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Showing posts with label 1960. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1960. Show all posts

Jun 21, 2022

Black Ace - BK Turner and His Steel Guitar (1960)

"Black Ace" by Black Ace


One of Oscar Woods's acolytes was the young BK Turner, or Black Ace, who like Woods (The Lone Wolf) earned his nickname from his most famous song.  Black Ace recorded even fewer records than Woods but had the benefit of being rediscovered in the early sixties when he recorded his only album BK Turner and His Steel Guitar for Arhoolie Records.

Here is the discography for Black Ace:

Black Ace (1937 single)
You Gonna Need My Help Some Day (1937 single)
Christmas Time Blues (Beggin' Santa Claus) (1937 single)
BK Turner and His Steel Guitar
I'm the Boss Card in Your Hand (compilation album)

"I Am the Black Ace" by Black Ace


"Bad Times Stomp" by Black Ace


Pass the Headphones!!

May 12, 2021

Jan & Dean - The Jan & Dean Sound (1960)

"Don't Fly Away" by Jan & Dean


Jan & Dean acted as the emcees of the T.A.M.I. Show where their thankless job consisted of just trying to have their artist introductions, comic skits and segues heard over the ceaslessly screaming fans.  They sang the film's namedropping opening theme song and kicked off the second half of the concert's lineup.  They released their debut album The Jan & Dean Sound in 1960 on Dore Records. 

Here is the discography surrounding Jan & Dean's debut album:

Jennie Lee (1958 single by Jan & Arnie)
Gas Money (1958 single by Jan & Arnie)
I Love Linda (1958 single by Jan & Arnie)
Baby Talk (1959 single)
There's a Girl (1959 single)
Clementine (1959 single)
White Tennis Sneakers (1960 single)
The Jan & Dean Sound
Gotta Getta Date (1960 single by Jan & Arnie)
Jan & Arnie (1960 EP by Jan & Arnie)

"Baby Talk" by Jan & Dean


"Gas Money" by Jan & Arnie


Pass the Headphones!!

Oct 3, 2019

Elmer Snowden Quartet - Harlem Banjo! (1960)

"Runnin' Wild" by Elmer Snowden Quintet


Duke Ellington's early success as a band leader can be partially credited to his great skill as a booking agent.  In his hometown of Washington D.C., his primary job was, probably, more running his small business as a booker than actually playing the piano.  He'd organize groups, bands and orchestras for social functions and play as needed.

Duke Ellington performed occasionally with The Washingtonians, a D.C. orchestra led by banjo player Elmer Snowden.  When Snowden moved his orchestra to New York, they could not get a booking.  He called for Ellington to join the group and help them get their bearing in the city.  It was only a matter of time until Ellington became the band's leader, and Snowden would leave soon after.

Snowden made a second career for himself in New York as a session musician throughout the thirties, but when the banjo fell out of favor as a jazz instrument, his fortune faded and he faded into obscurity.  When interest in early jazz obscura peaked in the late fifties via crate digging and festivals, Snowden was rediscovered.  He recorded his only album as a band leader Harlem Banjo! in 1960 on Riverside Records.

Here is Elmer Snowden's complete discography:

Happy Rhythm (1929 single by Musical Stevedores)
Jazz Collection - Volume 12 (compilation album)
Harlem Banjo! (featuring Cliff Jackson)
Paris Guitar Jazz Festival (1967 live compilation)
Berlin Festival Guitar Workshop (1968 live compilation)

"Lazy River" by Elmer Snowden


"Happy Rhythm" by Musical Stevedores


Pass the Headphones!!