The Contemporary Piano Project - Vol. III - Dwight Peltzer

 Arthur Custer, Found Objects No. 7

The Contemporary Piano Project
Vol. III
Francis Throne: Sonata / Loren Rush: Hexahedron / Arthur Custer: Found Objects No. 7
Dwight Peltzer
Serenus Corporation SRS 12071

I have found a number of Arthur Custer LPs over the past month. This album features one of his compositions realized by Dwight Peltzer.

From the back cover: Found Objects No. 7 is one of a series of pieces for instruments and pre-recorded tape. It was written for Dwight Peltzer, friend, colleague and fellow adventurer in the world of exploration. Dwight's piano sounds are used in the tape component, along with synthesized and "concrete" sounds. The various source materials are selected, manipulated, and organized to form an integrated complementary partner to the live performance.

The Soul Of Harlem

El Bronx

The Soul Of Harlem
Orchestra Del Oro
Conducted By Juan Del Oro
Scores by Don Coasta
Session Supervision by D. L. Miller
Sonodor MOSON 100A

From the back cover: Harlem, the Blues – Harlem, the Cha-Cha. A polyglot lady expressing herself in guttural down home slang, hipsters jargon and three dialects of Spanish spawned from the Antilles to Mexico City... the quiet sophisticated bars where conversations drift from Bach to Bop... greasy chitlin' joints raucous with the sounds of too much cheap wine... from Ellington to Lecuona, soulful jazz to staccato bongos. Arriba to go man, go! These are chunks of pigment in an ever colorful, ever-moving mosaic framed in Harlem.
Polyglot?

Enjoy the sample chunk of pigment... El Bronx.

The vibe is uneven, but the content is better than your average orchestrated budget light pop.

Check out this Sondor Del Oro LP featuring a questionable cover concept: Lolita

Headin' Home
Harlem Nocturne
Durango
Night Train
Dansero
Yes, Oh Yes
Mood Indigo
Spanish Harlem
That Old Black Magic
Misirlou
El Bronx
Street Scene

Potent Percussion - Don Catelli

Potent Percussion
Don Catelli and The All Stars
Directional Sound
Premier Album
DM 5010

1961

This album is one of the book-fold albums Premier releases that copied the style of product published by Command Records. However, some of the LPs in this series don't live up to Command standards for engineering or content.

I Love Paris
Manhattan
So In Love
Lady Of Spain
Old Cape Cod
I've Got You Under My Skin
In The Still Of The Night
Always True To You
Small World Isn't It
Glow Worm
Balling The Jack
My Heart Belongs To Daddy

Background Music

Background Music and Sound Effects For Your Home Movies
Major Records MLP 1040

Baby... let me show you my XXX movie.

You're so bad... and your music is annoying.

Samba So! - Walter Wanderly

Sad Samba

Samba So!
Walter Wanderly
World Pacific
Division of Liberty Records
WP-1856

Here's another fab Walter Wanderly album. Also check out Murmurio and Brazilian Blend.

Recorded live in Brazil by Fermata Productions.

This is the kind of record you can put on the table and go about cleaning the house... while doing the Samba. The music is light, bouncy and doesn't require your complete attention. Of course... I can clean my house to Karlheinz Stockhausen... but I won't be doing the Samba...

Jet Samba
Morning Samba
Prelude Samba
Samba Of My Town
Only Samba
Beggar's Samba
Samba In Japan
Samba De Bossa
New Samba
One Note Samba
Brazilian Samba
Sad Samba

Stan Kenton Plays For Today

Michelle

Stan Kenton Plays For Today
Capitol ST 2655
1967

From Billboard - March 25, 1967: Kenton continues to be one of our most inventive arrangers and his work on this exceptional program of pop tunes makes them sparkle anew. "Spanish Eyes," "Strangers In The Night" and "Michelle" are infused with a jazz flavor, making this a double threat album.

It Was A Very Good Year
Yesterday
Sabre Dance
Spanish Eyes
Cumana
The Sound Of Music
Somewhere My Love (Lara's Theme)
Never On Sunday
Michelle
Strangers In The Night
Anna

Modern Jazz - Ronnie Lang

Cantara

Modern Jazz
Ronnie Lang And His All Stars
TOPS L1521
1957

From the back cover: Ronny Lang - Tenor Sax

Started with Hoagy Carmichael's Teen-Age Band and progressed from there to Skinnay Ennis in '47. He joined Les Brown in '49, leaving Les for two years of Army Service. Returning to Lew Brown's Band, he was one of the featured side men that made the Brown Band of the 50s one of the top bands in the country. Capitol seated Ronny on an album called the Les Brown's All Stars.

Dave Pell - Baritone and Tenor Sax (courtesy RCA Victor)

Born in New York, played around the East with bands such as Bob Astor, Bobby Sherwood, Tony Pastor, came to the West Coast in 1945. Joined Bob Crosby for two years, then eight years with Les Brown's Band as featured soloist. Currently on RCA Victor recording artist.

Marty Pacich - Piano

Stared in 1938 right around San Francisco Bay area sunil he went into service in 1946... in charge of Army band... came to L.A., went to L.A. Conservatory, and graduated with Master's Degree in Composition... Accompanist to Peggy Lee and Dorothy Dandridge... played with Shorty Rogers... Dave Pell Octet... has arrangements in the books of Stan Kenton, Les Brown, and Dave Pell Octet... one of progressive jazz's leading arrangers and pianists.

Bob Enevoldsen - Valve Trombone

Born in Billings, Montana... graduated University of Montana... Bachelor of Music degree. Went into service, and upon his return to civilian life, played with the Salt Lake City Symphony as Solo Clarinetist for two years. Came to L.A., recorded with Gery Mulligan, Bill Holman, Lennie Neihaus, Bobby Troop, Skinnay Ennis, Francis Faye... Has two albums of his own on Nocturne label... Plays bass tenor sax, clarinet, and on this date, valve trombone.

Johnny Lais - Drums

Started in New Orleans and after a hitch in the navy worked with Frankie Carle, Will Osborne, Louis Prima, George Auld and Matt Dennis... Married to Emma Lou Welsh, the well known singer.

Ray Leatherwood - Bass

A Texan... graduate of S.M.U... played with Tommy Dorsey, Les Brown, Jack Teagarden and appeared on Julie London's hit album with Barney Kessel.

From Billboard - January 26, 1957: Quality, more than price, usually dictates jazz sales. This 12-incher is tagged at $1.49, the cover is intriguing and the 12 good tunes (mainly well-known standards) are listed on the cover, where the rack buyers can spot 'em. With Lang, but not listed on the front, are Dave Pell, Marty Palch and Bob Enevoldsen, all of the West Coast clique. The jazz is bland and uninspired. Possibly there will be some "impulse" sales, but the "cats" will probably shun this.

Devil And The Deep Blue Sea - Arranged by Bill MacDougald

How About You - Arranged by Marty Paich

They Can't Take That Away From Me - Arranged by Bob Drasnin

I'll Be Around - Arranged by Bill MacDougald

Basin Street - Arranged by Marty Paich

Taking A Chance On Love - Arranged by Bob Drasnin

Skylark

Midnight Sun

'S Wonderful

A Foggy Day

Cantara

Lullaby In Rhythm

Kent State Jazz Date - Bobby Brack Trio

Small Hotel

Kent State Jazz Date
Bobby Brack Trio
Colpix CL 405
1959

Here's a sample from an obscure jazz album. The Bobby Brack Trio consisted of three men, not quite 30 years of age, when they made this record. Brack, leader and drummer from Cleveland, Ohio. Dave Maske, bassist from Akron, Ohio and Ron Surace, pianist from Lorian, Ohio.

From the back cover: As might be guessed by this time, the three members of the Trio happened upon one another at Kent State University in Ohio where, at chance meeting, they struck up an accord, an understanding, and a sympathy in their musical concepts. Since its inception at Kent State, where the group developed a large acclamatory audience practically overnight, its fortunes and acceptance have risen in a steadily ascending path. They soon passed beyond the borders of Kent and performed for many jazz clubs throughout Ohio.

Lover
You Stepped Out Of A Dream
Small Hotel
All The Things You Are
Lover Man
Mountain Greenery
Cheek To Cheek
What Is This Thing Called Love
Spontaneous
Love Is A Simple Thing

Greasy Kid Stuff - Al Caiola

Watermelon Man

Our Day Will Come

Greasy Kid Stuff

Al Caiola Guitar and Orchestra
United Artists
UAS 6287 & UAL 3287

1963

From Billboard - May 25, 1963: Guitarist Caiola applies his special talents to a group of current and recent pop singles hits for various artists, both vocal and instrumental. These treatments include smart arrangements which incorporate femme voices, organ, flute and rhythm. The "Greasy Kid Stuff" tag refers to the teen-styled material offered. Danceable and listenable wax includes "Surfing' USA," "Watermelon Man," "He's So Fine," "Walk Right It," and "Rhythm Of The Rain."

Watermelon Man

He's So Fine

Surfin' USA

Our Winter Love

Rhythm Of The Rain

Walk Right In

Pipe Line

Charms

Ruby Baby

Alley Cat

South Street

Our Day Will Come

Latin Holiday - Dante Varela

I Want To Be Happy

The Ravel Murder Case

Latin Holiday
Cha - Chas And Mambos
Dante Varela And His Orchestra
Decca DL 8851
1959

After listening to few decent Latin records this week, I happen to put this one on the table and heard some fantastic music.

Tracks on this somewhat obscure space age Latin album are first arranged in a more or less traditional fashion and then a track will morph into small combo jazz. This is sophisticated period Latin lounge.

The engineering is also outstanding.

From the back cover: Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mr. Varela is a triple-threat conductor-pianist-composer who has built himself a solid reputation as an authentic and highly original Latin music-maker. His talents are often directed, with equal authority, toward jazz and ballads. The composer of over 17 popular songs, he has also written important piano suites and several orchestral works.

Mr. Varela studied piano with Vincenzo Scaramuzza and studied saxophone and clarinet with his father, Benito Varela, Professor of Music at the "Don Bosco" schools in Buenos Aires for over 20 years. Organizing his first orchestra at the age of 20, he came to the United States soon after.

's Wonderful
Younger Than Springtime
Just In Time
I Want To Be Happy
Body And Soul
The Song Is You
Bernie's Tune
Hello Young Lovers
Gone With The Wind
Sweet Sue, Just You
Angel Eyes
The Ravel Murder Case

Cha Cha - Pedro Garcia

Cha Cha Cha Cha Cha Cha
Vol. 3
Pedro Garcia And His Del Prado Orchestra
Audio Fidelity
AFLP 1837
1957

That's a lot of cha cha...  Released in 1963 in stereo this one is on CD or online purchase download so I won't be posting a sample. Featured here to share the fabulous cover art.

Side one

Capullito De Alheli
Senor Juez
El Mandarin
El Maletero
Los Solterones
Agua Con Azucar

Side two

Satanas
Policias
El Alboroto
Norte Y Sur
Cha Cha Negro
Son Dos Luceros

Energy & The Atom

How Safe Are Nuclear Power Plants

Energy & The Atom
Produced by The American Nuclear Society
1975

A dozen, ten minute informal interviews with scientific and industrial leaders on the general topic of nuclear power

This three record set include segments:

What Is A Reactor And How Does It Work?
How Safe Are Nuclear Power Plants?
Ecology And Atomic Power
Nuclear Power Plants, Where Shall We Put Them?
Diversion And Safeguards Of Nuclear Materials
Plutonium – Is It Really That Dangerous?
Environmental Impact Statements
Atomic Power... European Style
The Clinch River Drama... The Case For The Breeder
The Atoms Final Resting Place
The Public Acceptance Of Nuclear Power?
The Future Of Atomic Energy

Cool Hands - Buck Clarke Quintet

X-A-Dose (Clarke, McKenzie, Hampton, Williams and Hunter)

Ed's Blues (Hampton)

Cool Hands
Buck Clarke Quintet
Offbeat Records OJ-3003
1959

I bought this one for the cool cover art. But very much enjoyed the amazing and cool space age jazz tracks laid down by young men in the late 50s who were all 29 years or younger in age. The quintet members: Buck Clarke - bongos, conga drum, Fred Williams - bass, Charles Hampton - alto sax, clarinet, wooden flute, Don McKenzie - vibraphone and Roscoe Hunter - drums.

From the back cover: The Quintet had been playing regularly about 10 months when this record was made. They recorded shortly after appearing for a week at the Howard Theater in Washington and gained the finishing touches of confidence and polish. The five rehearse faithfully every Sunday morning in the basement of McKenzie's home (where the piano always is in tune because McKenzie is an expert piano tuner), no mean feat for musicians who work late on Saturday nights.

The Quintet started as a trio (bass, vibes, conga and bongos). Their first date was at a Washington art gallery, where Clarke was showing paintings of jazz musicians.

The excellent engineering on this album also deserves a mention.

Side one

Cool Hands
What Is This Thing Called Love
Second Wind
Mil-Dy
Ed's Blues

Side two

X-A-Dose
Lover Man
I'll Remember April
Floretta

Mambo Jumbo - Carlos Molina

Cao Cao Mani Picao

Mambo Jumbo
Carlos Molina
Caliente Disco
Division Of Pathe Records
CD 1004

Tico Tico
Lengua Mala
Mambo No. 5
Cao Cao Mani Picao
Mambo No. 3
Love This Night Will Live
Eso No
Serentro Espagnola
Mambo Jumbo
Silverio
El Compas Del Mambo
Come To The Mardi Gras

Latin Dance Carnival - Al Stephano

Muchacha

Latin Dance Carnival
Al Stephano And His Trio
Tops L 1718

From the back cover: In Madrid of Copenhagen, in London, Berlin or Paris, one name is synonymous with the best in Latin Music... and that name is Al Stephano.

He has appears in some twenty-five countries, has sold millions of records, has been featured on England's BBC and toured the camps of the United States Armed Forces in Europe and Africa.

Now, with pride, TOPS presents this album (one of a series of three, the other being "Rhumba Reflexiones" [TOPS L1721] and "Mambo Bongo Bash!" [TOPS L1722] which mark Al Stephano's American debut. From one of the world's most extensive libraries of Latin music, Stephano has put together a colorful combination of songs. Some will be easily recognized, others will fall new and delightfully on the ear. But all are marked by engaging dance rhythms and a multiplicity of instruments that turns the Stephano group into a very deceptive trio.

Stephano is himself a versatile and highly talented musician. His early professional work was with Leo Mathisen's famous Swedish jazz band and the large orchestra of Peter Ramussen. Several years ago he switched to Latin music and in a comparatively short time skyrocketed to an enviable position among dance groups across the Atlantic, but now, with the release of these albums, male and female Yankees will get a kick out of (and probably put a new kick of two into) the mambos, rhumbas, tangos, and cha-chas that keep them healthy, happy and out of breath.

Donna
La Empalizer
Muchcha
Havana's Calling Me
Luna De Maracaibo
Cui Cui
Cuban Serenade
Time Was
Tico Tico
Mañana Lloraras

Big Bond Movies Themes - Geoff Love

The Man With The Golden Gun

Big Bond Movies Themes
Geoff Love & His Orchestra
MFP 50227
1975

Light 70s pop approach to Bond covers. Speaking of covers, apparently this import was released with two cover illustrations (illustration by Tom Chantrell). One cover features the same illustration, but you see only Bond's back.  Why? I have no idea.

Light music, but Love's unique touches held my interest.

Love's wiki page.