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Wednesday, February 26, 2025

You Asked For It - The Great Imposters

 

You Asked For It

You Asked For It
The Great Imposters
Doyle De Bolt, Bob Field, Kenny Malone, Harry Lyons & Nick Henschied
Produced and Arranged by The Great Imposters
Accent Photography, Cover Photo Design by Duane Straight
Recorded "Live" at The West Omaha Holiday Inn by Cherrywood Studios, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Engineer: Johnny Durham
A Triple Crown Production
STEREO GI 2027

From the back cover: WOULD YOU BELIEVE THE INIMITABLE "GREAT IMPOSTERS"? !! REALLY!!

Although their specialty is imitating the great hit artists of the fifties and sixties, they always manage to inject their own unique fresh enthusiasm and zest to each oldie they sing, making it seem brand new again. It's a magic mood they create; and it's inimitable!!

The first time I saw "THE GREAT IMPOSTERS" perform was in Harlan, Iowa. They were the opening act on a show starring Ray Stevens (who was riding the top of the charts with his recording of "THE STREAK" at the time) and I was the Master of Ceremonies. It's a night I'm sure none of us will ever forget because just 30 minutes before our show was to begin we all stood backstage watching President Nixon announce his resignation to the country. The sound was piped over the public address system in the auditorium so that the entire audience could hear. It was, needless to say, a tough act to follow. I, for one, was dreading going out on stage and facing what was certain to be a dreary audience. Well, to make a long story short, inside 10 minutes, "THE GREAT IMPOSTERS" had managed to make us all forget the troubles of the country and totally captured the audience with their infectious, happy songs AND great musical ability (vocally and instrumentally). That's what I would call the ultimate test of a performer, and they passed it with flying colors.

Ray Stevens and I stood backstage watching them and Ray remarked how grateful he was to have such a great group break the ice for him on such a "downer" night. Quite a compliment, coming from one of the best pro's in the business, I'd say! And I've been a "GREAT IMPOSTERS" fan ever since.

Their following grows every day they make a personal appearance and whenever they're on stage you can always count on a large, happy and responsive audience.

When I heard they were going to record an album live at the West Omaha Holiday Inn, my only concern was wondering if the sound engineers would be able to capture their special magic on tape. Sometimes artists who come off so great in person lose something in the electronic translation to tapes and vinyl. Well, I've been listening to this album while typing these liner notes and I'm extremely happy for them and for all of their fans, because it's all there in the record...just the way it is in person. All the people who have been asking "THE GREAT IMPOSTERS" if they had an album out obviously inspired the title, "YOU ASKED FOR IT". I, for one, am glad they asked, and I know they won't be disappointed. – Jimmy O'Neill, Program Director KOIL - Omaha, Nebraska - Jimmy Broadcasts Daily from 3 - 7 p.m.

Little Darlin'
Come Go With Me
Surfin' U.S.A.
Chantilly Lace
Kansas City
The Great Pretender
Shake, Rattle & Roll
Get A Job
Pretty Little Angel Eyes
Roll Over Beethoven
Rock Around The Clock
Peppermint Twist

Friday, February 21, 2025

Potpourri - Keith Pierce

 

Bacharach Medley

Potpourri
Keith Pierce
At The Hammond Concorde Organ
Lemco 74111

From the back cover: One thing 15 years in Lexington has taught me is that expecting superior talent in a Lexington night spot on a regular basis is a whole lot like expecting an oak tree to stay green through the winter. Not that there isn't some good talent from time to time.

But, on the other hand, it isn't Basin Street or Music City, either. There's good talent sometimes, but there's a lot of Joe Blow and Hot Air, and the result is that if you want a little more than dance music, you haven't always got it on tap.

Which made the pleasant surprise even more pleasant one night in 1972, when I'd wandered into the Phoenix Hotel's Firebird Lounge.

Even out in the lobby I'd heard the new sound and asked Norman Tice who it was. "A friend of mine," he said. "I knew him in Carbondale, his name is Keith Pierce.

It was an understatement.

I suggested to Keith that he sounded "sometimes like Ethell Smith, if you don't take offense at be- ing compared to other artists." Not at all, he told me. In fact, he said, they were old and dear friends. We chatted for a while; I learned he was a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, had played professional for several years, though not at too many spots. Seems he likes to settle into one lounge and stay as long as possible. He had been taught by Wes Morgan, now in the music depart- ment at the University of Kentucky. And he had bought a new organ, the Hammond Concorde, in which he took justifiable pride.

I was impressed. So impressed I began to write about him in feature stories and in a column I was doing then for the Sunday Herald-Leader. And thereby did myself a disservice.

I'm one of those types who likes almost empty bars, where there are lots of dark corners and emp- ty seats, where aloneness is a positive asset, where you can sit for hours without anyone butting in on your conversation with yourself. The bar isn't making any money, you know, but it's a great place to be.

The Firebird wasn't that way for long when word got out on Keith. For the first time they served lunch to a standing-room only crowd for two, sometimes three hours a day. Keith was playing for lunch, you see. Cocktail hours got to be just as full of people. He really is that good an entertainer-- alone he could pack the lounge area.

Then the Phoenix closed, and Keith moved to the Continental Inn, where Keith Plus Four came in- to being, featuring the talents of Hank Adams, Dusty Paling, Dick Hughbanks and Lorraine Moodie. "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer" on this album feature Hank at drums, Dusty at guitar and Dick on clarinet, as well as Keith at the Concorde.

Last April, Keith resumed an interest he has had most of his life--playing church music. In addition to the regular chores at the Continental, he is regular organist for the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Earlier this year, his influence brought Miss Smith to town for a concert. Not only were her words about his talent extremely good--and sincere as well--but she furnished him three arrangements for this album.

If you suspect you've heard the arrangements of "Nola," "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Maple Leaf Rag" before this album came out, you're probably right. They are the same arrange- ments Miss Smith has been doing for years.

There's also a "Sound Of Music" medley, a "Fiddler On The Roof" medley, a waltz medley and a Bacharach medley, all of these original arrangements and among those most requested at the Contin- ental.

As a package they are designed to show off three things--the amazing versatility of the Concorde itself, the extreme talent of an artist who understands its potential, and the depth of repertoire Keith Pierce possesses.

Rate it excellent on all three and then add one more.

People who heard him at the Phoenix always agreed on one thing--his was a "happy sound,".. bright, joyous, vibrant.

The album captures that mood as well. – John Alexander

The Entertainer (Theme from "The Sting")
Medley from "The Sound Of Music"
  The Sound Of Music
  Do-Re-Mi
  Edelweiss
  My Favorite Things
  Climb Ev'ry Mountain 
Bacharach Medley
  Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
  Close To You
Parade Of Wooden Soldiers
Maple Leaf Rag
Waltz Medley
  Around The World
  Somewhere My Love
  Fascination
Medley from "Fiddler On The Roof"
  Fiddler On The Roof
  Matchmaker
  Sunrise, Sunset
  If I Were A Rich Man
  Fiddler On The Roof
Nola

Take Me Along - Friendship

 

Take Me Along

Take Me Along
Friendship
Produced by Billy Strange
Engineers: Dave McKinley, Rex Collier, Neil Wilburn
Photography: John Guider Studio / Ben Spaulding
Album Design: Don Huffine
Records at Woodland Sound Studio, Nashville, Tennessee - American Studio, Nashville, Tennessee
Multi-Media MM-1-LP
Nationwide Sound Distributors NSD
1977

The Golfer
Songs For Lovers
Bernard The Mule
Keeper Of The Spring
Bill Bailey
Take Me Along
Here's To The Love We Once Knew
A Maiden's Prayer
Livin' Not Lovin'
Don't Blame Him

Monday, February 10, 2025

Everything Nice - Spice

 

Rock Flight

Can I Stay

Everything Nice
Spice
Ecips Records SO 16040

Rock Flight
Musical Interlude
Gotta Get Hold
Number One Musician
The Rain
Family Reunion
Be My Love
Some Summer Night
Normal Man
Can I Stay

Friday, January 31, 2025

Portrait Of The Graduates Very Much Alive!

 

Summertime

Pieces Of April

Portrait Of The Graduates
Very Much Alive!
Cover Design by Noel Gouveia
Recorded and Produced by Tinory Productions
Mad-Grad Records 21673

Sea Cruise
'Til There Was You
Mustang Sally
I'm Sorry
Donna
Honky Tonk
Jailhouse Rock
Burnin' Love
Summertime
Pieces Of April
Dialogue

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Johnny Lester Trio Plus One

Johnny Lester Trio

Johnny Lester Trio Plus One
RK Records - Chicago, Illinois
16802-LP

San Antonio Rose
Home Coming Waltz
You Can't Be True Dear
My Baby Polka
South Side Gallop
Lillie Marlane
You'd Be Surprised
Maybe It's Because
I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder
To Each His Own
Beer Barrel Polka
Cold Cold Heart 

Monday, January 27, 2025

Thank God There Is An America - Sam Sutter / Dave Mills and The Swingers

 

Thank God There Is An America

Thank God There Is An America
Sam Sutter / The Kings Palace
Dave Mills and The Swingers with Metty Keller
Clearday Records 877C-4525

From the back cover: Sam and Rose Sutter opened the doors of The Kings Palace on April 18th, 1968 with the hopes of giving their customers more than excellent food and warm atmosphere.

Mr. Sutter, owner of The Kings Palace, has experienced failure and success, great happiness and sorrow, and feels that the United States Of America has given him the freedom to soar to any height. He has attained the ultimate goal in life, which is to be able to see clearly into the future and know who and what you are. Because of all these things, Sam has given a life and brilliance to his operation that is surpassed by none.

Sam would say, "Welcome to my humble saloon".

Friday, January 24, 2025

You Asked For It - Lord Radio

 

You Asked For It

You Asked For It
Lord Radio and The Bimshire Boys
Radrec 001
Made in Barbados
1973

Bajan Spouge 
And I Love You
Love Story
Miss Little Pig
For The Good Times
Yellow Bird
Yours Sincerely
Shame And Scandal
The Big Bamboo
Beautiful Barbados