Howdy Folks! Welcome to The UnEarthed In The Atomic Attic album blog! Here you will find a wide variety of unusual Space Age Vinyl finds that feature good quality cover scans, jacket notes and audio samples for you to enjoy. I'm here to have fun and hope you will share in my process of discovery!
Provocative Percussion Volume 4
Enoch Light And The Light Brigade
Originated and Produced by Enoch Light
Associate Producer: Julie Klages
Arrangements by Lew Davies
Recording Chief: Robert Fine
Mastering: George Piros
Art Director: Charles E. Murphy
Command Records RS 834 SD
Grand Award Record Co., Inc.
1962
From the inside cover: Like the three earlier volumes, Provocative Percussion, Vol. 4, is a tremendous exciting listening experience, glistening with the superb performances of such brilliant musicians as Doc Severinsen, trumpet; Stanley Webb and Phil Bodner, the unbelievably versatile woodwind duo; a richly resonant trombone quartet led by Bobby Byrne and including Bob Alexander, Dick Hixon and Chauncey Welch; a rhythm section made up of Moe Wechsler, piano; Tony Mottola, guitar, and Bob Haggart, bass; and an absolutely incredible trio of percussionists – Don Lamond, Bob Rosengarden and Ed Shaughnessy.
From Billboard - March 31, 1962: The succession of three past sets in the "provocative" series has established sales records all over the place, and there is no reason for this newest edition to stray from that pattern. The sound, as usual, is brilliant and clean and a treat for old or new fans of the series. Numbers comprise familiar standards like "I Got It Bad," "Solitude" and newer things like "Make Someone Happy." A "sound" gem.
On The Street Where You Live
You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
That's My Desire
Comme Ci, Comme Ca
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
Do-Do-Do
Make Someone Happy
You're An Old Smoothie
Solitude
With My Eyes Wide Open, I'm Dreaming
The Look Of Love
I Love You
Vince Martin Quartet
Spins A Roulette
Production: D. Wayne Carmichael
Cover & Art Design: Helen Astarita
Cover Photos: Andrew Aiken
Engineer: Mack Emerman
Mastering: Jack Davis
Bahamian Rhythms and Bahama Records, LTD
Pressings by Miami Records Company
Tops In Island Music BRH 51
1965
Vince Martin: Vocalist
Denis Donaldson: Bass
Bertram Lord, Jr.: Drums
Edwin "Apple" Elliott: Piano
Ralph Munnings: Flute & Alto Sax
Wings Of A dove
Pretty Blue Eyes
Mountain Greenery
Land Of The Sea And Sun
Merengue
Run Come See
Jones Oh Jones
Lemon Tree
Over The Rainbow
Bill Bailey
Shame And Scandal
Amen
Ray Ellis Plays The Top 20
Ray Ellis Orchestra and Chorus
Produced by George Avakian and Ray Ellis
Recorded in RCA Victor's Studio A, New York City
Recording Engineer: Ray Hall
RCA Victor LPM-2400
1961
From the back cover: When Ray joined RCA in March 1961, he brought his hit habit with him, scoring with his first single issued under his own star billing – the haunting, provocative title theme from the controversial (just try to get a ticket) Italian film "La Doice Vita."
"So," you might ask, "how come Ray isn't rich?" Well, frankly, he is.
This album is a bit of a switch for Ray. This time he has selected 20 of the current top hits, most of which originated with other artists and arrangers, and has reinterpreted them. In doing so, he has retained the hit-making essence of the original, but he has added to this a rich measure of typical Ellisian elegance. Too many of our today's favorites fade quickly. Dr. Ellis' treatment guarantees their longer life expectancy. It's the nicest thing that could happen to today's (or any day's) Top 20!
From Billboard - September 25, 1961: Arranger-conductor Ray Ellis has managed to capture much of the original hit flavor of such tunes as "Michael," "Little Sister," "Hurt," "The Mountain's High," and 16 other recent hits of other artists. At the same time, the arrangements which occasionally use vocals but are mostly instrumental, quality as fine mood and background wax for both stations and living rooms. Tasteful cover lends more sales appeal.
Michael
You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It)
As If I Didn't Know
School Is Out
Pretty Little Angel
Little Sister
Let The Four Winds Blow
One Summer Night
I Just Don't Understand
Last Night
Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor (On The Bedpost Overnight)
Who Put The Bomb (In The Bomp, Bomp, Bomp)
Wooden Heart
Crying
Take Good Care Of My Baby
Without You
Hurt
The Mountain's High
Don't Bet Money, Honey
Amor
Rodgers And Hammerstein
South Pacific Highlights
Johann Strauss 1001 Nights
Gerhard Becker And His Orchestra
Vocalists: Jean Campbell & Bob Dale
The Walter Saul Singers
Ivor Slaney and His Orchestra
Masterseal Hi-Fi
MS 53
1957
Overture
Some Enchanted Evening
Bloody Mary
Bali Ha'i
I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy
Younger Than Springtime
I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair
Canastos Vol. 3
Olga Chorens y Tony Alvarez
Direcccion de Enrique Almanza
Si Te Pica El Alacran - Guaracha - Charles Berry
Un Pedacito De Satin - Cancion - Ferrani-Clante-Lambertucci
Soy Para - Vals - Loturco Daidone-E de Nicolas
Recuerdos De Ipacarai - Canción Paraguaya - Z. Mirkin-D. Ortiz
Suenos De Amor - Tangc Vals - Rosenberg-Comilla-Bietti
Amenonos - Bolero - Montgburn-Ocampo
Los Monos - Garacha - Moises Vivanco
Llama Corazon Y Vida - Vals Peruano - Adrian Flores
Sonriete Nina - Canción - Maria Antonia Farinas
Canastos - Canción Bailo - Lecorde-Locatelli-Palasco
Que Va Usted A Hacerle - Canción - C. Luke
Vieja America - Concion - Lutazzi-Ver. Esp. T. Alvarez
Goldfinger
And Other Great Movie Themes
Jack La Forge
Regina Records RS 319
1965
From the back cover: Jack's sincere admiration for the jazz goodness of John Coltrane is evidenced in his own composition, The Midas Touch. This composition is most appropriate here as Jack pays tribute to the avante grade jazziest with some definitive statements of his own. Dimitri Tiomkin's soulful Town Without Pity, Elmer Bernstein's The Magnificent Seven, and another La Forge original A Round Of Love, are surveyed by Jack, also in the jazz vein, but with a straight-forward attention to the melodic line.
You've probably been hearing for years that rock n' roll is on its way out – don't you believe it. Messrs, Lennon and McCartney of the famed Beatles have breathed new life into the rock sound – just listen to Jack's very modern treatment of A Hard Day's Night. Another pair from the pen of Jack La Forge, I'm Glad You're Gone, and Someone To Run To, givers further proof to the longevity of the rock flavor.
In this seventh album, it is proven that the challenge of artistic growth and maturity is no barricade to Jack La Forge – neither are the other activities that make Jack one of the busiest guys alive.
That sleek car on the cover is the original Aston-Martin used by James Bond in the Goldfinger adventure. It's a mighty machine that does everything perfectly. There is an analogy to be made here, and you'll know what I mean when you play this new album by Jack La Forge, one of the top pianists on the scene today. – Bob Ettinger
From Billboard - February 6, 1965: A dynamic new entertainer is making his presence felt in the world of records, radio, TV and night clubs. Pianist Jack La Forge, well known primarily in the more sophisticated music circles, is now on the way to recognition by the nation's air personalities ba his chart climbing recordings of "Goldfinger" on the Regina Label.
La Forge, president of Regina Records, announced this week that arrangements have been completed to syndicate a weekly children's music show for TV.
Current plans call for distribution to begin this month.
Entitled "Moppet Music," the program will emphasize classics and will be a showcase for young musical talent, ages 7 to 14. Jack, who conceived the idea, will produce, direct and emcee the show.
A central theme will be used throughout each 30-minute stanza, for example, "The 18th Century Clarinet" or "Bach and the Piano." Plans are also underway, according to Mort Hillman, vice-president-general manager of Regina, to produce a series of albums culled from the audio of the programs.
An Individualist
The key to the La Forge-Regina approach to music-making is in their current single waxing of "Goldfinger" (his latest LP is entitled "Goldfinger and Other Movie Themes"). While all of the other disks of the hot movie theme (with the exception of the Shirley Bassey soundtrack vocal) are Peter Gunn type arrangements, Jack's recording is a lush, romantic instrumental.
Since its inception a few years back, Regina has dared to be different by concentrating almost exclusively on "class" material at a time when the easiest road to fame and fortune is usually via the hard rock releases turned out with increasing intensity. Regina, under La Forge's tutelage, has also developed its efforts toward album product, releasing outstanding packages by jazz pianist Charlie Mariano, Sylvia DeSayles, Roger Kellaway and the boss, himself.
A perfectionist, Jack supervises all areas of his company's records, from selecting the repertoire to employing top-notch photographers for their distinctive album covers.
"There must be integrity in business," said La Forge. "People must get the best for their money when they buy a Regina Record, that's why we take so seriously the package the LP is presented in and how it is pressed.
Jack is no stranger to the business world. A graduate of Chicago's School of Law, he became controller of a firm that manufactured stamped goods such as pillow cases, sheets, tablecloths and napkins for purposes of embroidery.
When the company closed – "TV started to boom," says Jack, "and people couldn't watch the tube and embroider at the same time." He became controller of one of the world's largest artificial plastic flower concerns supervising more than 3,000 employees around the world. Because of his dealing with various financial policy affairs, he decided to get a degree in accounting as well.
As the flower business was blooming, Jack made his first recording under the aegis of Mrs. Peter De Rose, wife of the "Deep Purple" composer. Intrigued by the record business, and with the encouragement of Mrs. De Rose, he decided to form his own record company.
An accomplished pianist, Jack readily admits the label was a showcase for his own talents. However, as his knowledge increased of the record business Regina began to grow. His music enterprises now include two publishing companies and a record club.
Recently he signed a deal with EMI to distribute his label on a world-wide basis and packed an agreement with Murray Deutsh, vice-president and general manager of United Artist Music Co., to act as selling agent for his La Forge Publishing Co. (BMI) and Kingsland Music (ASCAP) firms.
With a TV show in the works, an expanding record company, and a plastic flower empire, all vying for his time, Jack is currently studying guitar, voice and acting.
Goldfinger
Town Without Pity
Never On A Sunday
Love For Sale
The Seventh Dawn
Iris
Zelda's Theme
The Midas Touch
The Magnificent Seven
Innocent And Starry Eyed
I'm Glad You're Gone
A Hard Day's Night
A Round Of Love
Someone To Run To
A Big New Band From Britain
Dave Lee
His Piano and His Orchestra
Produced by Sonny Lester
Album Design by Maurer Studio
Top Rank International RM 336
1960
From the back cover: Dave Lee is a British pianist who has already been heard to vigorous effect in Top Rank's album of the Johnny Dankworth band, recorded at the 1959 Newport Festival, Bundle From Britain (RM 314). Lee has since left Dankworth; and among other recent activities he has written the score for New Cranks, an incisively witty review by John Cranko who was responsible for the original and marvelously mordant Cranks that helped to thoroughly establish Annie Ross' reputation among the New York Opinion-makers in the days before Lambert-Hendricks-Ross.
The concept of this album, recorded in London, was that of an enlightened dance band that could provided uniquely stimulating music for the ballroom floor and also keep listeners-only involved.
Lee is the principal soloist, and as is evident from the opening Lover Come Back To Me onward, he plays with considerable drive and a strong feeling for the blues. His favorites include Bud Powell, Art Tatum and Horace Silver, among others. His sidemen consist of a crack assemblage of British players, including several representatives of the then Johnny Dankworth band and also some form the Ted Heath Guards. Trumpet solos in the album are by Welshman Bert Courtley, currently playing jazz with Ronnie Scott in a combo, and tenor saxophonist Tubby Scott, an enfant formidable of the "hard school" of British jazz.
Dave Lee his piano and orchestra like functional, clear-lined scores of Manny Albam. Amblingly relaxed is Georgia On My Mind, while Chloe reflects the urgency of the search for the enigmatic protagonist of the song.
Piece Of Cake is a British expression for something easy to do, as this arrangement purportedly was. Note the trenchant contributions of Courtley and the robust Tubby Hayes as well as Dave Lee's own straightaway digging for roots.
You You You is a crisply accented reanimation of the standard. London Derriere is a highly personal tale of a traveler's woe, a graphic program piece cued by the profusion of low baritone saxophone and trombone plaints. Blue Denham is not an ode to the weaving industry o Britain but rather a salute to a pleasant residential outside of London with Dave Lee forcefully showing the way.
I Cover The Waterfront is a change of mood and geography with Lee indicating he can be tender as well as aggressively assertive. Note the Eastern (U.S.A.) shakes the arranger has introduced into the trumpet section here and elsewhere. Cheek To Cheek is treated with unpretentious directness and is followed by one of the few jazz-like arrangements of Charles Trenet's usually rhapsodic Beyond The Sea.
The British jazz and popular music scene has changed remarkably since the Original Dixieland Jazz Band arrived in London in 1919. By the 1960s, there is at least one imaginative jazz big band (Johnny Dankworth) and one brilliantly disciplined dance band (Ted Heath). Several striking soloists have been developed, among them West Indian Dizzy Reece (now in America), altoist Joe Harriott, vibist Vic Feldman (now in America permanently), Tubby Hayes, and baritone saxophonist Ronnie Ross, among others. Add to this roster pianist Dave Lee as well as the increasing capacity of British sidemen to grasp the big band idiom and to play with a thrust and verve that indicate how strongly the jazz influence has reached into British popular music practices.
This album, as noted, is for dancing as well as listening; and it also serves to introduce in a framework tailored to him an invigorating British pianist – Dave Lee. – Nat Hentoff
From Billboard - October 17, 1960: British pianist Dave Lee leads this tight, propulsive big band, which can be closely identified with the Basie idiom, thru a series of 11 masterfully played tracks. Most of the cuts are at a very danceable tempo and are culled from the storehouse of American standards. "Georgia On My Mind," "Chloe," "Bye, Bye Blackbird" and "Cheek To Cheek" are just a few.
Love Come Back To Me
Bye Bye Blackbird
Georgia On My Mind
Chloe
Piece Of Cake
You, You, You
London Derriere
Blue Denham
I Cover The Waterfront
Cheek To Cheek
Beyond The Sea
Cafe Rendezvous
With Bill Snyder
Featuring the Compositions and Arrangements of Bill Snyder
Decca Records DL 8367
From the back cover: Bill Snyder has a widespread reputation as top-ranking pianist His very first recording, "Bewitched," which made the number one spot on the hit parade, catapulted him into national fame. Subsequent recordings solidified his position as a prominent artist. His playing is distinguished by a style that is both smooth and sparkling, and always original. A critic on the Detroit Free Press described Bill Snyder's playing as having "a transparent quality... as dazzling as a set of fine crystal ware."
This album presents Bill Snyder not only as a performing artist but as a composer. Here, for the first time, is revealed a series of piano solos which are distinguished by their range and delicacy. They are rich in melodic content; they vary in mood from the nostalgic to the sophisticated, from the tender to the piquant, from the estate to the humorous. These compositions do not fall into the usual stereotyped categories of "classical," "jazz," or "popular" ; instead, they combine elements of each of these with an accomplishment that is altogether its own.
In his quest for unusual "new sounds," Bill Snyder has arranged his compositions for a quintet consisting of harp, guitar, bass and percussion, with the piano talking the lead throughout. The accompanying ensemble accentuates the rhythmic patterns, enhances the tonal nuances, and serves to highlight the solo instrument. Here, as fitting sequel to his Decca album "The Lover's Touch" (DL 8237), is "listening music" for any rendezvous, clear, colorful, and completely captivating.
Cafe Conversations
When I'm With You
Sheer Magic
Raggedy Ruthie
Iris
Fountain In Central Park
Black Orchid
This Is Me Loving You
Ridin' The Offbeat
The Window Shoppers
Ginger
Choppin' Up Chopin
