Where there’s Sparks…
Reuben Wilson “Blue Mode” Blue Note Records (1969) Bambu; Knock on Wood; Bus Ride; Orange Peel; Twenty-Five Miles; Blue Mode. John Manning – Tenor saxophone; Melvin Sparks – Guitar; Reuben Wilson – Organ; Tommy Derrick – Drums
December, 2009
Playground in my mind
“After School Favorites” Mercury Childcraft Records Note the Record Care sticker with some of the basics of maintenance and handling such as “DO NOT place on or near heated surfaces”; ” Fingermarks and dust damage the playing surfaces”; and “Use caution when transporting”.
Heavy rotation
360 Degrees of Billy Paul featuring “Me and Mrs. Jones” Philadelphia International Records In late 1972/early 1973 this number one hit (penned by Gamble and Huff) was on heavy rotation on WJMO in Cleveland (and in my head!). The album also includes the mighty “Am I Black Enough For Ya”.
Baby pin-up
Ken Nordine and the Fred Katz Group. “My Baby” Dot Records (1959) Ken Nordine is a voice-over and recording artist whose deep, resonant voice was featured in many commercials and movie trailers. He attracted much wider attention when he recorded the aural vignettes on Word Jazz (Dot, 1957) and Son of Word Jazz (Dot, 1958). His other albums in this vein feature Nordine’s narration over cool jazz by the Chico Hamilton jazz group, recording under the alias of Fred Katz, who was then the cellist with Hamilton’s quintet.
A boy and his dog
Les Aventures de TINTIN et Milou (Snowy his faithful fox terrier) By Herge the Belgian comic book artist and author who created Tintin in 1929. Currently Tintin the MAJOR MOTION PICTURE is under production at Peter Jackson’s WETA Studios in New Zealand. Mel James and friends are working on the details now. (Some say that God is in the details. Others that the devil is!)
Joy and pain
“Laughin’ to Keep From Cryin'” Lester Young, Roy Eldridge and Harry Edison Verve Records (1958) What a great candid shot of Eldridge and Young in a private, unguarded moment of comradery. The title says a lot for these brilliant musicians who suffered through segregation and humiliation their whole lives. Especially Young who as a sensitive young artist felt the heartbreaking brunt of racism in the army and never quite recovered. This lp is one of Young’s final recordings. The title is shared by a Langston Hughes novel from 1952.
Surfbroads
“Waikiki Swings” With Hawaii’s Greatest Recording Artists Don Ho (of course), Nani Lee, Kui Lee, Zulu (!), Sonny Chillingworth, and introducing ALVAN!
