September 2008

This was a cool album to listen to… infact, I listened to it twice.

“OLE”
Music of the Bull Ring

I saw this title and thought how appropriate for the political turmoil of the season. 

The Madrid Festival
de Matadors’ Orchestra
Dr. Edmundo Alava, Conductor

An album which needs no introduction:

Meredith Willson’s
The Music Man
Hill Brown
and his Orchestra 

A memorable compilation of instrumental selections from the Broadway musical.

The Music Man

The first promotional album of the collection!

Welcome to the wonderous world of
Admiral Stereo

“Listen to the breathtaking depth and realism of Admiral Quality Solid State Stereophonic High Fidelity …featuring the amazing ‘Phantom 3rd Channel’” 

This was quite an entertaining album with some interesting promotional music. The most memorable thing I remember hearing is the 5 year warranty along with “this is the famous Admiral phantom third channel” which I think I missed (because I don’t have Admiral equipment.) But, the audio quality is impressive.

Admiral Stereo PR - A 10 Minuet clip from the album.

Admiral Stere - Phantom Third Channel

Some Saturday classics on a Capital Record…

The Best of
The Lettermen,
Vol.2

I can’t wait to find volume 1 now in the pile. Volume 2 here included some great classics, just to name a few…  The Medley of “Goin’ Out of My Head / Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” ”The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” and ”I Believe.”

The Best of The Lettermen Vol. 2

This was a filthy record which needed to be cleaned up some before it was worthy of the turntable… although, I must say it cleans up nicely!

Guy Lombardo
in HI-FI

A Capital Records recording featuring the four Lombardo brothers: Victor, Lebert, Guy and Carmen. The song “St. Louis Blues” was my favorite.

Guy Lombardo in HI-FI

A pretty decent album from Liberty. This is the mono version, LRP-3408.
(The stereo version is LST-7408.)

This Diamond Ring
Gary Lewis
And The Playboys

Producer: “Snuff” Garrett
Arranger: Leon Russell
Engineers: “Bones” Howe, assisted
     by Bowen David and Henry Lewy
Cover Design: Sam Jacobson
Cover Photography: Bud Fraker
Liberty Records, Inc.

Gary Lewis and The Playboy’s Fan Club:
Box 2010, Beverly Hills, Calif. 

This Diamond Ring - Gary Lewis and The Playboys

“It’s a long, long way from the levee
To this Monterey Festival stage
But we’re glad jazz music has made it
And it’s finally coming of age.”
- Jon Hendricks

This live album was recorded in 1959 under the “blazing Monterey sun” with occasional set interruptions by low flying civilian planes to which Woody Herman remarked, “I’m beginning to hate him.”

This is a fine jazz album with a great tale on the back cover.

Woody Herman’s Big New Herd
At The Monterey Jazz Festival

Side One:

1. Four Brothers
2. Like Some Blues Man
3. Skoobeedoobee

Side Two:

1. Monterey Apple Tree
2. Skylark
3. The Magpie

Woody Herman at the Monterey Jazz Festival

Four Brothers (not from the Monterey Jazz Festival):

Starring at the world famous hotel Taft Grill Room:

Vincent Lopez, His Piano and Orchestra
Lopez Playing

This was a special reissue from Columbia… and well worth it in my opinion. If I ever am looking to woo a the females with mood music during dinner, this would be a good start to the mix.

Vincent Lopez - His Piano and Orchestra

Nola:

For your listening pleasure Magnavox presents the best of the…

Award Winners
Magnavox Sixtieth Anniversary 

A very relaxing listen. The last two songs made for a great ending with MacArthur Park and Mrs. Robinson.

Side 1:

1. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head - Percy Faith & His Orchestra (1971)
2. The Shadow Of Your Smile - Tony Bennett (1965)
3. Up, Up & Away - Charlie Byrd (1967)
4. For The Good TImes - Lynn Anderson (1970)
5. Michelle - Bobby Vinton (1966)

Side 2:

1. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Ray Conniff & The Singers (1971)
2. Rose Garden - Johnny Mathis (1971)
3. Love Theme from “Romeo & Juliet” - Peter Nero (1968)
4. MacArthur Park - Jerry Vale (1968)
5. Mrs. Robinson - Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra (1969)

Magnavox Award Winners

Sunday kicked off bright and early with Act II!

Barry Manilow - Live Act II Side 3

Act II is a fun listen as well! I liked how Beautiful Music Part 1 started side 3 and Part 2 started side 4. The switch made for decent listen from start to finish. On side 4, Could It Be Magic/Mandy and It’s A Miracle are freakin awesome. It’s A Miracle starts off with a live local touch since he’s performing in New York City.

Over all I liked this double album, I think the fact that it was a live album made it for a very good listen from start to finish. Felt like Manilow was performing right here in the living room.

Barry Manilow - Live (back of album)

I Write The Songs (a live version) broadcasting on youtube: