The Midas Touch
And Other Great Movie Themes
Jack La Forge
Regina Records RS 319
1965
From the back cover: Jack's sincere admiration for the jazz goodness of John Coltrane is evidenced in his own composition, The Midas Touch. This composition is most appropriate here as Jack pays tribute to the avante grade jazziest with some definitive statements of his own. Dimitri Tiomkin's soulful Town Without Pity, Elmer Bernstein's The Magnificent Seven, and another La Forge original A Round Of Love, are surveyed by Jack, also in the jazz vein, but with a straight-forward attention to the melodic line.
You've probably been hearing for years that rock n' roll is on its way out – don't you believe it. Messrs, Lennon and McCartney of the famed Beatles have breathed new life into the rock sound – just listen to Jack's very modern treatment of A Hard Day's Night. Another pair from the pen of Jack La Forge, I'm Glad You're Gone, and Someone To Run To, givers further proof to the longevity of the rock flavor.
In this seventh album, it is proven that the challenge of artistic growth and maturity is no barricade to Jack La Forge – neither are the other activities that make Jack one of the busiest guys alive.
That sleek car on the cover is the original Aston-Martin used by James Bond in the Goldfinger adventure. It's a mighty machine that does everything perfectly. There is an analogy to be made here, and you'll know what I mean when you play this new album by Jack La Forge, one of the top pianists on the scene today. – Bob Ettinger
From Billboard - February 6, 1965: A dynamic new entertainer is making his presence felt in the world of records, radio, TV and night clubs. Pianist Jack La Forge, well known primarily in the more sophisticated music circles, is now on the way to recognition by the nation's air personalities ba his chart climbing recordings of "Goldfinger" on the Regina Label.
La Forge, president of Regina Records, announced this week that arrangements have been completed to syndicate a weekly children's music show for TV.
Current plans call for distribution to begin this month.
Entitled "Moppet Music," the program will emphasize classics and will be a showcase for young musical talent, ages 7 to 14. Jack, who conceived the idea, will produce, direct and emcee the show.
A central theme will be used throughout each 30-minute stanza, for example, "The 18th Century Clarinet" or "Bach and the Piano." Plans are also underway, according to Mort Hillman, vice-president-general manager of Regina, to produce a series of albums culled from the audio of the programs.
An Individualist
The key to the La Forge-Regina approach to music-making is in their current single waxing of "Goldfinger" (his latest LP is entitled "Goldfinger and Other Movie Themes"). While all of the other disks of the hot movie theme (with the exception of the Shirley Bassey soundtrack vocal) are Peter Gunn type arrangements, Jack's recording is a lush, romantic instrumental.
Since its inception a few years back, Regina has dared to be different by concentrating almost exclusively on "class" material at a time when the easiest road to fame and fortune is usually via the hard rock releases turned out with increasing intensity. Regina, under La Forge's tutelage, has also developed its efforts toward album product, releasing outstanding packages by jazz pianist Charlie Mariano, Sylvia DeSayles, Roger Kellaway and the boss, himself.
La Forge, president of Regina Records, announced this week that arrangements have been completed to syndicate a weekly children's music show for TV.
Current plans call for distribution to begin this month.
Entitled "Moppet Music," the program will emphasize classics and will be a showcase for young musical talent, ages 7 to 14. Jack, who conceived the idea, will produce, direct and emcee the show.
A central theme will be used throughout each 30-minute stanza, for example, "The 18th Century Clarinet" or "Bach and the Piano." Plans are also underway, according to Mort Hillman, vice-president-general manager of Regina, to produce a series of albums culled from the audio of the programs.
An Individualist
The key to the La Forge-Regina approach to music-making is in their current single waxing of "Goldfinger" (his latest LP is entitled "Goldfinger and Other Movie Themes"). While all of the other disks of the hot movie theme (with the exception of the Shirley Bassey soundtrack vocal) are Peter Gunn type arrangements, Jack's recording is a lush, romantic instrumental.
Since its inception a few years back, Regina has dared to be different by concentrating almost exclusively on "class" material at a time when the easiest road to fame and fortune is usually via the hard rock releases turned out with increasing intensity. Regina, under La Forge's tutelage, has also developed its efforts toward album product, releasing outstanding packages by jazz pianist Charlie Mariano, Sylvia DeSayles, Roger Kellaway and the boss, himself.
A perfectionist, Jack supervises all areas of his company's records, from selecting the repertoire to employing top-notch photographers for their distinctive album covers.
"There must be integrity in business," said La Forge. "People must get the best for their money when they buy a Regina Record, that's why we take so seriously the package the LP is presented in and how it is pressed.
Jack is no stranger to the business world. A graduate of Chicago's School of Law, he became controller of a firm that manufactured stamped goods such as pillow cases, sheets, tablecloths and napkins for purposes of embroidery.
When the company closed – "TV started to boom," says Jack, "and people couldn't watch the tube and embroider at the same time." He became controller of one of the world's largest artificial plastic flower concerns supervising more than 3,000 employees around the world. Because of his dealing with various financial policy affairs, he decided to get a degree in accounting as well.
As the flower business was blooming, Jack made his first recording under the aegis of Mrs. Peter De Rose, wife of the "Deep Purple" composer. Intrigued by the record business, and with the encouragement of Mrs. De Rose, he decided to form his own record company.
An accomplished pianist, Jack readily admits the label was a showcase for his own talents. However, as his knowledge increased of the record business Regina began to grow. His music enterprises now include two publishing companies and a record club.
Recently he signed a deal with EMI to distribute his label on a world-wide basis and packed an agreement with Murray Deutsh, vice-president and general manager of United Artist Music Co., to act as selling agent for his La Forge Publishing Co. (BMI) and Kingsland Music (ASCAP) firms.
With a TV show in the works, an expanding record company, and a plastic flower empire, all vying for his time, Jack is currently studying guitar, voice and acting.
Goldfinger
Town Without Pity
Never On A Sunday
Love For Sale
The Seventh Dawn
Iris
Zelda's Theme
The Midas Touch
The Magnificent Seven
Innocent And Starry Eyed
I'm Glad You're Gone
A Hard Day's Night
A Round Of Love
Someone To Run To
"There must be integrity in business," said La Forge. "People must get the best for their money when they buy a Regina Record, that's why we take so seriously the package the LP is presented in and how it is pressed.
Jack is no stranger to the business world. A graduate of Chicago's School of Law, he became controller of a firm that manufactured stamped goods such as pillow cases, sheets, tablecloths and napkins for purposes of embroidery.
When the company closed – "TV started to boom," says Jack, "and people couldn't watch the tube and embroider at the same time." He became controller of one of the world's largest artificial plastic flower concerns supervising more than 3,000 employees around the world. Because of his dealing with various financial policy affairs, he decided to get a degree in accounting as well.
As the flower business was blooming, Jack made his first recording under the aegis of Mrs. Peter De Rose, wife of the "Deep Purple" composer. Intrigued by the record business, and with the encouragement of Mrs. De Rose, he decided to form his own record company.
An accomplished pianist, Jack readily admits the label was a showcase for his own talents. However, as his knowledge increased of the record business Regina began to grow. His music enterprises now include two publishing companies and a record club.
Recently he signed a deal with EMI to distribute his label on a world-wide basis and packed an agreement with Murray Deutsh, vice-president and general manager of United Artist Music Co., to act as selling agent for his La Forge Publishing Co. (BMI) and Kingsland Music (ASCAP) firms.
With a TV show in the works, an expanding record company, and a plastic flower empire, all vying for his time, Jack is currently studying guitar, voice and acting.
Goldfinger
Town Without Pity
Never On A Sunday
Love For Sale
The Seventh Dawn
Iris
Zelda's Theme
The Midas Touch
The Magnificent Seven
Innocent And Starry Eyed
I'm Glad You're Gone
A Hard Day's Night
A Round Of Love
Someone To Run To
No comments:
Post a Comment
Howdy! Thanks for leaving your thoughts!