Search Manic Mark's Blog

Saturday, September 21, 2019

An Evening With The Honeydreamers

Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams

An Evening With The Honeydreamers
And The Aaron Richard's Orchestra
Directed by Tom Timothy
Photo: Art Goldstein
RKO Records ULP 134 & ULP 121
1958

From the back cover: Sure ingredients for realizing your dreams are provided by the success story of 2 gals and 3 guys, aptly known as The Honeydreamers. Their dreams took seed on the campus of St. Olaf's College in Minnesota when, starry-eyed and ambitious, they decided to pool their talents and aim for the stars. The seed was nourished by confidence and hard work and it wasn't long before WCCO in Minneapolis engaged their services. This led to network radio, TV in Chicago and then, naturally enough a No. 1 spot of Dave Garroway's NBC "Garroway at Large" show.

The dream was well on its way to becoming a reality and The Honeydreamers were rapidly gaining national renown. Their 5-way smooth blending singing technique brought them finally to the city of all dreams, New York, where they appeared on nearly a thousand TV shows including Martin & Lewis, Garry Moore, Broadway Opera House, Steve Allen, Ed Sullivan, and a host of others. This, in addition to their numerous radio shows, personal appearances and recordings brought the dream to full bloom and brought listening pleasure to all who heard them. Whether it's the bouncy, rhythmical "On The Sunnyside of the Street " or the plaintive "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams," The Honeydreamers are easy on the ears – as well as on the eyes as evidenced in photo... (top) Bob Davis, the arranger-director, is tops in modern vocal group writing... (right) Kevin Gavin joined the Honeydreamers three years ago after several seasons with the Satisfiers... (right) Nan Green, one of the field's finest and most charming lasses, is from Missouri (sings lead)... (left) Marian Bye, one of the original campus stalwarts, sparks group's show business drive with her winning smile... (left) Bob Mitchell bearded up Tex Beneke's Moonlight Serenaders before joining The Honeydreamers (sings bottom part).


Really Livin'
Back In Your Own Back Yard
I've Got Sixpence
On The Sunnyside Of The Street
It's A Good Day
Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
True Kind O' Thinking
Just Around The Corner
When You're Smiling
Blue Skies
Feeling' So Good Today
The Best Things In Life Are Free

Golden Guitar - Al Caiola

Taste Of Honey
Golden Guitar
Al Caiola
His Golden Guitar And The Manhattan Strings
Produced and Arranged by Al Caiola
Liner by Norman Weiser
United Artists Records UAL 4340
1962

From the back cover: Walking down Broadway, in a recording studio, at home in New Jersey, or abroad his boat in Florida, Al Caiola is usually accompanied by his trademark – a Golden Guitar.

From Billboard - October 22, 1962: Consistently on the country's best seller charts, Al Caiola presents a program of current hits, plus some great instrumentals on such tunes as the theme from "The Brothers Grimm."

Theme From Wonderful World Of Brothers Grimm
Ramblin' Rose
Swingin' Safari
I Can't Stop Lovin' You
Taste Of Honey
Theme From "Dr. Kildare"
On The Merry Go Round
Roses Are Red
Baby Elephant Walk
Theme From A Sumer Place
You Cheatin' Heart
You Don't Know Me

The Astromusical House Of Scorpio

(2nd B&W version of the interior book fold spread)
Fever
The Astromusical House Of Scorpio
The Sign Of The Governor Or Inspector
Astrological Series Volume 1
Producer: Paul Robinson
Repertoire Coordinator: Marlene Stokes
Designer: Oscar De Larenta
Cover Photograph: Francesco Scavullo
Designer And Art Director: Bob Cato
Coiffures By Paul Mitchell For Henri Bendel
A special booklet insert by The World Renown Astrologer, Carroll Righter
GWP Records 1008 Astro Stereo
1969

The House Of The Rising Sun
Stormy
Summertime
Fever
La Mer
Mas Que Nada
Temptation
Strangers In The Night
Conquest (From "Captain From Castile")
Stranger On The Shore

Friday, September 20, 2019

Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summer - Hal Simmons

Chiribiribin
Hal Simmons Sings
Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summer
And Other Favorites
Viking Records VK 609

Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summer
When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bobbin' Along
When My Sugar Walks Down The Street
Rosie
Bill Bailey
Chiribiribin
Yellow Rose Of Texas
Nellie Bly
Cheyenne
Espana

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Carmen - The Symphony Jazz Ensemble

Suite From The Opera Carmen
Carmen
The Symphony Jazz Ensemble
Producer: Frank Proto
Recording Engineers: Ric Probst and Rich Goldman
Mastering Engineer: Mike Fuller
Cover Design and Photography: David Kalmus
QCA (Queen City Album) Redmark Records - Cincinnati, Ohio
QCA 364
1977

Symphony Jazz Ensemble
Frank Brown - Trumpet and Trombone
Mike Andres - Saxophones and Flutes
Paul Piller - Trombone
Larry Dickson - Saxophones and Clarinets
Frank Vincent - Piano and Electric Piano
Frank Proto - Bass and Electric Bass
Jim Seward - Drums and Conga
Bill Platt - Percussion

From the back cover: The Symphony Jazz Ensemble is a group of Cincinnati-based musicians. Originally organized in 1966 as a quintet made up of members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the group has changed personnel and expanded several times over the years. Although Frank Proto and Bill Platt are currently the only members of the orchestra, most of the players in the Symphony Jazz Ensemble.

Frank Proto, the leader and one of the group's original members, writes most of the music. He is a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's string bass section and serves as the orchestra's "composer-in-residence". His music for pops concerts and Young People's concerts is regularly programmed by orchestras throughout the country.

Frank Brown is a studio musician whose lead trumpet can be heard on the recordings of James Brown, Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck. He is director fo jazz studies at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.

Mike Andres, Frank Vincent and Jim Seward are all active in recording and television work and teach at the University of Cincinnati. Bill Platt in principal percussionist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in Cincinnati. Paul Piler, formerly with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the only other original member of the Symphony Jazz Ensemble, also works in recording and television studios and teaches at the University of Cincinnati.

Larry Dickson is a professor of English literature at Northern Kentucky University. He has recorded with Arthur Prysock, Dave Brubeck and James Brown and is an active arranger.

Suite From The Opera Carmen
Verse to the Toreador Song
Prelude to Act 1
Aragonaise
Intermezzo
The Dragons of Alcala
Habanera

Expletive Deleted
Hot Ice
Hi Rise

Sweet Swingin' Sax In Stereo - Bobby Dukoff

You Do Something To Me
Sweet Swingin' Sax In Stereo
Bobby Dukoff and His Orchestra
Conducted by Bobby Dukoff
Produced and Directed by Herman Diaz. Jr.
Recorded in RCA Victor's Studio 2, New York City.
RCA Camden CAS-509
1959

From the back cover: One of the prime benefits of stereophonic sound recordings is its capacity for brining you the finer nuances of such playing as that of Bobby Dukoff. Bobby's prelude to tenor sax stardom include band work with Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Spivak and Benny Goodman. At home in this talented company, he stands equally at ease in front of the exceptional musicians heard on this recording. Mat Mathews plays electric accordion, Joe Venuto handles the vibes, marimba and xylophone. Urbie Gree is the trombone man, Buddy Weed, the pianist; Barry Galbraith strings along on guitar, Milt Hinton is the bassist and Gary Chester is on drums. Louis Winter is cool and limber on the vocals.

When not puffing for people, Bobby Dukoff devotes his time to the musical instrument business, supplying top quality mouthpieces to the trade. This is altogether appropriate for a talented saxophonist, since the man who invented the instrument was also a businessman. Adolphe Sax was employed by his father's musical instrument concern in Brussel's when, around 1840, he began experiments which led to the development of the saxophone. It is believed that his main purpose was to produce an instrument which would furnish a needed link between the clarinet and tenor brass sections of the military bands so popular during this period.

In 1842 Adolphe Sax went to Paris, and by 1846 he seemed to have achieved his goal. For during that year a French patent was issued covering more than fourteen types of the new instrument, ranging from the squeaking sopranino to the throbbingly low contrabass. The saxophone mouthpieces in ebonite (a form of black, hard rubber) and plastic; the reed became somewhat broader than that used in a clarinet.

Although the saxophone achieved a certain measure of popularity, it has never really found a proper home in the musical world. It was even something of a late arrival on the jazz scene, the basic instruments of the New Orleans jazz bands being a trumpet, a clarinet and a trombone. As bands got larger the sax horned in, and by the 1920s it had made a place for itself in commercial dance orchestras. Almost every performer was essentially a clarinet man who could "double" on sax. A lot of people unfortunately seemed to think there was something comic about a saxophone, many bands used it for trick "laugh"effects. There are musicians today who regard the saxophone, and many musicians today who regard the saxophone as a clarinet with delusions of grandeur. Occasionally, however, a musician comes along who recognizes the saxophone as an intrinsically fine instrument. Then the saxophone's full potentialities are realized and, as in the case of Bobby Dukoff, there is music.


From Billboard - August 31, 1959: The fine stereo sound brings another dimension to the talented saxophonist's playing. Highlights of this solid package are "You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me," "Baby Won't You Please Come Home," "My Baby Just Care For Me," and Dukoff really takes off in his own "What A Fabulous Night," and "You've Got The Laugh On Me." All arranged by Jim Timmens. Excellent buy at the low price, also good rack material.

Thous Swell
You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me
It's A Wonderful World
What A Fabulous Night
Baby Won't You Please Come Home
When I Take My Sugar To Tea
You Do Something To Me
My Baby Just Cares For Me
Seems Like Old Times
You've Got The Laugh On Me
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Gotta Be This Or That

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Dance The Bop! - Ray Conniff

Hand Around
Dance The Bop!
Ray Conniff and His Orchestra and Chorus
The Cool Cat Says
"How To Dance The Bop" Instruction Booklet Enclosed
Columbia CL 1004
1957

From Billboard - April 29, 1957: Ray Conniff's recent album, "'S Wonderful," is on The Billboard's most-played jockey list right now, and his lively new package should have an even stronger impact on the LP market. It's loaded with appeal for teen-agers. The selections – some instrumental, others combining voices with instruments, but always with a solid rock and roll beat – were all penned by Connie and include "Walkin' The Bop," "Just Boppin'," "Honky-Tonk Rock-Around," etc. An eight-page illustrated booklet, "How To Dance The Bop," is added sales incentive.

Walkin' The Bop
The Drop
Just Boppin'
Doin' The Twister
The Flea Hop
Cross Over
Walkin' The Bop Again
Swingin' The Bop
Hand Around
Play A Gittar Solo
The Spinner
Honky-Tonk Rock-Around

The Million Sellers - The Today People

Fire
The Million Sellers
By The Today People
A Shaftesbury Record Production
Recorded in England
Vocalion VL 73868
A Product Of Decca Records - A Division of MCA Inc.

Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
This Guy's In Love With You
Fire
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (from The United Artist Motions Picture "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly)
Those Were The Days
Harper Valley P.T.A.
What A Wonderful World
Love Is Blue (L'Amour Est Bleu)
Little Arrows
Mony, Mony

Happy Banjos - The Big Ben Banjo Band

Goodbye Blues
Happy Banjos
The Big Ben Banjo Band
Recorded in London
Capitol Records T10062
1957

I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover
Japanese Bandman
Bye-Bye Blackbird
Underneath The Arches
Swanee
Peg O' My Heart
Goodbye Blues
Alabamy Bound
Chicago
At Sundown
How High The Moon
Temptation Rag

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Jazz For Hi-Fi Lovers

Loose Wig
Jazz For Hi-Fi Lovers
Produced by Chuck Darwin
Cover Photo: Lee-Myles Assoc,. N.Y.C.
Dawn Records DLP 1124
Manufactured by Seeco Record, Inc. New York, N.Y.
1957

From the back cover:

About The Sound and Equipment

The selections on this record were recorded in Carl Fischer Concert Hall in New York City. Never more than two microphones were employed, and the two trio pieces were made with one. The microphones used were specially modified RCA 44A (MI 3026A) ribbon types, with measured responses exceeding the 20 to 20,000 cycle range. These microphones, unlike most condenser types, have no resonant peaks in the effective audio range. Tapes were made at fifteen inches per second on a modified Ampex model 350 tape machine, using Minnesota 120A tape. The use of this tape at normal output levels enabled the engineer to avoid monitoring any sudden peaks, a practice of which he disapproves. The lacquer masters were made on a modified Van Eps lathe equipped with automatic groove pitch control, using a Grampian cutter and an amplifier designed by David Sarser. There are no frequencies present on the tape that are not also present on the disc. Whether the entire range can be played back depends, of course, on the nature of the playback equipment used. You need to feel no doubts on this score if your equipment consists of the items depicted on the cover of this LP. They are the MacIntosh pre-amplifier and 60 watt amplifier line; the Acoustic Research AR-1 loudspeaker, used by one consumer testing organization as a standard, the ESL Professional arm and cartridge, generally considered supreme; the Red-O-Kut Ronnie turntable, rated high by another testing organization; and the Sherwood tuner, well thought of in the industry. However, tastes differ, and on the second record of this series will be shown another compilation of equipment chosen with equal care. – David Hancock

About The Music and The Musicians

"Start Here" is a perfect selection with which to open this "Jazz For Hi-Fi Lovers" concert. The album from which it comes, "The Kid From Denver", (DLP-1109) earned much high praise, not only for its star, Paul Quinichette, but for its producer, Chuck Darwin and its engineer David Hancock. The personnel: Paul Quinichette – tenor sax, Thad Jones, Renauld Jones and Joe Newman – trumpets, Henry Coker – trombone, Bill Graham – baritone sax, Nat Pierce – piano, Freddie Green – guitar, Ed Jones – bass, and Sonny Payne – drums. This line-up practically amounts to a small Basie band the only non-Basie man, Nat Pierce. Nat has done some arranging for Basie however, and the playing style he employs here make him a natural "sit-in" for the Count. "Start Here" is a successful overture. The guys say something worthwhile musically without losing one shred of the spirit and enthusiasm necessary to a good jazz performance.

On track 2 we hear a very different combination of sounds. "If I'm Luck" is played by Dick Garcia on guitar, Gene Quill on alto sax, Terry Pollard on piano, Bill Anthony on bass and Frank Isola on drums. ("Lucky" is out of "A Message From Garcia", DLP 1106) The expression here is straight-forward and simple. Garcia and Quill achieve a feeling of gentleness and ease which pervades the relaxed atmosphere set up by the rhythm section.

On track 3 Randy Weston provides a further contrast with his rendition of "Loose Wig". (The Modern Art of Jazz by Randy Weston", DLP 1116). Randy's distinctive style and touch are provocatively employed here to convey "madness". He is excellently supported by Abdul-Malik on bass and Willie Jones on drums. The over-all effect is successfully captured and transmitted.

Mat Mathews on accordion, with Art Farmer on trumpet, Gigi Gryce on alto sax, Dick Katz on piano, Oscar Pettiford on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums, occupy the 4th tracks of side 1 of this Hi-Fi Lovers' offering. "Not So Sleepy", a Mathews original, come from "The Modern Art of Jazz by Mat Mathews". (DLP 1104). The tune is presented in a interesting arrangement, and developed through a series of moving and colorful solos. The extraordinary sonority of Mathews' accordion, the plaintive quality of Farmer's trumpet, the raspy tone of Gryce's alto, the fine clean-cut notes of Katz' piano, the rich and the precise music of Pettiford's bass, the firm yet light-handed beat of Clarke's drums are all present and accounted for.

Side 2 begins with "Catch Her", a neat up-tempo original out of Les Mode' collection; high fashion of course. This Julius Watkins design is tastefully executed by himself, co-leader Charlie Rouse – tenor, Gildo Mahones – piano, Marin Rivera – bass, Ron Jefferson – drums and Chino Polo – bongos. Julius displays his extraordinary facility on French horn. Charlie is his usual articulate self on tenor, and the addition of Pozo on bongos gives extra color to the rhythm contingent. ("Catch Her" is from Les Modes' "Mood in Scarlet", DLP 1117).

"Jazzville", Vol. 2 (DLP 1107), is the source for the Alex Smith solo on "Darn That Dream". Ably abetted by bassist Paul Worthington and drummer Al Beldiny, Alex exploits the piano with sensitivity and a comprehensive understanding of the instrument. His use of dynamics for interpretive purposes demonstrates a fine grasp of content. The sense of presence on this recording makes for a fuller appreciation of the artist's pianistic gifts.

"Bye Ya" is a Thelonius Monk original recorded by Foot Sims – tenor, Jerome Lloyd – trumpet, John Williams – piano, Bill Anthony – bass and Gus Johnson – drums for "Zoot Sims Goes to Jazzville", (DLP 115). The group sound is warm and open, with very solid backing by the rhythm section. Tenor, trumpet and piano each get off a good solo, and here again, listening pleasure is augmented by the accurate reproduction of tonal qualities.

Gene Roland on trumpet heads the eight piece band rendition of his own "Suitcase". (Jazzville" Vol. IV DLP 1122) Trumpet, tenor sax, alto sax and trombone are represented in that order by Johnny Carisi, Paul Quinichette, Dick Meldonian and Robbie Swope. The rhythm section is comprised of Nat Pierce – piano, Walter Nolan – drums, and Dudley Watson – bass. Gene has managed some very solid arranging here, framing spaces for sonic result in "reported" with authenticity.

That's very Hi-Fidelity! – Paul Gibard


Start Here - Paul Quinichette and his band
If I'm Lucky (I'll be the one) Dick Garcia - Gene Quill
Loose Wig - Randy Weston
Not So Sleepy - Mat Mathews
Catch her - Les Modes
Darn That Dream - Alex Smith
Bye Ya - Zoot Sims
Suitcase - Gene Roland Octet

Oklahoma - Al Goodman

Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Featuring Al Goodman's Orchestra
With Susan Shaute & Richard Torigi
Spinorama
A Product of Premier Albums, Inc.
S-81

Overture
Oklahoma
People Will Say We're In Love
Oh What A Beautiful Morning
Kanas City
The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
Out Of My Dreams
I Can't Say No
Many A New Day
Finale

Magic Style Of Pat Rolle

People
Magic Style Of Pat Rolle
Tropical Recording Co. LTD CLP-3985
Manufactured by South-Eastern Records - Hialeah, Florida

From the back cover: Every performer has his idol and Pat is no different. He has just about every album that Nat "King" Cole has recorded and when people listen to him sing they often remark of his likeness to Cole. When Questioned about his feelings of being compared to "King" Cole, he replies, "If I can be the man that "King" Cole was I would be grateful", and, to him I dedicate the selection "Mona Lisa".

Even though he has never had any formal vocal training, part of his success can be attributed to the professional help and guidance of pianist arranger Martin Conliffe, prior to his engagement at the exclusive Lyford Cay Club of Nassau and The Drumbeat Club, Pat performed as vocalist with Martin Conlife's popular "Montagu Three Plus1".


That's All
Yellow Bird
Love
Mary Ann
People
Mona Lisa
San Francisco
Jamaica Farewell
More
John B. Sail
On The Street Where You Live
Island In The Sun

Hustle Hits - How To Hustle

Love Rollercoaster
Hustle Hits
Disco Duck & Others
How To Hustle
A Product of Pickwick International, Inc.
Distributed in Canada by Pickwick Records Of Canada
SPC-3559
1975

Disc Duck (Part One)
Get Up And Boogie
The Hustle
Love Rollercoaster
That's The Way I Like
You Sexy Thing
Disco Lady
Fly, Robin, Fly
December 1963 (Oh What A Night)
Love Hangover
I Love Music
Baretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow)

Monday, September 16, 2019

The Command Performance

My God And I
The Command Performance
Viking Records LPS-162
Distributed Internationally by PIP Records
1969

My Home On The Range
You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling/Hey Girl
So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)
Yesterday When I Was Young
My God And I
Working Man's Prayer/I Believe
The World Beyond
Different Place And Time
MacArthur Park
Lisa Was

Tangos Por El Gran Combo

Milonga Del 900
Tangos Por El Gran Combo
Cantan Pellin Rodriguez y Andy Montanez
Arreglos y Dirección de Rafael Ithier
Gema Records, Inc. G-312
Hecho en Columbia

De Que Presumes
En Un Beso La Vida
Amargura
Una Canción
Vision
Milonga Sentimental
Sin Ella
Milonga Del 900
Volvio Una Noche
Por Una Cabeza