Million Sellers Go Bossa Nova - Ray Milan

 

Break It To Me Gently

Million Sellers Go Bossa Nova

Ray Milan and The Quarter-Notes

Teen-Age Boss Of The Bossa Nova

Arranged and Produced by Sid Feller

Engineer: Phil Macy

Recorded at Bell Sound Studios, N.Y.

Cover Design: Jules Nadoff

Liner Notes: Joe Lebow

Liner Photos by Bob Ghiraldini taken at Trade Heller's Cafe, New York City

ABC- Paramount ABCS-443

1963

From the back cover: Meet the Teen-age Boss of the Bossa Nova – Ray Milan and The Quarter-Notes! One of the first groups to introduce the new rhythm that has become the sensation of the music world, Ray and his band are the first to adapt the exciting Latin beat for teenagers.

Ray Milan's own special brand of the boss beat – the bossa nova – is attracting crowds of dancers, critics and writers for national publications, including Holiday, Glamour, American Weekly and many others. A Ray Milan appearance is the signal for wild enthusiasm, frenzied dancing and rhythm, rhythm.. rhythm.

While appearing in a New York City Club, Ray was heard by Sid Feller, director of artists & repertoire for ABC-Paramount, and within a couple of days the young group was signed to the label. Since Ray and The Quarter-Notes had built a reputation for their handling of the bossa nova rhythm, this new Latin style was decided upon as the basis for their first release. Adapting the rhythm to the million sellers is an entirely new concept. All arrangements here are by Sid Feller, whose skillful work clearly demonstrates the great similarity between the basic rock 'n' roll beat and the new beat of the bossa nova. Here are universally known million-selling songs wrapped up in a brand new style and performed by the Teenage Boss of the Bossa Nova. Ray sings "Fool #1", "Ya Ya", Break It To Me Gently" and "Dancin' To The Bossa Nova" which was written especially for this album.

Although only 18, Ray Milan is a veteran performer, having appeared on radio and television; in a two-month, eighty-city cross-country tour; and in night clubs, including a five-month stint at New York's famed Peppermint Lounge. Ray has studied music for eight years and is thoroughly accomplished on the guitar, bass and drums, and has a fine singing voice, whether performing ballads or rock 'n' roll. He is the leader-singer-guitarist of The Quarter-Notes. His older brother, Louis, also plays guitar with the group. Ray has more energy per pound than a dynamo. During a performance, he's constantly on the move, attracting all eyes – as well as all ears, when he sings.

Big things are happening for Ray Milan and The Quarter-Notes – and this is just the beginning. Ray is on the way to the top and this album package, bulging at the seams with rhythm, talent and excitement, is just one of the reasons.

Here's the big boss beat – played the way it should be played – by the Teen-age Boss of the Bossa Nova – Ray Milan and The Quarter-Notes! – Rick Ward

Sherry

Stranger On The Shore

Ya Ya

The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh)

The Loco-Motion

Break It To Me Gently

Dancin' To The Bossa Nova

Big Girls Don't Cry

Return To Sender

Fool #1

Roses Are Red

Good Luck Charm