Last Analysis The University Of Cincinnati Department Of Psychiatry 17th Annual Christmas Skit, 1965 Written and Performed by The First Year Residents Department of Psychiatry University of Cincinnati Recorded and Edited by Paul L. Whitehead and Perry B. Bach Photography and Cover Design by Edward H. Stein and Perry B. Bach
Cast in order of appearance: James Robinson, Melvyn M. Nizny, Perry B. Bach, Richard Schaefer, Alan B. Levy, Perry Marshall, Robert Meitus, Robert Buchalter, Richard Arbogast, William MacMaster, Harry B. Woods, P. Gloria Burk, E. David Burk, Robert T. Daehler and Milton E. Block
From the back cover: Following the rich traditions set by their predecessors, those residents in their first year at the Department demonstrated their proficiency in psychoanalytic and insight directed therapy by writing the musical skit, "In the Last Analysis." Fortified by the Christmas Spirits, and having been assured that the audience had also imbibed, the writers turned performers. The production was recorded live, as it was performed on December 20, 1965, in the fabulous Sky Room of Cincinnati General Hospital, over- looking the picturesque Avondale quarter of Cincinnati.In adding their chapter to the traditions of the Department, the first year residents salute the denial defense mechanism which has done more than anything else to keep the traditions alive. In addition, this particular skit reaffirms a persistent suspicion regarding the omnipotence of the Department of Psychiatry Chairman.
Ralph Burns and his Orchestra and the Sounds of The City
Sounds by Joan Franklin
Photo Essay of The City by Ed Hamilton
Decca Records DL 79068
1959
From the inside (blue colored booklet): About Ralph Burns - How, in one musical language, do you interpret the pulse of a city as complex and contradictory as New York? In this exciting new album, the music of Ralph Burns gives the answer. You don't. You can only portray this city, musically or graphically, in as many varied languages, colors, contrasts and moods as it continually reflects. Here, in a collection of songs culled from the almost inexhaustible store of melodies inspired by New York, are those most broadly and vividly representative. And, through the extraordinary arranging skill and fruitful imagination of Ralph Burns, one of the most modern and perceptive musicians of our time, we present a unique musical portrait of New York ... at times elaborately coiffured, more often with its hair down. The authentic sounds of the city give added color. Ralph Burns, composer-conductor-arranger-piano soloist, was classically trained, but his experience runs the gamut of musical expression. His most recent plaudits have been garnered in television, but he is equally well known, in each of his outstanding musical func- tions and capacities, in the fields of jazz and popular music.
In attempting to define or classify the music in this collection, we can only say its scope is as broad as the fantastic potpourri of human activity and emotion of the city. In short, if it's a part of what makes New York a song... it's a part of this album
Side One
1. Sound: Sightseeing Bus Guide Music: "I HAPPEN TO LIKE NEW YORK" Sound: Traffic jam-Times Square
Teen Scene! Chet Akins Pickwick by Arrangement with RCA Records Previously released as LSP-2719 Pickwick ACL-7005
1975
From the back cover: I don't guess you've ever had the opportunity to interview Chet Atkins. I have – and somehow managed to accomplish the assignment. It was no easy feat. He is not known in Nashville music circles for being a braggart or the most talkative of sorts. As a matter of fact all during the interview I kept thinking how Chet reminded me of the great Gary Cooper. Coop was tall, slim, and rather imposing. Ditto Atkins. And Coop was famous for his "Yeps" and "Nopes." Ditto Atkins. It probably just all goes to show you that when you accomplish a lot of things in your career and life, you really don't have to go around telling everybody about them. If they've been good deeds and merits, people will know without you telling them. That must be Chet Atkins' way of thinking, because after spending one hour with him talking about his many-sided career as one of the prime forces behind the popularity of country music around the world, you know the accomplishments certainly outweigh the simplified answers of "Yep, I did that," "Everybody made a lot of that, but it really wasn't much," and "I guess they elected me into the Country Music Hall of Fame because they felt sorry for me-thought I was dying of cancer and wouldn't be around till next voting."
Chet Atkins is a man of sparse words and mean accomplishments. He is a believer in the motto that action speaks louder than words. His life and career in the music business has been nothing but action – and that's action with a capital A.
The gifted guitarist has recorded over 60 albums for RCA during his 27-year association with the label. Many of them are Gold Records – all of them are classics in one way or another and major best-sellers. He has garnered Best Instrumentalist, Grammy, and CMA Awards galore; been elected into the prestigious Hall of Fame, and even "played the White House and lived to tell about it."
He has gone from the dire poverty of life on a 50-acre Clinch Mountains (Tennessee) farm with 15 brothers and sisters to Nashville's suburb of million- aires, Belle Meade. Through it all, he has changed little from that "little kid in the hand-me-down clothes with the inferiority complex!"
The performer and successful record producer attributes his longevity as an entertainer and his knack of creating hits for other artists as "just pure luck." When asked to explain some of the innovations he brought to country music and the influences he has had on setting trends, Chet says humbly – and sincerely, "I really can't pick on a guitar very well, you know. I may have changed a trend or two by playing with my fingers. Up till then everybody had a pocketful of picks. I just decided it was necessary for me to use 'em. I said 'What's wrong with my fingers?'"
And that's a fact!
Actually Chet also developed the technique of using the thumb and three fingers to play the guitar – influenced by his mentor and country great Merle Travis' thumb and one finger method. Atkins modeled his style after the guitarists in the Western Kentucky coal fields and that of classic guitar virtuosos, such as Andres Segovia.
Over the years Chet Atkins has adapted to the music styles as they have come and gone – and even invented a few himself. He can play the most country of Texas hillbilly swing and then turn right around and do memorable renditions of Bach. "The only bad thing," he says, "is that when I play Bach, it comes out country. But I don't plan to change!"
This most outstanding collection of Chet Atkins instrumentals shows his ability to handle just about any kind of tune that comes his way. There's the Broadway touch with "Bye, Bye, Birdie" – the reminisces to and the nostalgia of yesteryear in "Back Home Again in Indiana"-the hard-driving rock-a-billy of "I Got A Woman" – the warmth and simplicity of "I Love How You Love Me" – and there are the Atkins stable of hits and personal favorites, such as "Alley Cat," "Walk Right In," and "Teen Scene!"
They call Chet Atkins "Mr. Guitar." In music circles they speak of him in revered tones. They say he is the man most responsible for promoting "The Nashville Sound!" Let's face it, folks, Chet Atkins is a legend.
Then, why is he such a disappointment to interview-no hate stories about some artist stealing one of his songs, no grudges, no patting himself on the back for the wonderful job done. Then I thought that perhaps that was why Chet Atkins was so interesting. For all the things he is and has become and stands for, he is just like our ole neighbor next door. With one exception, of course: Chet Atkins is the singularly, most outstanding instrumentalist in all the world of country music and a stunning exponent of what the country sound is all about. – ELLIS NASSOUR, Music City News, Nashville
I Got A Woman Sweetie Baby Teen Scene Back Home Again In Indiana
Jazz Best Coast Coral Records 97 010 LPCM Original American Recording Deutsche Grannophon 1958
From the back cover:
Bill Holman and his Orchestra / Evil Eyes. Bright Eyes
Personnel: Bill Holman, aranger-composer-tenor and leader...
Trumpets: All Porcino, Ray Linn, Conte Candoli, Stu Williamson (also plays valve trombone)
Trombones: Bob Fitzpatrick, Ray Sims, Harry Betts Saxes: Charlie Mariano, Herb Geller, altos; Charlie Kennedy, Richie Kamuca, tenors; Steve Perlow, baritone.
Rhythm: Lou Levy, piano, Max Bennet, bass; Mel Lewis, drums.
Solo Annotation
Evil Eyes: Lou Levy, Bill Holman, Stu Williamson, Charlie Mariano, Max Bennet.
Bright Eyes: Lou Levy, Stu Williamson, Bill Holman, Max Bennet.
In cross-the-continent correspondence concerning this Album Bill made his position clear.
"In the writing for this album, I was working for form, continuity, and economy while trying to retain. the swing and vitality necessary to a good jazz feel. This aim is certainly not new, but I think it's a direction in which jazz can do a lot of growing.
"I don't consider myself an innovator. Rather than use odd instrumentations and/or pseudo-classical writing, I prefer to build the music on a fairly traditional base, letting what novelty there is come from the swing and sincerity of the band and the soloists, and from what individuality might be in the writing.
"The instrumentation here is a common one for a band of this size. It's light but capable of generating a lot of energy when required. The harmonies used are mostly simple, not so tense that they defy swing... Harmonic progressions should provide momentum of their own.
"Melodically, I try to write human, singable lines with natural curves, sometimes trying for an improvised feel...
"Rhythmically, I use a lot of syncopation and off- beat accents in the ensembles as a band seems to be able to get together easier on off-beats than on on-beats.
"Solos are fewer but longer, to give the soloists a better chance to build something of their own. Regarding backgrounds to soloists, I feel they shouldn't be confining to the soloist, (Ed. note they usually aren't in Holman's writing) although this premise is sometimes sacrificed for the sake of continuing a mood or idea."
Al Cohn Zoot Sims Quintet /Gone With The Wind
Personnel: Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, tenors; Mole Alli- son, piano; Teddy Kotick, bass; Nick Stabulas, drums.
COHN and SIMS, an earthy duo, by any measuring rod, in an informal mood. The dominant emphasis is on blowing; the propagation of an honest, unleashed swing. The cause is a winning one, in this case, for great rapport exists between the two; a sense of oneness within the group as a whole.
Both Cohn and Sims make stylistic reference to Lester Young. However, rather than reflecting on the grandeur of the man who so heavily mannered. their playing at an earlier time, the mirrow is turned inward; talent and jazz experience permitting individuality within a frame originally fashioned by Young.
After a conversational opening, Sims takes two solo choruses; Cohn three. They proceed to a chorus of eight bar exchanges initiated by Sims, and then a chorus and a half of "fours", which leads to the closing.
(Other recordings of this session on 57171.)
Joe Newman Sextet / Joe's Blues
Personnel: Joe Newman, trumpet; Frank Wess, tenor; Frank Rehak, trombone; John Acea, piano, Eddie Jones, bass; Corinie Kay, drums.
As arrangers Ernie Wilkins and Manny Albam have repeatedly said to me: "JOE NEWMAN is a modern trumpeter with the rare facility and flexibility to be able to deal expressively with both old and new formats in jazz It is also to be noted that he retains his own musical personality, while projecting the spirit of the materials he is dealing wth. On his appearance here with a sextet, Newman turns to the heart of jazz, the blues. Certainly a fruitful form when dealt with adequately, the blues are demanding on the musician in that he is dealing with only three basic chord changes, and must produce.
Having been associated with the Count Basie band from 1943 to 1946; from 1952 to the present, New- man has become well-oriented in the letter and spirit of the blues, for the Basie library is essentially blues in feeling, if not in form
In his entourage of blues blowers, Newman has two associates from the Basie band: tenorist Frank Wess and bassist Eddie Jones. In addition, MJQ's timekeeper, Connie Kay, who essays a virility in his work here, seldom manifested with the John Lewis unit; 'New Star' Down Beat poll winner Frank Rehak on trombone, and at the piano, the extremely knowledgeable blues player, John Acea.
Within this expanded, blues commentary, one is apt to be impressed with the pointed economy of the solos. The solo commentators speak in a flowing manner, but never over-embellish, thus intimating all the more by their restraint.
The opening and closing choruses of this selection. feature Joe and bassist Jones; the opening setting the stage, issuing the clarion call; the close com- pleting the design of the blues fabric. (Other recordings of this session on 94 103.)
Manny Albam and the Jazz Greats of Our Time
Arranger composer MANNY ALBAM charts the way for an excellent array of soloists on both of these selections with unintursive yet provocative frameworks. In his compositional relationship between writing and blowing, one seems to nourish the other; the balance, flow of one to the other, to be noted.
Essaying strong ties with jazz's ancestry by fusing elements particular to jazz tradition and the idiom's individuality in his writing: the beat, improvisation within a disciplinary frame, jazz's own unique feeling, Albam is just another example, a most valid one, at that, of the basing of modern outlook on the secure plank of traditionalism. Home Brew
Personnel: Conti Candoli, "Trumpeter X", trumpets; Stu Williamson, valve trombone; Herb Geller, alto; Richie Kamuca, Charlie Mariano, tenors; Bill Holman, baritone; Lou Levy, piano; Red Mitchell, bass; Shelly Manne, drums.
Selection is initiated by an eight bar piano intro by Lou Levy, establishing the 'feel" of material. A full chorus of ensemble follows with 'Trumpeter X' playing a one note commentary on last four bars of the bridge. Solo choruses by Geller, Williamson, the ever-charming 'Trumpeter X', and Kamuca separated by four bar ensemble send-offs and underlined by interweaving sax figures are next. The 'out chorus' is notable for a repeated two-bar riff with drum adornments by Manne; a four-bar drum break and 'Trumpeter X's' four-bar interjection in the last 16 of the tune.
(Other recordings of this session on 57 142.)
Am I Blue
Personnel: Art Farmer, Nick Travis, trumpets; Bob Brookmeyer, valve trombone; Phil Woods, alto; Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, tenors; Gerry Mulligan, bari- tone; Hank Jones, piano, Milt Hinton, bass; Osie Johnson, drums.
The relaxation, general tenor of the interpretation, evokes memories of Jimmie Lunceford in its off- hand but pointed movement.
Altoist Woods is the dominant voice in the first 16 bars of the theme chorus which plays off the saxes, anchored by Mulligan, against the brass. Brookmeyer wends his way in and out of ensemble textures during last 16 of first chorus. The lyrically inclined Cohn tenor glides in next, framed by quietly flowing backgrounds. Woods then voices his backstory in his typically virile manner, as the ground fabric changes color. Mulligan takes cue from ensemble figure preceding his stint, enlarges upon it in a rhythmic manner; paries with the figure again, then delineates further, leading directly into Art Farmer's muted solo. Zoot Sims continues the skein, and makes some thoughtful yet pulsating Hank Jones takes the solo spotlight, engages primarily in interplay with the band, and moves the opus into closing theme chorus. Latter is notable for bassist Hinton's conversation with the band, and a lyrical stint by Travis on the bridge. (Other recordings of this session on 57 173.)
Hal McKusick Quintet featuring Art Farmer / This Time The Dream's On Me
Personnel: Hal McKusick, alto; Art Farmer, trumpet; Ed Costa, piano; Milt Hinton, bass; Gus Johnson, drums.
Hal McKusick has always been quite concerned with projecting his feelings through his horn, working in circumstances which permit him to do so.
"I don't feel that larger bands. have a negative function, but in most cases, they tend to emphasize the orientation of the arranger or composer rather than the improvisor, and the feeling of creation notable in the small group is lacking.
"The group of musicians I had on this session all feel strongly about individual expression, but realize there is a need for a certain amount of writing to frame the expansive blowing sections.
"Manny Albam, a writer who understands the needs of the jazz player, created a substantial, non-ccn-stricting chart, which helped engender the relaxed, impovisory feeling we wanted.
In the final evaluation of this track, the heat and flow of the solos is not to be overlooked. The latter indicative of the compatibility of the players; the capacity of highly competent individuals to make for a cogent whole.
(Other recordings of this session on 57 131.) – Burt Korall
Shelly Manne by Courtesy of RCA Victor_Records Lou Levy by Courtesy of Contemporary Records
Die Dubarry - Millocher/Mackeben Die Rose von Stambul - Fall Ouerschnitte: Erika Koth, Rudolf Schock, Horst Wilhelm Eurodisc 60 018 GE (10 inch 33 rpm disc) 1962
Erika Koth, Sopran Horst Wilhelm, Tenor Der Gunther Arndt-Chor Die Berliner Symphoniker Dirigent Frank Fox
Heitor Villa Lobos Quintette en Forme de Choros John Downey / Agort Jean Francaix / Quintette The Woodwind Arts Quintet Orion Master Recordings Inc. ORS 73123 1973
From the back cover: HEITOR VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) stands out as the best known of Latin American composers. Born in Rio de Janeiro on March 5, 1887, his early music training was with his cellist father, and later with Francisco Braga and Agnelo Franca. Having toured Brazil as a concert pianist, he also undertook numerous folklore expeditions into the interior of his vast and exciting native country. His dedication and lifelong research in folk music expresses itself profusely in his creative work. His compositions are saturated with flowing warmth, rhythm and the wild passion of the jungle.Villa-Lobos' enormous musical output (an estimated two thousand works) includes operas, ballets, chamber music, orchestral music, concertos, piano pieces, songs, masses, an oratorio and a musical comedy. In addition he contributed significantly as conductor, educator and writer of countless articles on Brazilian folklore.
The Quintette en forme de choros (Villa-Lobos used this title to describe music of an informal serenade-like nature, based on folk tunes) was composed in Paris in 1928 for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, English Horn and Bassoon. In 1953 he revised the instrumentation by substituting the French Horn for the English Horn, thus making it accessible to the standard woodwind quintet ensemble. In doing so, the composer had to give a large portion of the English Horn high tessitura passagework to the clarinet in order to make life easier for the French Hornist. In this recording, however, we chose the original 1928 version with all of the English Horn writing performed by the French Horn. The composition moves from a recitative-like opening statement through seemingly free cadenza style writing, sustained expressive singing by each individual instrument, strongly driving rhythms, virtuoso fireworks, extremely varied color combinations, to a truly brilliant bravura ending. Most importantly, the work is intense, passionate, exotic and haunting. – Israel Borouchoff
JOHN DOWNEY was born in Chicago, Ill., Oct. 5, 1927. After receiving his B.M. from De Paul Univ., and his M.M. from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt Univ., he left that city, and with a Fulbright Scholarship to Paris, he began his artistic activities abroad. After a number of years, during which time he traveled extensively throughout Western Europe, and after having earned a Ph.D. from the Univ. of Paris and a Prix de Composition from the Paris Conservatory, he returned to the U.S. At present, he is a Professor of Theory and Composition at the Univ. of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where he resides with his linguist wife, Irusha, and their two children, Lydia and Marc.
He has composed a large variety of works, some of which include the electronic medium. He has had major performances of his works both in Europe and the U.S. In addition, he has been the recipient of a number of important commissions which include: String Quartet for the Fine Arts String Quartet Foundation in Chicago; Earthplace, a half hour T.V. electronic sound score for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; Jingalodeon, for the Milwaukee Symphony Children's Concerts; Cello Sonata, for George Sopkin (recorded on C.R.I.); Prospectations III-III, for three orchestras simultaneously and four conductors, for Music For Youth of Milwaukee; and Symphonic Modules Five (a 41 min. work for large orchestra) for the Milwaukee Symphony, Kenneth Schermerhorn, conductor.
Twice he has been an invited participant at the Aspen School of Music, the Princeton Siminars in Advanced Musical Techniques, and a Fellow at the MacDowell Colony. Among his many teachers were Stein, Shapiro, Tarnowsky, Ganz, Margolies, Krenek, Tcherepnin, Rieti, Boulanger, Honegger, Milhaud, Rivier, Messiaen, Chailley, Brailoui, Sessions, Cone and Babbitt.
John Downey's AGORT for Woodwind Quintet was begun in Nov. of 1966. By the Spring of 1967, four of its five movements were completed, but it wasn't until the Fall of 1972 that the Quintet was finalized into its present form. It was premiered at Ganz Hall in Chicago on Oct. 5, 1972 by the Woodwind Arts Quintet, to whom this work is dedicated, and who championed it from its inception. AGORT exploits both the timbral characteristics of the woodwinds and their virtuosic potentialities.
The title of the composition is based on two parallel running concepts: one is derived from the linguistic and phonetic qualities inherent in the synthetic word AGORT; i.e., movements I and III, being slow and open, are characterized by vowels with their potential for prolonga- tion while the fast movements, II and IV, are associated with consonants and their capacity for staccato-like reiteration. Mov. IV, in particular is symbolized by the so-called "liquid R" reflecting its own tempo indication. The Vth and final movement, although predominantly slow, is continuously truncated by fast running passages, and because of this, as well as for sheer sound, the consonant "T" was chosen to complete the title word.
The second associative concept of AGORT derives from a similar aggregate of letters in the Greek word "agora", one meaning of which has to do with an open gathering of people assembled to discuss ideas of mutual interest such as philosophy or politics. In this latter sense, we have the concept of democratic discourse in the ideal tradition of true chamber music. AGORT'S five movements bear the markings:
A G O R T
A A Q e P A
n m l m u P A d i l o a m r n r a s e l s o s L d e n t g t i l t q a f
t e r o t o u n l
e r o a o i i c
i d d n t
o a r o o i
s g u v
o i b o o a t o
"An ingenious work"... Walter Monfried, the Milwaukee Journal
"A fluid sweep of conceptions"... Jay Joslyn, the Milwaukee Sentinel
"Well written for the instruments.
Indeed, its chief interest lay in its exploitation of sonorities"... Allen Hughes, the New York Times
This composition was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1973.
JEAN FRANÇAIX was born in Le Mans on May 23, 1912 into a musical family. In his own words: "It appears that I first drew attention to myself at the age of eighteen months by beating out on a table, with a wooden ruler, the rhythm of a military march played on the piano by my father, who introduced tricky rallentandos and accelerandos. When I was five, seated one day at the piano with manuscript paper before me, I enjoined silence upon a venerable bearded visitor with the remark: 'Don't disturb me. I'm inspiring!'". At the age of 12 Françaix became a private pupil of Nadia Boulanger. He also won numerous prizes at the Conservatoire of Le Mans and in 1930 the Premier Prix de Piano at the Paris Conservatoire.
His creative work includes orchestral music, concertos, chamber music, ballet, theatre music and comic opera. His Serenade for Small Orchestra was choreographed in 1951 by George Balanchine to create the ballet "A la Françaix".
The Quintette dates from 1948 and was dedicated to the Woodwind Quintet of l'Orchestre National de Paris. Neo-classical in style, it is spirited, charming, piquant, lighthearted and effervescent. To quote Françaix: "My desire is to communicate joy rather than sorrow. Why be sad when you live in Paris? It would amount to cowardice towards your neighbour. Leave sorrow to silly people or to the truly great. Aim at simplicity in music, in science, even in politics. Simplicity is more than a virtue; it is a faculty. But it is a posthumous faculty, acquired through sacrificing one's life to it..." – Israel Borouchoff
THE WOODWIND ARTS QUINTET has received consistent nationwide acclaim from enthusiastic audiences and critics. The ensemble was founded in 1966 and is presently in residence in the School of Fine Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Each of its five members is a high caliber virtuoso with extensive solo, chamber music and orchestral background on a national and international scale.
ISRAEL BOROUCHOFF, Flute Israel Borouchoff has played and recorded with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra; was Solo Flutist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for eight years; member of the Casals Festival Orchestra in Puerto Rico and in Caracas, Venezuela; Solo Flutist with the Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia with which he recorded seven albums for RCA; Soloist with the St. Louis Symphony, Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia, The Aristeia Ensemble on numerous occasions, the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble of New York, Temple University Summer Music Festival and many others. Mr. Borouchoff is also a frequent recitalist.
PAUL KRAMER, Oboe Paul Kramer, who studied with Philip Kirchner and Fernand Gillet, was a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, where he recorded with William Steinberg; the Cleveland Orchestra, Boston "Pops" and Esplanade Orchestras, the Symphony of the Air, Stokowski's American Symphony Orchestra, Chatauqua Symphony Orchestra, and has per- formed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He taught and per- formed as a member of the resident woodwind quintet at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and has coached chamber music at Boston University and Brandeis University.
JACK SNAVELY, Clarinet Jack Snavely is very active nationally and internationally as a soloist, conductor, clinician, recitalist, adjudicator, clarinetist in the Woodwind Arts Quintet, and saxophonist in the Leblanc Fine Arts Saxophone Quartet. He has been a member of the Milwaukee Symphony, the Waukesha Symphony, the Thor Johnson Chamber Music Orchestra, the United States Army Band, Washington, D.C., and has recorded for Golden Crest Records. His many publications include clarinet and saxophone methods and studies, works for clarinet choir and band, and numerous articles in the leading music and music education periodicals. He received degrees from Lebanon Valley College and the University of Michigan.
BASIL TYLER, French Horn Basil Tyler has performed as principal French Horn with the Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia, Mantovani Orchestra, New Orleans Philharmonic, Florida Symphony, American Wind Symphony, Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, and numerous radio and television programs and recordings including RCA and Capitol. He has also toured extensively, with more than twenty foreign countries on past itineraries.
ROBERT THOMPSON, Bassoon Robert Thompson has a distinguished career as a bassoon soloist, chamber musician and orchestral performer. Solo appearances at Carnegie Recital Hall and Yale University by Mr. Thompson received high praise, and he has recorded an album of solo bassoon compositions for the Musical Heritage Society. He was formerly the first bassoonist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
"Each of the five men is an acknowledged expert, and their blending and overall team play were something to admire." – Milwaukee Journal
"THE WOODWIND ARTS QUINTET....IS TAKING A BACK SEAT TO NO OTHERS IN THE PROFESSION." – Milwaukee Journal
"They made the points of each work and their feelings about it without forcing or straining for effects." – New York Times
"WOODWINDS FILL HALL WITH MAGICAL SOUND." – Milwaukee Sentinel
Heitor Villa Lobos Quintette en Forme de Choros John Downey - Agort (1972)
Jean Francaix Quintette (1948)
Andante tranquillo Presto Tema: Andante Temp di marcia francese
Crew Cut Capers Orchestra Conducted by David Carroll Mercury Records MG 20143 1957
From the back cover: Today's popular music scene seems to be based on a continuous raft of new personalities who jump to the top and then disappear before you hardly get a chance to know them. The reverse, however, is true of this group which Mercury Records takes pleasure in presenting to you on this Long-Playing recording-the ever popular and favorite, Crew Cuts. The Crew Cuts, to be sure, did make their bid for fame in a fast, meteoric rise, but they have not faded from the scene, and from the response of the music loving public, it seems they never will. They are truly the perfect example of young America personified. They have captured the hearts of young people clear across this large country we live in and their antics have made them loved by the young as well as the old.
The Crew Cuts, to the younger set, are themselves in action, and to the older set, they bring back memories of their youth. The group can kick up their heels and ring out in song in a zestful manner that defies comparison or imitation. It is for this reason, that the group decided to choose this particular repertoire of songs – it depicted their spirit and they had fun recording the tunes. The title is an apt one, "Crew Cut Capers", a connotation of fun, and a happy-go-lucky spirit.
Off stage, the Crew Cuts weren't always a happy Crew. At one point in their career, they were so broke that they accepted an engagement in Cleveland, Ohio, many miles from their home town of Sudbury, Ontario, and drove the entire distance in a blinding snow storm in a 15-year old car, all for the grand salary of $100. This trip, however turned out to be the turning point in their career, for it was during this appearance at Cleveland, that a disk jockey heard them sing and called the head of Mercury Records and asked that they be auditioned. The audition was held, and the rest is history. Their first recording, "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby", became a nation-wide hit, and the boys were on their way. Each new release after that, has gained immediate acceptance by the record buyers and the boys are now firmly entrenched in the enviable position of being regular box office draws. The group consists of Ray Perkins, his brother Johnnie, Rudi Maugeri, and Pat Barrett. They got their name of course from the way their hair is cut. In fact, they started a national fad with their odd style of hair-dos. Each of the lads has a flair for comedy as well as for singing and it is this quality which shines thru not only on the stage, but on records as well. Add sincerity to their list of traits and you will see why the Crew Cuts are here to stay.
The entire repertoire of this Long-Playing recording was chosen thru the collaboration of all four of the Crew Cuts in an effort to give you the listener an example of the type of tunes they themselves love to do for you. Listen now to such exhilarating tunes as "Blue Moon," their first big smash "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby," "I Spoke Too Soon," "Sure She Will," "Blue Jean Gal," and the popular "In A Little Spanish Town." You will also hear excellent performances on such tunes as the happy "Dixie Danny," the romantic "Glory Of Love," "Present Arms," "Oh Yes I Know," the jumpy "Are You Having Any Fun," and the haunting "Unchained Melody". Here is an album that will soon find itself among your most cherished recorded items, a truly favorite musical treasure.
Blue Moon Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby I Spoke Too Soon Sure She Will Blue Jean Gal In A Little Spanish Town Dixie Danny The Glory Of Love Present Arms Oh Yes I Know Are You Havin' Any Fun Unchained Melody
