Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Flamingos: "Flamingo Serenade"


Released in 1959,
this is one of several great recordings
from this seminal doo-wop group.

Find out more about The Flamingos HERE.

Burl Ives: "...sings For Fun"


Released in 1956,
this was approximately his thirtieth (30th) studio LP
(depending on how one counts).

Much loved, mellow, jolly folk singer/songwriter/actor/author.

Discover more about Burl Ives, starting HERE.

Percy Faith: "South Pacific"


Released in 1958,
this was Percy Faith's twenty-third (23rd) studio LP.
Percy Faith's orchestral arrangements
are a staple of the "Easy Listening" genre.

Read more about Percy Faith HERE.

Placido Domingo: "My Life for a Song"


Released in 1983;
one of the Spanish classical tenor's
attempts to appeal to a broader, more commercial audience.

One of the famed "Three Tenors"
(with Italian Luciano Pavarotti and fellow-Spaniard Jose Carreras).

Find out more about Placido Domingo HERE.


Wayne Newton: "Can't You Hear the Song?"


Released in 1972.

Check on Wayne's life and career HERE.


Shelley Berman: "Inside"


Classic comedy album from 1958.

Delve into Shelley Berman's life and times HERE.

George Michael: "Faith"


Released in 1987,
"Faith" was George Michael's first solo studio LP.

Read more about George Michael HERE.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Webber and Rice: "Evita"


Released in 1979,
this is the cast of the original American production of "Evita."

Read some history of the musical HERE.


David Rose: "San Francisco: My Enchanted City"


This is an amazing and delightful
concept album from 1958.

Music and Lyrics by Stephen and Libby McNeil,
Orchestra conducted by David Rose,
Narration by Don Sherwood,
and a host of fun, talented singers and actors.

Billboard's contemporaneous review HERE.

Harry Belafonte: "Belafonte"


Released in 1956,
this was Harry Belafonte's second (2nd) studio LP.

For those who care to know more about Mr. Belafonte,
you can find it HERE.


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Al Caiola: "Percussion and Guitars"


Not specifically billed as an Al Caiola recording,
this LP nevertheless is all Al.

Great stuff!!

Released in 1960.

Melanie: "Gather Me"


No jacket!
You get labels only.

Released in 1971,
this LP includes the mega-hit "Brand New Key."

Quirky, but irresistible.

Read about Melanie HERE.

Neil Sedaka: "All You Need Is The Music"


Released in 1978,
this LP naturally featured a couple of disco-themed tracks.

Read more about Neil Sedaka HERE.


Sunday, April 10, 2011

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band: "Stranger In Town"


Released in 1978,
this was Bob Seger's tenth (10th) studio LP
(not all with "The Silver Bullet Band," which was not formed until 1974).

Includes the mega-hit "Risky Business" favorite: "Old Time Rock and Roll."

Read more about Bob Seger's career HERE.


This recording includes a lot of great session musicians,
some of the greatest BGVs in the business,
and Eagles greats Glenn Frey and Don Felder.


Art Direction: Roy Kohara
Design: Ken Anderson
Photography: Terrence Bert and Bob Siedemann

Friday, April 8, 2011

Michael Crawford: "Songs From the Stage and Screen"


Released in 1987,
this was Michael Crawford's first
strictly solo project.

Get a bit more of the scoop
on Michael Crawford

The King's Singers: "A Tribute to the Comedian Harmonists"


Released in 1984,
I lost count trying to discern what number
in their prolific recording history
this LP is privileged to hold.

Read more about The King's Singers HERE.

Ed Ames: "When the Snow Is On The Roses"


Released in 1968.

Read more about Ed Ames
(including the Johnny Carson "tomahawk" story)

Barbra Streisand: "Wet"


Released in 1979,
this was Barbra's twenty-first (21st) studio LP
(depending on how one counts...)

Includes the huge hit duet with Donna Summer
"No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"


Photography by Mario Casilli


Willie Nelson: "To Lefty From Willie"


Willie's 1977
tribute to Lefty Frizzell.

Decent blurb about this LP HERE.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Boz Scaggs: "Silk Degrees"


Released in 1976,
this is Boz Scaggs' seventh (7th) LP.
It contains a few of his best known hits:
"Lido Shuffle"
"Lowdown"
"What Can I Say"

Delicious mid-'70s
jazz-funk-pop,
and that incomparable voice.

Read more about Boz Scaggs HERE.


Of particular note:
the core of his session band on this LP -
The Porcaro Brothers, David Hungate, and David Paich -
went on to form the band Toto.


Ashford & Simpson: "Come As You Are"


Best known as a songwriting team
whose songs were recorded by many artists,
this husband and wife team
also had moderate success as a recording duo.
Released in 1976,
this LP contains some enjoyable dance music.

Read more about Ashford & Simpson HERE.


Design and photography credits lost in the blur....

Bing Crosby: "All Time Hit Parade"


One of many "Longines Symphonette" recordings
this one featured Bing Crosby,
released around 1970.

Wish I knew who did that artwork!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Hugo Winterhalter: "The Big Hits of 1965"


Released in late 1965,
this is GREAT
elevator music.

Read a tiny bio-sketch of Hugo Winterhalter HERE.