More Of Les - Les Paul

 

Blue Skies

More Of Les

Les Paul and His Trio

Photo: Stuart Becker

Decca Records DL 8589

1957

From the back cover: When he was still a youngster, Les began to feel an affinity for the guitar. However, he discovered many limitations in the ordinary guitar, and began to experiment with the more complicated, infinitely more sensitive electric guitar – of which he has become the country's outstanding exponent. Les Paul has one of the largest collections of guitars and chooses the instrument best suited to each song he plays. With these varied instruments he has initiated more guitar sounds and unique effects than any group of guitarists in America. In addition, he does his own arranging and editing – usually at home in New Jersey, in the wee hours of the morning.

As the strings of Les' guitar sing out the plaintive Hawaiian songs, you are magical transported to a "Hawaiian Paradise," It is not difficult to imagine dark-eyed girls swaying to the rhythm of the ancient hula; their hands telling a romantic story; their flowered leis symbolizing the gaiety of the island. Hawaii is truly "My Isle Of Golden Dreams," whose very air is drenched with the heady perfume of exotic flowers.

Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Les played in a school band there and, at the age of 14, took his first step toward a musical career. He was heard on radio in Racine, Wisconsin, and it was not long before word of his fast-maturing musicianship spread to Chicago. The Chicago World's Fair of 1933 gave Les an opportunity to branch out on his own as a featured entertainer at one of the exposition's many attractions. The engagement led to many network appearances.

The turning point in Les' career came in 1937, when he began an association with the famous Waring organization which lasted for three years. It was at this time that the Les Paul Trio came into being. Its popularity was such that it became a regular feature on the Waring shows. The group has become one of the busiest in the country, with a reputation that is still growing.

Guitar Boogie
Blue Skies
Begin The Beguine
Dream Dust
Dark Eyes
Steel Guitar Rag
Hawaiian Paradise
My Isle Of Golden Dreams
Song Of The Island
Sweet Leilani
To You Sweetheart Aloha
Aloha Oe