Belly Dance - Jimmy Linardos

Limmy Linardos And His Near-East Group
Belly Dance
Recorded live at New York's Cafe Yaffo
Volume 1 & 2
1974 & 1975
Fran Records

Volume 2 offers a nice, extended piece of music (sample above), on side one.

Volume 1 Musicians:
Jimmy Linardos - Leader, Accordionist
Joseph Kassab - Oud, Singer
Johnny Mirhige - Dumbeg, Tambourine, Cymbals
Michael Vougiazis: Rhythm Guitar
Lou Mavris - Bass Guitar

Volume 2 Musicians:
Jimmy Linardos - Leader, Accordionist
Michael Vougiazis - Rhythm Guitar, Bouzoukee
George Manikas - Bass Guitar
Saul Betesh - Oud, Singer
Ronnie Jamgochian - Dumbeg
Joseph Zaroura - Tambourine

Volume two dancers (cover): Shelli Adani, Ya Shara, Charleena, Electra, Tina, Magdalene, Satrina, Jackie and Savitar.

Mural on the cover was done by the famous Israeli painter - Avram Mordoh.

I Couldn't Live Without Your Love - Pet Clark

Rain

I Couldn't Live Without Your Love
Pet Clark
Art Direction: Ed Thrasher
Petula Clark's Suit / Country Club Fashion
Engineer: Ray Prickett
An Original Vogue Recording
Warner Bros. Records
WS 1645
1966

From the back cover: This album was recorded in London, where it's at, too. With Mr. Tony Hatch, an imaginative greatness who writes songs and arrangements that aren't polite, aren't scared, aren't cutesy, aren't piddly. – Stan Cornyn

Strangers In The Night
A Groovy Kind Of Love
Rain
Wasn't It You
There Goes My Love, There Goes My Life
Monday, Monday
Bang Bang
Homeward Bound
Two Rivers
Come Rain Or Come Shine
Elusive Butterfly
I Couldn't Live Without Your Love

The English Sound

Sassy Sue

The English Sound
Starring Petula Clark
Also Starring Barbara Brown
And Featuring The Supermarine Spitfires
A Morty Craft Production
Premier PS-9016

From the back cover: The songstress, who is married to a French A&R Director, now lives in Paris with her husband and two children, turning out hit after hit.

Petula Clark's image sells the record, however, the sample I've selected to post today comes from the more obscure Supermarine Spitfire tracks.

Romeo
Isn't It A Lovely Day
Alfie
I Only Want To Be With You
All I See Is You
Just One Look
Since You Broke My Heart
You Got Me Bugged
That's For Sure
Sassy Sue

Country And Western Roses - Dan & Dale

Rose Of Laredo

Country And Western Roses
The "Sleepwalk" Guitars Of Dan & Dale
Diplomat Records D-2363

Moon Light And Roses
Yellow Rose Of Texas
Room Full Of Roses
Bouquet Of Roses
My Filipino Rose
Rose Colored Glasses
Rose Of Laredo
Roses Bring Memory
With A Rose In Her Hair

Percussion And Guitars

Cherokee

Percussion And Guitars
Arrangements by Al Caiola
Series 2000
Time S/2000
1960

From Billboard - June 13, 1960: The success of the Enoch Light percussion albums has led to much recording activity in this field. This isn in that groove – and it's a mighty good album at that. It features percussion with guitars, played by top musicians and recorded beautifully in stereo. The arrangements by Al Caiola are smart, and the packaging is excellent.

Gone With The Wind
Jazz Pizzicato
Just In Time
Holiday For Strings
The Sound Of Music
Charleston
Then I'll Be Tired Of You
Cherokee
Baubles Bangles & Beads
Something Coming
'S Wonderful
Early Autumn

The Glory Of Love - Living Marimbas

Holly

The Glory Of Love
Living Marimbas
Arranged and Conducted by Leo Addeo
Produced by Ethel Gabriel
RCA Camden
CAS-2221
1968

Must Be Him
L-O-V-E
Summer, Summer Wind
Cuando Sali de Cuba
The Glory Of Love
Be My Love
Love Me Always
Piel Canela
Yellow Bird
Holly

Provocative Piano Volumn II - Dick Hyman

Provocative Piano Volume II
Dick Hyman And His Orchestra
Originated And Produced By Enoch Light
Art Director: Charles E. Murphy
Cover Art By Barbara Brown Peters
Command Records RS 824SD
1961 Grand Awards Record Co.

This set is available from online vendors so I will not be posting a sample.

From Billboard July 24, 1961: Here's another fine album in the solidly selling Command percussion line. This set as in the first volume, spotlights the stylish piano work of Dick Hyman, aided by tasteful percussive effects. Hyman handled most of the arrangements, and they are sparkling, and the selections, from Kitten on the Keys to Sabre Dance, give the pianist an opportunity to show some dazzling musicianship, Excellently recorded, and brightly packaged, this set should become another Command best seller.

Voodoo Moon
Moonglow
Theme From Picnic
Kitten On The Keys
Snowfall
Saber Dance
Deep Purple
Boogie Woogie
Soft Summer Breeze
Heart And Soul
Liebestraum
Theme From The Apartment
Mack The Knife

Holiday For Strings - David Rose

Wig-Wam

Holiday For Strings
And Other Hits By David Rose
ST 2717
1967

Holiday For Strings
The Stripper
Waltz Of The Bubbles
4:20 AM
California Melodies
Like Young
Dance Of The Spanish Onion
Taco Holiday
The Tiny Ballerina
Rose of Bel-Air
Gay Spirits
Wig-Wam

Arthur Murray Cha Cha Mambos - Billy May

Arthur Murray
Cha Cha Mambos
Billy May And His Orchestra
Capitol Records
T578
1955

Available for purchase/download from at least one online vendor.

Also released as Capitol T1367.

Best selling as an EP in 1955 (Billboard)

Light, danceable big band arrangements. Good space age Latin fair as released in 1955.

Frensi
Ain't She Sweet
The Cha Cha Cha (Arthur Murray Cha Cha)
Adios
Mañana
Cha Cha Bamer
Undecided
Ya Ya Ya, Cha Cha Cha
The Peanut Vendor
Culiacan
Mama Inez
Taboo

Love Themes - The Doodletown Pipers

Sunny

Love Themes
The Doodletown Pipers
Hit Songs For Those In Love

Doodletown Piper's Clothing by Mister Marty of California.

Never My Love
If You Go Away
Sunny
Please Love Me Forever
A Lover's Concerto
My Special Angel
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
Under The Sea
What The World Needs Now
Cherish
Up, Up And Away
There's A King Of Hush

Twilight Time - The Three Suns

The Breeze And I

Twilight Time
The Three Suns
RCA Victor LPM-1171
1956

From the back cover: The Three Suns were the first instrumental group to use their particular combination of accordion, guitar and organ. Artie Dunn, who's the organist of the troupe, organized it on his return from a vaudeville tour of Australia. Back in New York he ran into his cousin Al Nevins, guitarist, and the two decided on a combination that would use the guitar, accordion and, in place of the usual piano, an organ. Then they looked around for a pretty girl accordionist. Riding down Fifth Avenue one day with Al's brother Morty, the three started to harmonize. It struck Al and Atrie at the same time; maybe Morty was pretty, but he could play a mean accordion and, besides, he could sing. At that moment "The Three Suns" trio was born.

The Three Suns came by their name in an unusual way. When they were still new as a trio, and in search of a name, they happened one day to call on Al and Morty's mother. "Here come my three sons," she greeted them. Something clicked in the minds of all three at the same time. Here was the name they were waiting for! And with just a change of vowel, there it was.
Cover photo: Mitchell Bliss

Twilight Time
Dardanella
When Day Is Gone
The Breeze And I
Painting The Clouds With Sunshine
Penthouse Serenade
Sunrise Serenade
I'll Never Wish For More Than This
Deep Purple
Hindustan
Sleepy Serenade
My Isle Of Golden Dreams.

A Man And A Woman - Laurindo Almdeida

Michelle

A Man And A Woman
His Guitar With Strings And Horns
Laurindo Almeida
Producer/Arranger/Conductor by Lex de Azevedo
Capitol Records T 2701
1967

This is one nice late 60s light pop album with credit going to Azevedo for the fine arrangements. Azevedo blends the 60s sound/orchestra with Almeida's dynamic interpretations to create a sensitive and soothing mix, an approach that sounds fresh. The LP also features outstanding engineering.

A Man And A Woman
Call Me
Michelle
'Cause I Love Her
Bluesette
Here's That Rainy Day
Secret Love
Distance Shores
Soft Mood
Goin' Out Of My Head
Mas Que Nada

Around That Time - Billy Daniels

Around That Time…
Billy Daniels
Russ Case And His Orchestra
Benny Payne At The Piano
Mercury Records
MG 20104
1956

From Billboard July 21, 1956: Fine recap of a dozen of the warbler's have standards, all selected as a canny showcase of his style. Daniels as usual, comes over as almost visible on wax.

From the back cover: Bill Daniels got the entertainment bug while he was studying at the Florida Normal College in Jacksonville. He gained much valuable experience doing guest shots as a singer on radio station WJAX and WMBR in Jacksonville all during school. When he finally finished school, he immediately set his sights on New York City. This usually is the first mistake a new entertainer makes because it is a well-known fact that it is much simpler to work one's way to the top by starting out in smaller cities and working up a good solid act. However, Billy's move was not a mistake for he soon got a job as a production singer at the Ubangi Club. He worked his way up the ladder of success with such drive and determination, that in the short space of six months, he was working the club as headlined featured singer. He later linked his voice with the Erskine Hawkins band and later decided to try his luck as a single. Luck was with him, and he found himself touring the famous New York clubs including such spots as the Onyx Club, Kelly's Stables, The Hickory House, TheYacht Club and The Ebony Club.

You Better Go Now
Don't Take Your Love From Me
How Deep Is The Ocean
Day In, Day Out
If I Should Lose You
The Thrill Is Gone
That Ol' Black Magic
Diane
Lady Of The Evening
If I Could Be With You
I Concentrate On You
I Never Knew

Songs Of World War 2 - Russ Williams

Sentimental Journey

Songs Of World War 2

The Russ Williams Orchestra
Produced by Dave Pell
Tops Mayfair
9670S

Budget big band arrangements.

Till The End Of Time
I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night
Symphony
Sentimental Journey
It's So Nice To Have A Man Around The House
I'll Walk Alone
The White Cliffs Of Dover
Day By Day
It's Been A Long Long Time
I've Heard That Song Before

A Salute To Glenn Miller - Jerry Gray

A Salute To Glenn Miller
Arranged And Conducted By Jerry Gray
Mayfair
96275

Available for purchase as digital download from the usual vendors.

The copy I found came pressed on fancy colored vinyl and features pumped up Gray arrangements and excellent engineering.

From the back cover: His (Gray's) career didn't begin with Glenn Miller by any means. When Jerry was 15, he began playing with bands in his native Boston. He was than a violinist, had indeed been a fiddle lover ever since his third year – when he put two sticks together and made like a violin, thereby astounding his father, uncle and grandfather, musicians all.

Still in his teen years, Jerry's budding arranging talents came to the attention of another New Englander, Artie Shaw. The famed clarinetist was at the time organizing his band, when Shaw recorded Gray's arrangement of Sobbin' Blues in 1936, the young arranger began to make his mark in the band business. What fan of Artie Shaw cannot hum most of the clarinetist's renowned version of Begin The Beguine? Well, that, too, was Jerry's arrangement, and it put the Shaw band in the nation's juke boxes with a vengeance. Matter of fact, that single is still kicking around the jukes some 20 years laters.

When Shaw disbanded in 1940, Jerry joined the Miller Group. Not only did he arrange standard and novelty tunes, but Gray also wrote originals for the orchestra, among them the well-loved, A String Of Pearls, which afford ace trumpeter, Bobby Hackett, ample opportunity to show his supple style. Then there was the novelty tune, Pennsylvania 6-5000, another juke box bonanza.

When Glenn Miller joined the Air Force and organized his almost legendary Air Force orchestra featuring "la creme" of American dance band musicians, Jerry went along. He did a major portion of the arranging for that wonderful band but is perhaps best remembered for his adaptation of Will Handy's St. Louis Blues. The way Jerry heard it – and, hence, the way it hit the ears of thousands of American troops in France in 1944 – was as a march. He titled his version of the American Negro classic, St. Louis Blues March, and it added pep to the step of many a marching column of troops at the war's climax.

Upon his discharge from the Air Force, after Miller met death on a cross-Channel flight, Jerry's first featured spot with his own band was on the NBC Phillip Morris Show with Johnny Desmond, Herb Shriner and Margaret Whiting. He also provided orchestral backing for such top-line singers as Vic Damone and Jane Froman.

Since then, Jerry's band has been a hot favorite at many gilded locations throughout the nation, including the Hollywood Palladium, Atlantic City's Steel Pier, Wildwood's Casino Ballroom.

Elmer's Tune
Blue Rain
Jersey Bounce
Anvil Chorus
Poinciana
Restringing The Pearls
Pennsylvania 6-5000
Perfidia
Johnson Rag
Serenade In Blue
One O'Clock Jump

Moments To Remember - Sears Golden Voices

Moonlight In Vermont

Moments To Remember
Sears Golden Voices
SPS-205

I didn't think that I would have much to say about this album, and I don't… except that I just noticed that Sears applied a "side 2" label on BOTH sides.

From the back cover: To people in love, life is made up of a delicate lacework of hopes and enchantment. It is spring. It is Paris. It is a Sunday picnic in the park, a quiet meadow besides a stream, a kewpie doll proudly won at a traveling carnival or the solitude of a moment shared at a candle lit table in a romantic cafe which disappears from sight and hearing.

Moonlight In Vermont
Daybreak
An Affair To Remember
The Last Time I Saw Paris
Moments To Remember
Walkin' My Baby Back Home
Remember Me
Ebb Tide
A Foggy Day In London Town
Two Sleepy People