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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Sounds Of A Man Alone

The Sounds Of A Man Alone

The Sounds Of A Man Alone
By Dean Del Ray
Mr. Versatility: Dean Del Ray
Produced by Howard Stewart and Dean Del Ray
STEREO 7201

From the back cover: Contrary to the thinking of some people, reporters do take time to eat and sleep. I had such an occasion a few nights ago in Clarksburg when I stopped at the Uptowner Inn. The dining room is separate from the bar and stage area and while I hurried through my meal, I thought "Man, that's a good sounding group in the bar." I finished my meal and strolled down stairs to have a Jack Daniels on the rocks and there sat Dean Del Ray: not four men, not three men, not even two men, just Dean Del Ray. He was using an electronic side man as drummer and the rest of the big sound was just his guitar. The bass sound came from his plucking the bass strings and at the same time he played rhythm on the low strings somehow managing now and then to hit a few hot licks of lead on the turn a rounds and tag. With all of this going on he also managed to sing, and believe me, sing he could do.

In talking to Dean, I found he had designed his own guitar and had it special made in would you believe Japan! No wonder American industry is receiving heavy competition from Japan because that "axe" was beautifully constructed with craftsmanship that would be hard to duplicate.

Dean comes from Salem, W. Va., and he began playing music at the age of four. He has now been playing for 23 years and if that makes my arithmetic correct, he's now 27. Dean has played professionally for 12 years and has been a solo for three years.

In the past, he has produced shows, has owned a recording studio and still enjoys writing a good song.

He is presently scheduled to play the Sheraton Hotel chain with his next gig in Philadelphia. If he comes to your area, drop in and say "hi" and watch a real fine one man band.

Ten Guitars
For The Good Times
Proud Mary
Four Walls
Mule Skinner Medley
Chantilly Lace
Until It's Time For You To Go
She's A Lady
Blue Spanish Eyes
Everybody Loves Somebody

Sunday, March 27, 2011

DART

For Your Love
The Sound Of Dart
Hoot Records

This record was manufactured in Vancouver Canada.

Here's a far out poem published on the back cover:

the sound of the dart moves
swiftly in the unseen light
to strike the mood of many listening
a missile of electric notes
exploding the silence into rhythms
and shattering the sorrow of every sad scene
it's soul, man
I'll tell you what it's about
it's four minstrels who gathered as era
taking pipe, drum, and string
and wove the vibrations into a psychedelic theme
they'll wake you, and take you
on a trip of total sound
so if you'd like to go
just happen in the dance of their beat
and all they ask is your time
I've seen the sound of the dart
move swiftly
and as suddenly
they're out of sight
gone
but for the memory of the night
reflections of a song

Reflections of Showboat

Full Album
Reflections Of Showboat
Jewel Record 525

The Showboat Majestic was a floating entertainment spot that has been docked to The Cincinnati, Ohio side of The Ohio River.

Johnny Prophet - This Is My Life

This Is My Life

Johnny Prophet
This Is My Life
Arranger and Conductor: Don Ralke 
Engineer: Stan Ross
Photography" Harold Sanders
JJ Records 2266 STEREO
1972

It is interesting to note that, in April of 1972, Bert Reynolds' nude centerfold appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine. Why would Johnny think that copying Burt was a good idea? Or did Burt copy Johnny? These questions need answers!

This Is My Life
Pieces Of Dreams
Walk Away
Misty Roses
Nite Life
Lay Lady Lay
One At A Time
When Joanna Loved Me
In Laguna
I Didn't Mean To Love You

The Ken Hacker Society

Feel Like Makin' Love & NCTB
The Ken Hacker Society
At The Farm
Alcadia Records LP0151875
QCA Recording - Cincinnati, Ohio
1975

Curious local album straight out of the sealed shrink. The liner notes go on about how Ken got tired of doing dance music for 13 years and, after many headaches, heartaches and hangovers, restructured the band as the Ken Hacker Society.

I mentioned that the LP is curious. This is essentially a lounge band and the tracks reflect that, but there are a few Christian numbers on the A side. In fact, the number 1 track on the A side titled One Way, is a religious themed song.

The cover of Feel Like Makin' Love is followed directly by a song about Judgement (NCTB, written by Hacker).

The Farm: "It was only natural that the album motif be at The Farm." The Farm is still in business today. http://www.theplacetohaveaparty.com/

The Harbor Lights

The Harbour Lights

The Harbour Lights
QCA - Queen City Album - Cincinnati, Ohio
903083

What I Did For Love
I've Got You Under My Skin
All Of Me
Sing, Sing, Sing
Moondance
Weekend In New England
For Once In My Life
Feeling Blue
Beginnings

Music For Lovers

Moon River
Music For Lovers
Modern Sound MS 512

Obscure budget easy listening album featuring various artists who are not listed. There are a few nice vocal tracks on the LP, but this cover of Moon River is just whacky enough to be heard in The Motel Lounge!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Ball Room Fever

 
Uno Tango
Ball Room Fever
Al Pierson Master Of Ballroom Dance Music Today
January Recording Studios, Dallas, Texas
Rainbow Records AP-31478

Pierson is mentioned online as having an association with the "Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians" band which the Lombardo trusted asked him to revive in 1989.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Shilohmorning

White Bird
Shilohmoring
TRCs51053
1974

Lounge act working out of Indianapolis Indiana.

I've seen this album described online as "psych" even though the tracks cover a lot of ground including folk, country, etc. The cover of White Bird is pretty cool. There is also a cover of "Knights In White Satin" that the band managed to reproduce note for note. Pretty slick if you are into carbon copies of songs.

Rock Of Young Ages

Sybil
Rock Of Young Ages
Zalstar Records ZRS 71051
1981

You might expect an album from the early 80s to use pop/rock as a gimmick to sell songs to kids to be frightening. However, the tunes found on this release offer well-intentioned, if not quirky, messages to their young audience.

Sybil is a whacky tune about brother/sister love/hate.

Jim Williams - Love Songs American Style

What A Difference A Day Makes
Love Songs American Style
Jim Williams
Jewel Recording Studios, Cincinnati, OH LPS 412
QCA, Cincinnati, OH

Private press album titled after the early 70s TV show, Love American Style.

From the back cover we learn that Jim attended Campbell County High School, that he worked for Procter & Gamble and that he helds a Real Estate License in the State Of Kentucky. We also learn that Jim worked for C. Bert Spaulding Realtor and was a an enthusiastic participant in the Realtors of Northern Kentucky.

Also from the back cover: ...Jim hopes this album will make everyone who hears it want to set aside anything that would suppress this Love and once again let Love make this American style of life a life style to Love.

Reg Phillips Wails Ol' Yellar

That's A Plenty
Reg Phillips
Wails Ol' Yellar
KROK Recordings, Concord Massachusetts

Straight out of the sealed shrink comes a private press from a lost artist by the name of Reginald G. A. Phillips II. It took me a moment to realize that "Ol' Yellar" is the piano that Reg is banging away on (as pictured on the cover).

From the back cover: Reg's piano was given to us by one of our resident trombonists, Dick Wiggin. After being sawed into pieces in order to navigate the winding stairs to the third floor, OL' YELLAR was totally rebuilt to the very demanding specifications of Mr. Phillips and now stands in a place of honor on the bandstand of REDEMPTION HALL right here in the heart of downtown Concord.

Drummer Ray Smith and tubaist Rick MacWilliams accompany Phillips. Apparently, Smith hosted a traditional jazz program over WKOX FM and WMTW. Today you can find Smith if you google him. He's well known for his radio program, The Jazz Decades.

You can also find MacWilliams online playing with The Wolverine Jazz Band.

Goofy Newfie - Roy Payne

I Wouldn't Take A Million Dollars For A Single Maple Leaf
Goofy Newfie
Roy Payne
A Tribute To Newfoundland By The Writer Of The Hit Song
Paragon ALS 247
Marathon Music, Scarboro, Ontario
1969

On my 127 Yard Sale spree, I met a seller who had a few vintage Canadian LPs that he had kept from his childhood.

Goofy Newfie is slang used when referring to a Newfoundlander.

This album includes an anti-American song (I Wouldn't Take A Million Dollars For A Single Maple Leaf). Payne wrote this song.

From the back cover: In the next year watch for some of the top American country stars to latch on to Roy's tunes.

My Eye Is On The Prize

The Darkest Part Of The Night
My Eye Is On The Prize
Jimmy Turner
G&E Productions, Mishawaka, Indiana
Imperial Sacred Records
Artist's Recording Co., Cincinnati, Ohio 720809

Owensboro, Kentucky recording artist.

The Young Brotherhood

Simple Song
The Young Brotherhood

Basically your private press folk record with a homemade cover. The cover is a one color label (sheet of peel-n-stick) fixed to a jacket blank.

The jacket is signed on the back by all of the artists to "The Blooms" (Steve Bloom's family).

Steve is listed as a band member on the label.

Sorry about the audio quality… the disc is well worn.

Frank Vincent

Skyliner
Frank Vincent
Plays For Your Listening Pleasure
Moonlite

The Frank Vincent Trio played at the Cincinnati, Ohio, Carrousel Inn (The La Rhonde Lounge).

After The Lovin'
How Insensitive
What Kind Of Fool And I
It Had Better Be Tonight
Jive Samba
Happy
Feelings
Speak Low
Vic & Harry's Blues
What I Did For Love
Nite Ladies
Satin Doll
Skyliner

Armando Jones

Something
New York
Armando Jones
Live In San Francisco
H&A Records 1985

Straight out of sealed shrink…

The Baney Brothers

Sound Of Music
Sound Of Silence
The Boys From Ippy Dippy
Up, Up, and Away
The Baney Brothers
Riviera Records
1965?

Terrific lounge LP, signed by Dave (the guitar playing Baney).

The notes mention that Don Gauck (not a Baney obviously) was playing The Lookout House which was a happening joint (destroyed by fire in 1973) in the Cincinnati area (Ft. Wright, KY). This is a local connection for me which is why I mention it. The fire date also helps to date the recording.

Aaron Sings Memories Of Elvis

His Way
Aaron Sings Memories Of Elvis
JWL Enterprises, Los Angeles 1984

Well... I could not find this guy online and there is no last name to be found on the jacket.

He looks like Donald from the TV show That Girl. He's not fooling me for one moment. This guy is a Donald impersonator!

Songs By Sam Hill

Sunday Evening' Cornbread And Sweetmilk Blues
And... That's A True Story
By Sam Hill and Friends
1976

This could be the biggest autograph ever!

Sam Hill?

I wonder where in the Sam Hill he is now?

The Links Album Covers


I Can See Clearly Now

Howdy Lounge Lovers! To date, I've found 6 Links albums. Are there more to be unearthed?

And Again Once Again The Links


Vehicle

And Again Once Again The LinksLinks - LP -503

Holy Sweet Mother Of Lounge Acts! I present my 4th autographed Links LP!

And a super sweet presentation it is! Why just look at those full color photos on the back cover! And that cover of Vehicle (released by The Ides Of March in 1970).

All of The Links record jackets are nearly devoid of information. This jacket actual credits a photographer, Rich Rader and I think the guy (not in the marvelous red suit) in the bottom center photo is Gil Bridges. They give him credit for writing the lyrics to "Don't Take Her From Me".

The title is playful. If you have followed my Links posts, you'll remember that there are four LPs out there (my blog post featuring all four covers). This is the only album that hints that The Links might be screwing with us just a bit. The title may be a put-on and why is there a photo on the back cover of Stan putting his shoe on?

All of The Links albums play the lounge "act" so close to form that the humor would be way above the heads of most folks. If they planned to do to be a put-on... they are sheer genius. Because it is so straight faced, like an Andy Kaufman sketch.

Ronnie Prophet

Ronnie Prophet

Ronnie Prophet
Art Records, Miami, FL ALP-43
1965

From the back cover: The big, full sounds you hear on this album actually come from one dynamic and personable young man named RONNIE PROPHET. Indeed, you'll find it hard to believe that Ronnie Prophet alone can produce such superb instrumentals and vocals. Ronnie's versatility is delightfully demonstrated here in his on-the-scene recording dubut, taped "live" at the famed JOLLY ROGER HOTEL in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and at the Jack Tar GRAND BAHAMA HOTEL on Grand Bahama Island.

Ronnie performs on a custom-made electric guitar of his own design. The amazing, multiple sound Ronnie creates is done by use of a thumb pick, producing a unique and pleasing bass back-beat. There are no added pre-recorded backgrounds used. It's all live, all Prophet, and all great music!

Vocally, Ronnie Prophet is equally facile. Note his true country treatement of "King of the Road" and then his warm, romantic approach to "Dear Heart". Ronnie delves deftly into the Folk idiom with "Scotch and Soda" and "Maria" and back into the pop- ballad vein with "San Francisco".

Ronnie's true interpretive instrumental genius is brought dramatically to the fore with "Malaguena", "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise", and the "Third Man Theme". This album is, in actuality, a candid capturing of Ronnie Prophet as he performs in a nightclub, or show lounge. You will feel the sincere reaction of his live audience and his genuine impact. The secret is Ronnie's sincere and warm desire to entertain. Note his boyish vitality, combined with his fine voice and his ability to hold his enthusiastic audience.

RONNIE PROPHET is Canadian-born and has appeared in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, London, and other top metropolitan areas of Canada. He has crossed the Canadian border Summertimes, to play swank rooms in the Lake George, N. Y. resort area. Ronnie is an ardent outdoorsman and an avid underwater and sports fisherman. He has boated Blue Marlin and wrestled giant grouper on and under the shimmering sapphire waters of the Bahamas. Ronnie is also an excellent archer and has stalked big game with his bow and quiver in the Canadian Rockies.

You'll enjoy this album, spin after spin, and you'll hear that all-too-seldom heard musical magic that makes a star!

The Many Mood of Ron Chandler

The Joker
Never Fall In Love Again


The Many Moods Of Ron Chandler

The Many Mood of Ron Chandler
Music Arranged By Earle Corry
Ridgecrest

The jacket is a blank, signed by "Ron Chandler" and then someone (probably Chandler) rolled some paint across the cover to create the "abstract" color effect. In other words, the jacket image is hand produced.

That's The Way It Was
Little Green Apples
Into My Life
Can't Make It Without You
Shepherd's Daughter
Never Fall In Love Again
Look To Me
I Ain't Into Nothing
Taste Of Honey
Another Reason
The Joker

The Quartet Robledo

Quartet Robledo

Trio Robledo (The Quartet Robledo)

Featured is this terrific oddball album! Not because of the quality of the music. No, the music is delightful. It this case, what is unusual about the project is the cover, which lacks a title. The name of the group is written, in pen, as "The Trio Robledo". However, on the back cover, the group refers to themselves as "Quartet Robledo"

What really makes album a "fun find" is that the group was featured at "Taco Ed's" Restaurant, located in Defiance, Ohio). Apparently, according to the notes, Robledo played Taco Ed's for six years. Eddie L. Bernal (Taco Ed) loved them so much (and why not, they are a very good group) that he planned to have them "appear at all Taco Ed's Grand Openings in malls and free standing restaurants".

The album is a charming piece of local, Defiance, Ohio memorabilia.

Taco Ed, apparently, went into chapter 11 in 1984 because Taco Ed was caught trying to defraud investors.

Juanita
Llanto de Sangre
Miento
Nemecio
Maria de Los Angeles
Yo Lo Comprendo
PA Que Me Sirve La Vida
A Pesar de Todo
Probre Regalo
Toda Una Vida
El Adios A La Vida
Cien Anos

Doin' It Again - Hook, Line, and Sinker

Summertime
Doin' It Again
Hook, Line, and Sinker
Frogg Records
1979

Tulsa Time
Woman, I'm A Fool For Your Love
I Love The Nightlife
If
You'll Never Find
Summertime
Proud Mary
Don't Ever Say Goodbye
Back On My Mind Again
Rainy Night In Georgia
Me & Bobbie McGee
Crazy

Once Again The Links

New World Coming
The Links Once Again

I think this is the second of four LPs The Links pressed. All of the four LPs I owned are autographed. See all four Links album covers in this blog post.

I'm a big Links fan. Here's a group of guys who made lounge music in their own style.

You guys are "cult heros"!

The Links

MacArthur Park
The Links

Check out all four of The Links album covers on this blog post.

I know almost nothing about these guys. The albums are private/vanity press with no label info, record or pressing company information and no or almost no jacket info. Apparently they recorded their second LP in Las Vegas. That's all I've got.

As a group, I love The Links.

I've posted the 6:20 instrumental version of MacArthur Park. I think every lounge act covered this song.

If you note the second track on the B side is Who's On First. That's not a song... they do a cover of Abbott & Costello's famous comedy bit. They do the bit with reverb effect and rush through the piece as if they were on speed.