TV Action Jazz

TV Action Jazz!
Mundell Lowe And His All Stars
RCA Camden
CAL-522
1959

There is nothing like a smoky cool private-eye set to jazz up your day.

Yambu Mongo Santamaria

Yambu

Mongo Santamaria
Fantasy 3267
1958

Released on the same label that publish Korla Pandit LPs, Yambu is a "folk/jazz" music album packaged to appeal to exotica buyers.

Ramon "Mongo" Santamaria was an Afro-Cuban Latin jazz percussionist. He is most famous for being the composer of the jazz standard "Afro Blue", recorded by John Coltrane among others.

This record is one of his first and one of six that can be found on the Fantasy label.

Other artists working with Santamaria as pictured on the back cover include, Modesto Duran, Francisco Aguabella, Carlos Vidal and Pablo Mozo.

Right On

Right On
K-tel TU 2500
1976

In the mid-70s I would have laughed at anyone who thought this garish exploitive lame bargain basement as advertised on TV album was cool. Today... I'm still laughing, but now I have a copy in my collection.

101 Strings - Soul Hits

A Taste Of Soul

Soul Hits
101 Strings
Alshire S-5237

Yes, 101 Strings did a "soul" album. And why not, 101 apparently covered every form of music ever invented.

As 101 albums go, this one actually has a spark of life to it. And, of course, you get this great cover!

I'm amazed to find so many 101s online for download by the song. This one apparently can't be had at the usual outlets so I'll post a sample.

I Had The Craziest Dream - Dave Pell Octet

I Had The Craziest Dream
Dave Pell Octet
Capitol Records T925
1956

Romantic Moods

Strangers In The Night

Romantic Moods
Strings Unlimited
Oscar Records
OS-108

Here's another installment in my effort to bring you the most obscure records that no one cares about.

Beautiful Blue Hawaii

Hilo Bay

Beautiful Blue Hawaii
The Polynesians
Crown Records

This is a nice record that blends tradition tracks with a couple of more jazzy space-age songs. One tune, Hilo Bay, features a very cool lounge vocal.

Blue Hawaii
Hilo Bay
The Hawaiian Tale
Whispering Sea
At The Barefoot Bar
Aloha Oe
Tomi Tomi
Hawaii China Doll
Lani Kai
Swaying Palm Trees

Sounds For Sick? People

Fever

Sounds For Sick? People
Shell 1711

I had no idea what to expect out of this set, an obvious gimmick album on a label that I had never seen before. On quick glance, the rear cover reveals no information. The copy is humorous fluff intended to prop up the gimmick. All of the song titles have something to do with illness or doctoring. On closer examination I found that the musicians are credited. They include Al Caiola on Guitar, Frank Rehak - Trombone, Boomie Richmond - Flute/Woodwind, Georgie Auld - Tenor Sax, Don Lamond - Drums, Moe Wechsler - Piano/Organ, Sol Schlinger - Baritone Sax.

I recognized a number of names and loved the 60s cover illustration so I bought the album. I wasn't disappointed. This is a great early space age pop record featuring many cool tunes that may help cure what ails you. The record is somewhat obscure, but I noted, today, that a copy hadn't sold on ebay for $1. I paid more than that. It's worth at least that and the cost of shipping. A fun addition to your atomic age collection.

SPM Showcase Production Music

Rock Squad

SPM Showcase Production Music
Media General Broadcast Services SPM 233

A 12 inch stock music record with about enough content to fill one side or about 6 different tracks with repetitious short segments.

Cha Cha Pops - Manny Lopez Orchestra

Andalucia

Cha Cha Pops

Manny Lopez and His Orchestra
RCA Victor LSP-1671
1958

I'd never thought Cha Cha could be done up as easy listening. This album has a laid-back Gleason vibe to it. The approach works for me.