The Cal Tjader Trio - The Cal Tjader Trio (1953)

"Chopsticks Mambo" by The Cal Tjader Trio


The Dave Brubeck Trio featured the percussion art of Cal Tjader who played the drums and vibraphone, but also stood out for bringing bongos and other traditional latin and african instruments to the West Coast jazz scene.

Cal Tjader's work with Brubeck brought him rapid notice but an unfortunate accident ended the trio's work suddenly.  Tjader went on to record and tour with bandleaders like George Shearing and Alvino Rey.  He also formed his own trio and recorded his first 10" record for Fantasy Records.  His band featured bassist Jack Weeks and pianist John Marabuto (on Side A) and newcomer Vince Guaraldi (on Side B).  The Cal Tjader Trio came out in 1953.

Here is the discography surrounding Cal Tjader's debut album:

The Cal Tjader Trio

"Three Little Words" by The Cal Tjader Trio


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The Dave Brubeck Trio - Dave Brubeck Trio Featuring Cal Tjader (1950)

"Indiana" by The Dave Brubeck Trio


Negativland's founding duo were born and raised in Concord, California whose other famous natives include actors Tom Hanks and Mark Hamill and one of the leaders of the school of West Coast jazz, pianist Dave Brubeck.  Young Dave took lessons from his mother, as did his siblings, but he could not read music.  Less the matter since he had no interest of pursuing music anyhow.  He originally intended to work with his father on the cattle farm and attended College of the Pacific to study up.  As it happens, his mind was clearly in the conservatory across the way and not in his studies, and his professors encouraged him to transfer to the music school.

Brubeck was drafted into the military where his piano skills allowed him to avoid combat service.  Instead, he led the US Armed Forces' first racially integrated band "The Wolfpack".  After his service, he returned to school, this time studying at Mills College under composer Darius Milhaud and, for a short time, under Arnold Schoenberg.  After graduating with his masters, he performed and recorded with an octet and a trio.  Dave led both groups as he was the performer with the most recognizable name.  The Dave Brubeck trio issued its recordings first on fantasy records and featured Ron Crotty on bass and Cal Tjader on drums, the vibraphone, and the bongos.  Their first album was a collection of Fantasy singles released as Dave Brubeck Trio Featuring Cal Tjader in 1950.  The jazz was good and sold well.  The album also features probably my favorite album cover of all time.  I gotta know who painted that masterpiece, buy it, frame it, and smile every day.

Here is the discography surrounding The Dave Brubeck Trio's debut album:

You Stepped Out of a Dream (1950 single)
Singin' in the Rain (1950 single)
Body and Soul (1950 single)
Indiana (1950 single)
Blue Moon (1950 single)
Undecided (1950 single)
Dave Brubeck Trio Featuring Cal Tjader

"I'll Remember April" by The Dave Brubeck Trio


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Negativland - Negativland (1980)

"10" by Negativland


Neu! had many fans and two of them thought it appropriate enough to name their band after one of Neu!'s songs.

Negativland formed in 1979 around two high schoolers Mark Hosler and Richard Lyons.  They recorded their debut album Negativland in 1980 and self-published it on their own Seeland Records (another Neu! reference) as they felt they ought to accomplish something before graduating high school.  They were joined by then-cable repairman David Wills (who officially joined the group) and a couple of high school friends (who did not).  The album is a series of sound collages, tape manipulations, and the occasional song-like recording.  Each individual album also had its own unique cover with the one above being the "official" cover found on the band's website.

Here is the discography surrounding Negativland's debut album:

Negativland

"11", "12", and "13" by Negativland


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Neu! - Neu! (1972)

"Hallogallo" by Neu!


Klaus Dinger was a very short-lived member of Kraftwerk only having played on one song "Megaherz" from their debut album.  Friend and bandmate Michael Rother didn't even record with the band but toured with them.  When it looked like Kraftwerk were going to break up with Hütter leaving the band, Dinger and Rother broke off to form their own experimental group Neu! in 1971.

After forming, the duo went immediately to record at Star Studios with (again) Conny Plank.  On what became their 1972 debut album Neu!, Michael Rother played guitar and bass.  Klaus Dinger played drums, guitar, and a heavily manipulated Japanese banjo that can be heard on one of their staple tracks "Negativland".  On this album, Dinger introduced the "motorik" drumming style, a driving and unadorned 4/4 beat that would be sonically associated with the krautrock scene for its prolific use.  The album released on Brain Records but sold poorly.  Despite the slow start, Neu's debut would stand out as a critical darling, one of krautrock's cornerstone recordings, and an incredibly influential recording on music scenes to follow from the UK punks to post-rock and modern EDM.

Here is the discography surrounding Neu!'s debut album:

Neu!
Neu! '72 Live in Düsseldorf (1972 rehearsal recording)

"Negativland" by Neu!


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Kraftwerk - Kraftwerk (1970)

"Von Himmel Hoch" by Kraftwerk


While the other members of Organisation went off to university, Florian Schneider and Ralf Hütter continued performing together as the newly christened Kraftwerk.

Along with drummers Andreas Hohmann and Klaus Dinger, Kraftwerk became one of the defining acts of the krautrock movement.  On their Kraftwerk debut album in 1970, Schneider (flute, synthesizers, electroviolin) and Hütter (organ, synthesizers) developed an experimental sound that meanders through different sonic ideas from instrumental sound design to drum-driven psychedelia.  The players have an improvised, jazz feel to their performances where each musician slowly builds off of motifs introduced by the others.  The album was produced by Conny Plank.

Here is the discography surrounding Kraftwerk's debut album:

Kraftwerk

"Ruckzuck" by Kraftwerk


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Organisation - Tone Float (1970)

"Noitasinagro" by Organisation


Konrad "Conny" Plank helped Grobschnitt produce their eponymous record, which makes sense because, as producer, Plank had his fingertips all over the krautrock scene including the work of one of the earliest krautrock outfits, the experimental quintet Organisation.

Actually, the band was named Organisation zur Verwirklichung gemeinsamer Musikkonzepte, or the "Organization for the Realization of Common Music Concepts", but they digressed.  The band formed in 1967 and included Ralf Hütter (organ), Florian Schneider-Esleben (flute, violin, percussion), Basil Hammoudi (glockenspiel, percussion), Butch Hauf (bass, percussion), and Alfred "Fred" Mönicks (percussion).  Organisation released only one album in 1970 titled Tone Float on the British label RCA Victor, but it failed to sell prompting their drop.  The band disbanded with most of the members opting to attend university.

Here is the complete discography for Organisation:

Tone Float

"Tone Float" by Organisation


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Grobschnitt - Grobschnitt (1972)

"Symphony" by Grobschnitt


The Moody Blues's magnificent debut was recently remastered and rereleased not only by a remastering engineer but also by a huge fan and musician influenced by The Moodies's body of work.  The mastering fan was Joachim Ehrig, better known as Eroc, drummer for the progressive krautrock band Grobschnitt.

Eroc formed Grobschnitt in 1970 out of the refuse of his defunct psychedelic rock band The Crew.  The eight man group started stylistically where The Crew left off, but by the time they recorded their debut album Grobschnitt in 1972, the band had moved firmly into the realm of symphonic progressive rock.  Alongside Eroc, the band included as members Gerd Otto Kühn (aka Lupo: lead guitar), Stefan Danielak (aka Willi Wildschwein: rhythm guitar, vocals), Herrmann Quettling (aka Quecksilber: keyboards), Axel Harlos (aka Felix: percussion), and Bernhard Uhlemann (aka Bär: bass, flute).  They attracted a popular fan base through their exciting live shows that included pyrotechnics and comedy skits.  Grobschnitt signed with Brain Records, an iconic record label that fostered some of the best and most influential krautrock bands of the 70s and 80s.

Here is the discography surrounding Grobschnitt's debut album:

Grobschnitt

"Travelling" by Grobschnitt


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The Moody Blues - The Magnificent Moodies (1965)

"I'll Go Crazy" by The Moody Blues


The Move and The Moody Blues shared the same city in Birmingham, the same producer in Denny Cordell, and the same manager in (not Don Arden) Tony Secunda.  Before The Move switched to Arden, they rose to prominence with Secunda helped along by his publicity stunts which included ridiculous stage antics, signing their recording contract on the back of a topless model, and a libelous cartoon poster of the Prime Minister at the time, Harold Wilson, in bed with his secretary.  After the legal action took a big chunk out of the band, they let Secunda go.

The Moody Blues formed in 1964 with Michael Pinder (keyboard), Ray Thomas (percussion, flutes), Denny Laine (harmonica, guitar, lead vocals), Graeme Edge (drums), and Clint Warwick (bass) out of the refuse of other short-lived Brum Bands such as The Diplomats, The Rebels, and The Krew Cats.  Their early and short-lived residency at the Carlton Ballroom gathered the attention of producer Alex Murray who helped swing a record deal with Decca.  In a matter of months of existence, The Moody Blues released their debut single "Steal Your Heart Away" to a flop.  Their presence grew, however, thanks to spots on television including the first purposeful, promotional film for their only #1 single "Go Now!" later that year.

Despite the single success, their debut album The Magnificent Moodies released in 1965 failed to chart.  The band continued to release a consistent stream of singles but found each one less and less successful.  By 1966, lead singer and guitarist Denny Laine had had enough and left the band for a solo career.

Here is the discography surrounding The Moody Blues's debut album:

Down the Line (1959 single by El Riot and The Rebels)

The Bat (1961 single by The Krew Kats)

Samovar (1961 single by The Krew Kats)

Trambone (1961 single by The Krew Kats)
Forever and a Day (1963 single by Denny Laine and The Diplomats)

Doctor Feelgood (1964 single by Gerry Levene and The Avengers)

Steal Your Heart Away (1964 single)
Go Now! (1964 single)
I Don't Want to Go On Without You (1965 single)
The Moody Blues (1965 EP)
From the Bottom of My Heart (I Love You) (1965 single)
The Magnificent Moodies
Everyday (1965 single)
Stop! (1966 single)
This Is My House (But Nobody Calls) (1966 single)
Life's Not Life (1967 single)

The Village Postman (1968 single by The Hinge)

"Go Now!" by The Moody Blues


"Bye Bye Bird"


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The Move - Move (1968)

"Weekend" by The Move


The notorious manager for Small Faces was Don Arden who, throughout his career, managed several of England's top bands including Birmingham's The Move.

The Move are a sort of Birmingham supergroup.  Although the area boasted an inordinate number of young bands (most of them Beat in the shadow of The Beatles), very few of them had found success in recording contracts aside from a few singles here and there.  So, a number of the best local musicians (from the likes of The Vikings, The Nightriders, The Diplomats, and The Mayfair Set among many other bands) joined together to form a band bound to sign with someone.  It didn't hurt that they tried out an assortment of new ideas buffered by boundless, charismatic energy, as well.  The band's early lineup featured Carl Wayne (lead vocals), Roy Wood (lead guitar), Bev Bevan (drums), Ace Kefford (bass), and Trevor Burton (guitar) with all members adding to the harmonies.

Very quickly, The Move scored a residency with the Marquee Club in 1966 and an independent record producer Denny Cordell.  Their first single "Night of Fear" ran to #2 on the UK charts and their success would continue as their next three singles "I Can Hear the Grass Grow", "Flowers in the Rain", and "Fire Brigade" all ran to the Top 5.  Their debut album did not fare as well as 1968's Move only managed a disappointing #15 spot on the album charts and a middling critical reception.  The album maintained the psychedelic pop of the band's singles but added a little variety with goofy but faithful renditions of early rock and doo-wop standards.  They followed up the album with a few singles including the Hendrix-inspired though unsuccessful "Wild Tiger Woman" and their biggest hit, the #1 "Blackberry Way".

Here is the discography surrounding The Move's debut album:

Tell Me What You're Gonna Do (1963 single by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders)
Please Mr. Postman (1963 single by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders)

What a Sweet Thing That Was (1964 single by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders)
What's the Matter Baby (1964 single by Carl Wayne and The Vikings)

Tossin' and Turnin' (1964 single by Danny King)
Here I Stand (1965 single by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders)
Take My Hand (1965 single by Mike Sheridan's Lot)
This Is Love (1965 single by Carl Wayne and The Vikings)
My Girl (1965 single by Carl Wayne and The Vikings)
Pretty Things (1965 single by Danny King and The Mayfair Set)
Amen (1965 single by Danny King and The Mayfair Set)
Don't Turn Your Back on Me (1966 single by Mike Sheridan's Lot)
Birmingham Beat (compilation album by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders / Mike Sheridan's Lot)
It's Only the Dog (1966 single by The Nightriders)

Love Me Right Now (1966 single by The Nightriders)
Night of Fear (1966 single)
I Can Hear the Grass Grow (1967 single)
Flowers in the Rain (1967 single)
Fire Brigade (1968 single)
Move
Wild Tiger Woman (1968 single)
Blackberry Way (1968 single)

It's So Nice to Come Home (1968 single by The Lemon Tree)

William Chalker's Time Machine (1968 single by The Lemon Tree)

Curly (1969 single)
Something Else from the Move (1969 Live EP)

For Your Love (1969 single by The Ace Kefford Stand)

Mummy (1976 single by Rockstar)

Ace the Face (2003 compilation album by Ace Kefford)

"Walk Upon the Water", "I Can Hear the Grass Grow", "Night of Fear by The Move, Live on Beat Beat Beat


"Fire Brigade" by The Move on Top of the Pops


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Small Faces - Small Faces (1966)

"E Too D" by Small Faces


Guitarist Ian Samwell helped write Cliff Richard's debut single classic "Move It", but he was edged out of The Drifters in favor of Hank Marvin and Jet Harris.  He'd continue to make a career as a songwriter and eventually producer and he'd do both for London rock band Small Faces, writing their first hit song "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" and producing their eponymous debut album for Decca Records.

Small Faces formed when former child actor Steve Marriott (guitar, vocals) met Ronnie Lane (bass) in a Music Bar in London in 1965.  Influenced by American Rhythm and Blues and Soul, they recruited drummer Kenney Jones and keyboardist Jimmy Winston to round out the foursome as a proper rock and roll group.  They played the London scene and quickly became one of the most popular and successful local live acts.  For reference, the band's name came from the slang for memorable, cool bloke (a "Face") and the fact that all of the band members were short.

Signed on the power of Marriott's stage presence to Decca Records, their debut single "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" topped the British charts thanks in part to "chart fixing" on the part of their manager.  Their third single would prove their next hit as "Sha-La-La-La-Lee" also made it to the top.  Winston was dismissed from the band for either not being a skilled enough musician or trying to compete with Marriott for superiority in the band.  He did manage to play on a couple of the songs on their 1966 debut album Small Faces, though, but didn't make the cover.  His Small Face was replaced by Ian McLagen's.  The album performed admirably as did the single "All or Nothing" and the only thing that kept them from a US Tour victory lap were drug charges.

Despite all the success, they saw nearly none of the money.  This led to conflict with their manager and Decca and a rough cut in the relationship from both.  Small Faces moved to another label and Decca continued to release old new material after the separation including a handful of throwaway singles and another "studio" album of unfinished outtakes dismissed from previous recording sessions.

Here is the discography surrounding Small Faces's debut album

Whatcha Gonna Do About It (1965 single)
BBC Session August 1965 (1965 BBC Session)
I've Got Mine (1965 single)
Sha-La-La-La-Lee (1966 single)
BBC Session March 1966 (1996 BBC Session)
BBC Session May 1966 (1966 BBC Session)
Small Faces
Hey Girl (1966 single)
All or Nothing (1966 single)
BBC Session August 1966 (1966 BBC Session)
Beat Club '66 (1966 live bootleg)
My Mind's Eye (1966 single)
I Can't Make It (1967 single)
Patterns (1967 single)
From the Beginning (1967 compilation album)

"Hey Girl", "All or Nothing", "Whatcha Gonna Do About It", and "Sha-La-La-La-Lee" by Small Faces on Beat, Beat, Beat


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