Al Collie and the VIPS was the houseband of “the IN spot in Nassau, the swinging Buccaneer Lounge at the Flagler Inn Hotel on beautiful Paradise Island.” The band played the typical mix of Calypso, almost-reggae and soul that features on so many private hand-out records from countless “In spots” on the Islands of the [...]
The messages on the sleeve of this record are somewhat confusing. First, the front promises us “easy listening” and adds a logo saying we are dealing with “background music” (or “BGM”). The back adds to the titles classical indications what style and tempo they are in. So we have scherzoso, moderato but also tempo di [...]
I have no information about this record whatsoever. The cover is just a generic blank white cardboard sleeve with the sticker of a bunch of bananas slapped on the front centre. The label is just as unhelpful, I can say it was released on TAB records as TAB7801, but that is it. It is basically [...]
Local NorCal save the wilderness benefit comp that ranges from symphonic overtures, and new age, to sensitive singer/songwriter wannabe James Taylor shit. I honestly don’t even know why I picked this up originally based on it’s looks… oh yeah, I think Iasos the “Finger Listener” dude is on it. Anyhow, the real standout track has [...]
Another great educational folk record by Ella Jenkins. This one endeavours to teach children all about the element of rhythm and a variety of ethnic percussion instruments. Side One is dedicated to the extended minimalist piece ‘This Is Rhythm’ and then Ella proceeds to demonstrate a number of different rhythmic instruments. Side two consists of [...]
Local school that put out several records that I find every so often around town. The cool thing about them is that, unlike a lot of school records, they included selections from various levels of their music program… EI: Advanced band, intermediate, and yes… beginning! Check out the beginner’s take on the Theme to Rocky.
Ella Jenkins is probably the most legendary name as far as childrens instructional records are concerned. This record is on Scholastic/Folkways and focusses on teaching kids to count. There are heaps of cool little counting songs that everyone should recognise, with Ella accompanied by acoustic guitar and children from Lake Meadows Nursery School. Ella Jenkins [...]
Awesome basement wild-west-meets-Napoleon wannabe gets JJ Perrey style funky on a great version of “Baby Elephant Waltz”. But mostly this is all about the cover photo. File under: I will never be as cool as this guy ever and it makes me kinda sad. Thanks, Sean!
Yet another record I bought on a trip back home visiting family. My mom lived in Beaumont for a few years… I can absolutely say without a doubt that if you’re ever faced with moving there, DON’T. It is the very definition of a hellhole. Anyhow, even hellholes like Beaumont, California have records… such as [...]
Themed around the futility of War the sleeve notes narrate a landscape of conflict. “The Soldiers march in tightly closed ranks, grimly, the flamboyance of the parade is forgotten”. The track included here is the strangely titled “Waltz” featuring Gibbs, Osbourne, and Skidmore et al. The track connotes for Westbrook at least, “Soldiers drunk with [...]
Themed on a series of Greek Folk tunes, this LP is segmented into three sections (More or less one for each artist under the ultimate influence of Ardley) Ian Carr’s contribution (Incorporating pretty much the original Nucleus line up) is most notable. “Persephone’s Jive”, an intense upbeat stomp that takes the Greek theme, abstracts it, [...]
A very listenable LP featuring Dave Green on bass and Trevor Tompkins on Drums. Thanks Giving Dance started life in 1967 as part of John Smith’s four ritual dances.
The track featured is titled “Przechadzka Puustymi Ulicami” (Translates to “Promenade through the empty streets”). A piano / sax led modal piece with a smoky vibe that grooves bang on point. The cover art illustrates the vibe far better than my rambling dirge.
This Lp plays host to numerous British Jazz players. Norma Winstone features on three tracks, ‘Will you walk a little faster’ was comped by Peterson, however ‘After Long Silence’ and ‘She weeps over Rahoon’ are both very warm and emotive the latter being warm yet sombre. The tracks fade into one another on the LP, [...]
Here’s a great unrestrained real-people hotel-lounge/AOR banger that has probably remained unknown on account of its misleading cover (or I just have terrible taste, which I’m not going to rule out). Richard Powell pens side one himself and leaves side two for covers (Stevie Wonder, Feelings, Get Down Tonight, etc). Side One is the obvious [...]