Search Manic Mark's Blog

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Leibert Takes Broadway

La Ronde
Leibert Takes Broadway
Dick Leibert Playing The Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ in The Byrd Theater at Richmond, Virginia
Photo by Bob Leahey from Shostal
Westminster Hi-Fi Stereo WST 15006
1958

From the back cover: Dick Leibert, the leading theater organist of the country, has been playing organ professionally since he was fourteen years old. After his first job as theater organist at Loew's in Washington he toured several cities for the Loew circuit, and then spent two years at the Brooklyn Paramount. Against stiff competition from some of the country's top organists he won the audition for the permanent post at Radio City Music Hall at the time the theater opened, and his performances were soon bringing cheers from the millions who heard him there each year. At the present time, while still head of the organ staff at the Music Hall, Dick Leibert devotes much of his time to TV, radio and concert tours.

From Billboard - November 10, 1958: Here's another excellent package of organ solos by Leibert, head of the Radio City Music Hall organ staff. Selections – interpreting the LP title in its broadcast sense – include show tunes "If I Love You" etc. Movie tunes "Around The World" and danceable Latin standards "Perfidia" etc. from the ballrooms.

Around The World
Begin The Beguine
Embraceable You
La Ronde (Merry-Go-Round)
April In Portugal
Playera
I Could Have Danced All Night
If I Love You
Spring Is Here
Blue Moon
I've Got You Under My Skin
Perfidia

The Columbia Album Of Jerome Kern - Paul Weston

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
The Columbia Album Of Jerome Kern
Paul Weston and His Orchestra
Cover Photo: Saul Leiter
Columbia C2L-2
2 record set packaged in a gatefold jacket

From the back cover: The only personal contact I ever had with Jerome Kern was in Hollywood – and it was a meeting I'll never forget. As a free-lance arranger just getting started in the motion picture field, I was called in to make some orchestrations for the picture "Cover Girl" and sat in on a conference concerned with the routining of one of the musical numbers I was to arrange. As the conference proceeded, Kern met every suggestion for a departure from the way in which he felt the number should be done with one word, "WHY?" – which he delivered in what seemed too be a deliberately irritating tone of voice. He threw the meeting into a great state of confusion, but in the end things turned out fine – and just the way he wanted them. After the meeting, I found myself alone in the room with Kern, and he suddenly turned to me with a twinkle in his eye and said, "Young man, if you want to accomplish anything in this business, you must remember that it is extremely important that you meet every suggestion with the WHY? – and say it loudly and in an annoying manner. That way, you're a little ahead to start with, and in the end you'll get your way." I know nothing of the Broadway stage, but for the movie business I must admit this technique can often be quite successful. – Paul Weston

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
You Are Love
She Didn't Say Yes
They Didn't Believe Me
Why Was I Born
Who?
Yesterdays
All The Things You Are
Why Do I Love You?
The Touch Of Your Hand
Look For The Silver Lining
The Song Is You

Can I Forget You
Just Let Me Look At You
Lovely To Look At
In Love In Vain
I Dream Too Much
Long Ago And Far Away
The Folks Who Live On The Hill
All Through The Day
The Way You Look Tonight
Dearly Beloved
I'm Old Fashioned
A Fine Romance

Scheherazade - Vienna State Opera Orchestra

The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
Rimsky - Korsakoff
Scheherazade, Op. 35
Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Rudolf Streng: Solo Violin
Conducted by Hermann Scherchen
Photography: Lester Krauss
Westminster Hi-Fi WST 14003
1959

The orange colored "Natural Stereo Balance" violator on the cover is a sticker.

From the back cover: The Artist - Hermann Scherchen is acknowledged as one of the world's great conductors and is renowned for the wide range of his repertoire. He has been acclaimed as great an interpreter of Beethoven, Handel and Bach as he has of many modern composers. His Westminster recordings of all nine Beethoven symphonies and the twelve "London" symphonies of Hayden are considered milestones in the history of recorded music.

Hermann Scherchen's early reputation was earned as conductor in Riga, Berlin, Frankfurt, Winterthur and Konigsberg. An outspoken anti-fascist, he left Germany in 1932, and settled in Switerlan. Since the end of World War II he has conducted in all the leading European cities, most recently in Rome, London, Paris and Vienna, and in South America. In addition to his activities as a conductor Scherchen is well known as an author, having written authoritative books on music, including The Nature Of Music and Handbook Of Conducting.

The Sea And Sinbad's Ship (Largo E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo)
The Story Of Prince Kalandar (Lento)
The Young Prince And The Young Princess (Andantino Quasi Allegretto)
Festival At Bagdad. The Sea. The Ship Goes To Pieces On A Rock Surmounted By A Bronze Warrior. Conclusion. (Allegro Molto - Allegro Non Troppo Maestoso - Poco PiĆ¹ Tranquillo - Lento)

Classic Favorites - The Royal Viennese Symphonic Orchestra

Song Of India

Classic Favorites
The Royal Viennese Symphonic Orchestra
Tops Music Enterprises
Tops L1504

Carmen Overture
Song Of India
Marche Militaire
Hungarian Rhapsody
Dance Of The Comedians
Polka From Bartered Bride
Flight Of The Bumble Bee
Invitation To The Dance

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Make Love To Me - Julie London

You're My Thrill
Make Love To Me
Julie London
With Russ Garcia and His Orchestra
Producer: Simon Jackson
Cover Photography: Garrett-Howard
Engineer: Ted Keep
Liberty Records, Inc. LRP 3060
1957

From Billboard - October 28, 1957: Another stunning cover photo of the glamorous Miss London makes this LP a sock display items, while its contents – sweetly sultry, stylized thrusting on listenable standards "You're My Thrill," "Lover Man," etc. are eminently spinable for romantic jock sets. The gal's previous albums have all been solid sellers, and this should be no exception.

If I Could Be With You
It's Good To Want You Bad
Go Slow
A Room With A View
Nearness Of You
Alone Together
I Wanna Be Loved
Snuggled On Your Shoulder
You're My Thrill
Lover Man
Body And Soul
Make Love To Me

The Raven Speaks - Woody Herman

Sandia Chicano
The Raven Speaks
Woody Herman
Produced by Ozzie Cadena
Recording & Remix Engineer: Phil Ramone
Recorded at A & R Studio, New York
August 28, 29 & 30, 1972
Fantasy Records

Trumpets: Al Porcino (lead), Charles Davis, John Tomas & Bill Stapleton - Flugelhorn, Bill Byrne
Trombones: Bob Burgess (lead), Rick Stepton & Harold Garrett - Bass Trombone
Tenor Saxophones: Frank Tiberi - flute, bassoon, cowbell, Greg Herbert - piccolo, flute, alto flute, Steve Lederer & Tom Anastas - Baritone Sax
Drums: Joe LaBarbera
Fender Bass: Al Johnson (Courtesy of Cobblestone Records)
Fender Rhodes Piano: Harold Danko
Guitar: Pat Martino (Courtesy of Cobblestone Records
Congas: John Pacheco

From Billboard - December 16, 1972: The great clarinetist Woody Herman has lost none of his touch over the years, as this set so clearly demonstrates. Still playing with a big band, and not sounding the least bit dated, highlights include "Fat Mama," "Alone Again (Naturally)," "It's Too Late" and "Reunion At Newport" Herman proves himself as capable in the standards as ever, but also able to adapt himself to today's hits.

Fat Mama
Piano Solo: Harold Danko

Alone Again (Naturally)
Alto Solo: Woody Herman
Trombone solo: Bob Burgess
Tenor Solo: Greg Herbert

Sandia Chicano
(Watermelon Man)
Piccolo Solo: Greg Herbert
Tenor Solo: Steve Lederer
Trumpet Solo: Bill Stapleton
Soprano Solo: Woody Herman

It's Too Late
Soprano Solo: Woody Herman
Piano Solo: Harold Danko

The Raven Speaks
Soprano Solo: Woody Herman
Tenor Solo: Frank Tiberi
Trombone Solo: Rick Stepton

Summer Of '42
Tenor Solo: Greg Herbert
Flute Lead: Frank Tiberi

Reunion At Newport 1972
Clarinet Solo: Woody Herman
Piano Solo: Harold Danko
Tenor Solo: Frank Tiberi
Trombone Solos: 1st Bob Burgess
2nd Rick Stepton
Flugelhorn Solo: Bill Stapleton
Drum Solo: Joe LaBarbera

Bill's Blues
Clarinet Solo: Woody Herman
Piano Solo: Harold Danko
Flute Solo: Greg Herbert
Trumpet Solo: Bill Stapleton

Symphony On Ice - The Kingsway Strings

Skaters Waltz (P-4900)

Skater Waltz (SF-28200)

Symphony On Ice
Waltzes Recorded For Ice Or Rink
The Kingsway Strings
Somerset Records P-4900
Produced by Miller International Co.
Packaging by Triumph Photo Record Sales, Inc.
1958

Symphony On Ice
Waltzes Recorded For Ice Or Rink
The Kingsway Strings
Somerset Records SF-28200
An Alshire Production

Note the slight change in tempo from one release to the next (samples above). Perhaps someone pointed out to D. L. Miller, between pressings, that the original recorded tempo was a bit too "fast" for most skaters tastes?

Skaters Waltz
Love's Dream After The Ball
The Man On The Flying Trapeze
Charming
Dolores
Over The Waves
Merry Widow
Waltz Of The Flowers

Errol Garner Plays

Stormy Weather
Errol Garner Plays
Galaxy Series Records
Longplay 4815

Disc features a yellow "Rondolette" label with overprinting to obscure some information and an attempt to obscure the original "matrix area" catalog number: AR-15 (which was not obscured on the label).

From the back cover: Erroll Garner, one of the outstanding pianists of the jazz world of today, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1921. His father was also a pianist, and young Erroll started to play piano almost from infancy, although he has never had formal lessons and today, still cannot read music. The youngster was a schoolmate of Dodo Marmarosa and an early associate of Billy Strayhorn.

He started his profession career with local bands in 1937, and then came to New York in 1944 and took jobs along 52nd Street, ranging from The Three Deuces, Tondelayo's, etc. After being featured at nightclubs and on records with the Slam Stewart Trio, he went on his own, working mostly with a bass and drummer. He was a prolific recorder and from 1945 to 1949 made an incredible number of records from various companies, large and small. He achieved wide public recognition with the public through a style which also appealed to persons who were not jazz minded. His principal ingredients were the use of spread chords and melodic variations on popular themes; and, on faster tempi, a delayed action, single note, right hand style accompanied by a guitar like strumming of chords with the left hand.

Garner, despite the fact that he cannot read music, has more than 70 published composition. He is currently working on a ballet suite and a show score. Some of his better known original compositions are "Misty," "Solitaire," "Dreamy" and "Gaslight." The pianist has won the Grand Prix de Disque in France for his own Performance of "Play, Piano, Play," as well as the Esquire, Metronome, Downbeat, Pittsburgh Courier and Norfolk Journal and Guide awards. He was voted pianist of the year by Downbeat for 1956. He has played Europe and England and is a particular favorite in London and Paris.


I Surrender Dear
Moonglow
Confessin'
I Can't Believe That I'm In Love With You
Stompin' At The Savoy
Star Dust
She's Funny That Way
Stormy Weather
Sunny Side Of The Street
Red Sails In the Sunset
This Can't Be Love

A Toast To Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey - The Dorsey Orchestra

Tangerine
A Toast To Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey
Recorded in Hollywood by Members of The Dorsey Orchestra
Arranged and Conducted by Maxwell Davis
Cover Photo: Ron Vogel
Cover Assembly: Tri Arts
Crown Records CST 104

Personnel:

Trumpet: Ray Linn, George Seaberg & Zeek Zarchy
Trombone: Tommy Pederson & Dick Noel
Bass: Phil Stephens
Piano: Milt Raskin
Guitar: Allan Reuss
Drums: Lou Singer
Vocalist: Adele Francis & Al Cava

Jack Travis Singers
Tenor: Babe Russin & DOn Lodice
Alto: Freddy Stulce & Jewel Grant
Baritone: Floyd Turnham & Chuck Gentry

From Billboard - December 30, 1957 (Crown CLP 5047): This package of well recorded material contains eight from the "T. D." book ("Marie," "Song Of India"), etc., as against but four of the Jimmy Dorsey catalog. Latter has "Maria Elena," "Tangerine," and "So Rare," Tho fans of Dorseyansa have a good bit to choose from already, this set can get off the hook via the $1.49 tag, which makes it good rack merchandise.

On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Deep River
Song Of India
Swanee River
Boogie Woogie
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
So Rare
Green Eyes
Maria Elena
Tangerine
Marie
I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

The Alligator - Henry Gibson

How To Skin A Polecat
The Alligator
And Other Poems By Henry Gibson
Producer: "Snuff" Garrett
Engineer: Ray Hall
Cover Design: Studio Five
Cover Photo: Vernon L. Smith
Liberty LRP-3261
A Subsidiary of Avent Electronic, Corp.
1961

From the back cover: A little biographical investigation of Henry Gibson reveals that he is the fifth in a family of seven children from the very small town of Fairhope, Alabama. He was a soda-jerk in the local drugstore there. He loved to play with words, and this manifested itself in his first few poems, which he found were appreciated. This appreciation prompted him to go to New York, where he made a guest appearance led to another one on the same show, followed shortly by his national TV debut on the "Tonight" show. The reaction this time was fantastic. Letters poured in at NBC asking to see more of "this Will Rogers-like poet." This demand was met with another appearance on the "Tonight" show, this time with Jerry Lewis. It was during this appearance that Mr. Lewis actually fell off his chair from laughing. Since then, Henry has appeared several times on the "Tonight" show with such emcees as Groucho Marx, Joey Bishop and Merry Griffin, as well as doing night club work.

From Billboard - November 2, 1968: Henry Gibson, a regular on NBC's "Laugh-In," has returned to the music business after a seven-year absence, with an album, "The Grass Menagerie," and a single, "Flowers," on Epic Records.

In 1961, Liberty Records discovered Gibson on the Jack Paar TV show and recorded an album, "The Alligator and Other Poems," with Gibson singing and reading poetry. "The album bombed in 1961," he said, "but Liberty reissued it this year to take advantage of the show's success."

Liberty is not the only record label to jump on the "Laugh-In" bandwagon. Reprise Records signed Jo Anne Worley to a contract, with her single being a Paul Anka-written tune, "Why Won't You Come Home?" Epic recently a Dan Rowan - Dick Martin album, "Laugh-In."

Team with Werner

Gibson, who produced his own album, teamed with Fred Werner on a follow-up album on the American Indian. The "Grass Menagerie" examines the hippieish movement through poetry, songs and comedy, said Gibson, who spent a week in San Francisco's Haight-Asbury District gathering material.

"The album looks a hippies and the hippie movement "with sympathic humor," he said. "For the next album, on Indians, I'll spend time gathering material on a reservation."

During spoken word segment of the "Grass Managerie," Werner has arranged contemporary music for background support, with the album's five songs also in a contemporary vein.

Gibson spent 10 weeks touring with the Rowan and Martin cast, preparing and testing his album material before audiences at the Sahara Hotel, Lake Tahoe. "I had a seven-minute spot on the nightclub show," said Gibson, "and I'm hopeful I can get on the TV show to do a few songs and recite some poetry."

Because of the show's tight shooting schedule, Gibson can only do promoting work on the album via the telephone. He plans a phone campaign to disk jockeys on underground and easy listening stations.


How To Write A Poem
The Alligator
Why I Like Soap
The Newspaper
How To Skin A Polecate
How Now, Calpurnia
The Feather
Here Today – Gone Tomorrow
A Little Bit About Myself
How To Take Care Of The Plum Tree
Happiness Can Be Yours For Little Or No Money
Reflections Of New York (Broadway & I Fell Down The Subway)
The Coyote
Two Functional Poems (A Birthday & The Wedding)
Education Is Important
What Freedom Means To Me In 25 Words Or Less
Why I Like Poetry

Basin Street - Peggy Lee

Fever
Basin Street East
Proudly Presents Miss Peggy Lee
Recorded At The Fabulous New York Club
Produced by Dave Cavanaugh
Cover Photo by Lee Friedlander
Capitol Records T 1520
1961

Pianist and Conductor: Joe Harnell
Trumpet: Danny Stiles, Phil Sunkel, Willie Thomas
Trombone: Micky Gravine and Ray DeSio
Flute: Bob Donovan
Harp: Abe Rosen
Bass: Max Bennett
Congos and Bongos: Chino Pozo
Guitar: Dennis Budimir
Drums" Stan Levey

From the back cover: For those have have never visited our establishment, I would like to tell you something about the place. It all started in September of 1959. Benny Goodman opened here a couple of months later, and from then on the club really swung. It was BG and Red Norvo who after throughly enjoying their engagement with us proceeded to persuade their friend "Pegalee" to appear here. That was back in March of 1960. She was a sensation.

Peggy returned January 12, 1961 for this engagment, the opening of which was the most exciting things to hit the town in years. New York welcomed her with open arms. Among those in attendance and applauding were many of the really great names in show business, all of whom seem to share the opinion that Miss Lee is something to hear as well as to see.

Despite three of the worst snow storms since 1947, each and every seat was occupied throughout the entire four-week engagement. Thanks to the fine engineers and to producer Dave Cavanaugh, who captured one of the most exciting performances we have ever heard, the thousands who thrilled to Miss Lee in person will treasure this album. For those who weren't fortunate enough to see her, here is the finest in entertainment on record.

Notes by Ralph Watkins (Ralph Watkins, proprietor of the famed Basin Street East, is a former musician, band leader and the creator of such jazz emporiums as Kelly's Stable, The Royal Roost, Bop City and The Embers.


From Billboard - May 8, 1963: This album recorded live at Peggy Lee's record-breaking appearance at New York's Basin Street East last winter, is a gas. The attractive looking and heavenly singing thrush turns in sock readings of some of her best tunes, from "Fever" to "Yes Indeed." It's a wonderfully balanced performance, showing Peggy of solidly on ballads, swingers and rhythm tunes, with fine backing by a group of top jazz musicians.

Day In – Day Out
Moments Like This
Fever
The Second Time Around
Medley: One Kiss, My Romance, The Vagabond King Waltz
I Got A Man
Peggy Lee Bow Music
I Love Being Here With You
But Beautiful
Them There Eyes
A Tribute by Ray Charles:
Just For A Thrill
Yes Indeed!
Peggy Lee Bow Music

Monday, December 30, 2019

Gemini Changes - Morgana King

Sunny
Gemini Changes
Morgana King
Arranged and Produced by Don Costa
Conducted by Sid Feller
Engineer: Lee Herschberg
Cover Photo: Tom Tucker
Art Direction: Ed Thrasher
Liner Notes: Lou Guardino
Reprise Records 6257
A Divison Of Warner Bros., Records

I Have Loved Me A Man
This Is My Song
The Look Of Love
Watch What Happens
Sunny
Walk On By
What's Wrong With Me
Once I Loved (O Amor En Paz)
Softly Say Goodbye
I'd Stay With You
On The South Side Of Chicago

Hot N Cool - The Montagu Three Plus One

Land Of The Sea And Sun
Hot 'N' Cool
The Montagu Three Plus One
Art Work and Cover Design by Herbert Shuptrine
Production by Wayne Carmichael
Bahamian Rhythms Limited - Nassau, Bahamas
BRH 41
1964

From the back cover: The music casts an even warmer glow at the famous Montagu Beach Hotel's After Deck Lounge where The Montagu Three Plus One perform their celebrated show nightly. People from near and far come and return again to share in the spontaneous and high-spirited humor with Martin Conliffe, pianist-arranger and leader of the group; Pat Rolle, vocalist; Everette Henfield at the bass; and the newest member of the group (the Plus One) Eugene Fitzgerald, goombay drummer.

Coconut Woman
Yellow Bird
Angelina
Island Of The Sun
Ma And Pa
Bahama Mamma Medley
Spanish Harlem
Island Woman
First Taste Of Love
Twelfth Of Never
Haitian Merengue
Land Of The Sea And Sun

Navidad en Villa Fontana

Santa Claus Llega Al Pueblo
Navidad en Villa Fontana
Los Violines de Villa Fontana
Director: Roberto Perez Vazquez
Volume II
El Disco Es Cultura
RCA Victor MKL-1618
1963

Blanca Navidad (White Christmas)
Paseo En Trineo (Sleigh Ride)
Nochebuena
Rodolfo El Reno De La Nariz Roja (Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer)
Campanas De Plata (Silver Bells)
Paraiso Infernal (Winter Wonderland)
Noche De Paz (Silent Night)
Navidad (Christmas)
Santa Claus Llega Al Pueblo (Santa Claus Is Coming To Town)
Arrullo De Cuna (Lullaby)

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Music Festival Of Hits - Peter Nero

Bluesette
Music Festival Of Hits
Peter Nero
Pickwick By Arrangement With RCA Records
Reissue Produced by Ethel Gabriel
Previously released on Camden Records
Camden Stereo DL2-0284
Made with the masters of RCA Corporations
1973

Love Is Blue (L'amour best bleu) (Arranged and Conducted by Frank Hunter)
I Say A Little Prayer (Orchestra Conducted by Nick Perito)
This Is All I Ask
The Glory Of Love (Orchestra Conducted by Nick Perito)
The Impossible Dream
Mame
Alfie
Sunny (Orchestra Conducted by Nick Perito)
Misty
Canadian Sunset
A Walk In The Black Forest
Summer Samba (So Nice)
Bluesette
Windy (Arranged and Conducted by Frank Hunter)
Try To Remember (Orchestra Conducted by Nick Perito)
A Taste Of Honey
Free Again (Orchestra Conducted by Nick Perito)
My Ship (Orchestra Conducted by Nick Perito)

Doce Canciones - Un Millon De Recuerdos

Amor
Doce Canciones
Um Millon De Recuerdos
Twelve Songs – A Million Memories
Jose Luis Monero Con La Orquesta Original
Marvela MVLP-102 Volumen 2

Azul Ensonacion
Llanto De Luna
Anhelos
No Podre Olvidarte
Esperanza
Vision De Mar
Al Calor De Tu Mirar
Fiel Adoration
Porque Dudas
El Ultimo Suspiro
Amor
Naufragio

Love Story - Ray Conniff

My Sweet Lord
Love Story
Ray Conniff and The Singers
Produced by Jack Gold
Sound Supervision by Bob Ballard
Arranged and Conducted by Ray Connifff
Engineer: Jack Lattig
Front Cover Photo: Guy Webster
Back Cover Photo: CBS Photo Studio
Columbia C 30498
1971

Where Do I Begin
Love Story
Sweet Caroline
It's Impossible
For The Good Times
Watching Scotty Grow
Rose Garden
El Condor Pasa
If You Could Read My Mind
My Sweet Lord
For All We Know