Tuesday, September 27, 2011

In Memoriam Wardell Quezergue - New Orleans Producer , Arranger and Master of Funk


From Wikipedia with comments from your humble blogger: FYI Quezergue is pronounced (ka-Zair)
After playing with Dave Bartholomew’s band from the late 1940s and serving as an army musician in Korea, he emerged as a bandleader in his own right in the mid-1950s with his Royal Dukes of Rhythm. He also worked as an arranger with the cream of New Orleans musicians, including Professor Longhair and  Fats Domino.
In 1964, he formed Nola Records, and Robert Parker’s “Barefootin’” from the label reached number 2 on the R&B chart. Other artists on the label included Eddie BoWillie Tee and Smokey Johnson. Later, he recorded King Floyd’s “Groove Me” and Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff” at Malaco in Jackson , MS ( included in this post ). When major labels including Stax and Atlantic initially rejected them as uncommercial, Stax eventually released "Mr Big Stuff", and it became the biggest selling, most successful release on the Stax label (currently over 3 million copies), outselling Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and the other Stax acts. "Groove Me" was released on the Chimneyville label, a huge hit (King Floyd's biggest), and was covered by artists as diverse as Etta James and Tom Petty. Quezergue was also the keyboardist on both hits. Quezergue arranged and produced Dorothy Moore's "Misty Blue", which "crossed over" and also became the label's (Malaco) biggest seller.
At the same time, Wardell was charting, at Berry Gordy's request, stage arrangement for Stevie Wonder and other Motown acts.
As a result of these successes, Quezergue’s skills as an arranger, and Malaco’s studios, became in demand in the 1970s, and were used by artists as diverse as Paul SimonWillie Nelson and B. B. King. He also worked with G.C. Cameron, former lead singer of The Spinners ("It's A Shame") and The Temptations, the Pointer Sisters, and many more.
Quezergue also produced and arranged the Grammy Award-winning Dr. John album Goin' Back to New Orleans in 1992. Already an award winning classical composer and conductor, in 2000 he created an extended composition entitled "A Creole Mass", drawing on his experiences in the Korean War.
In 2005, Wardell was awarded "Best Produced CD of the Year"(by the NY Blues and Jazz society) for his first sessions with singer-songwriter Will Porter. Also a Blues Foundation nominee, the sessions featured Billy Preston, Leo Nocentelli, The Louisiana Philharmonic Strings, and Nola's best musicians. The CD was awarded 4 stars by AMG, and received what Quezergue called "the best reviews of my career".
In 2005, by now legally blind, he lost most of his belongings as a result of Hurricane Katrina.The following year, benefit concerts were held in his behalf, led by Dr. John, with support from other leading musicians, including REM’s Mike Mills.
In May 2009, Wardell Quezergue received an honorary doctorate from Loyola University New Orleans for his selfless dedication to enhancing the careers of others, while remaining in the background; for his dedication to teaching others, especially the young aspiring musicians of the city, leading many great New Orleans musicians to refer to him as "my teacher;" and for his contributions to the sounds of the city, particularly the driving horn sounds of the 60s and 70s, for which New Orleans music became known.
]In 2011 Quezergue finished work on what he called his "two most important works"; his classical religious work "The Passion" and the sophomore recording for Will Porter. On August 25, 2011, Quezergue approved final mixes of 15 tracks of the Will Porter project, featuring duets with Dr. John, Bettye Lavette, Barbara Lewis, jazz bassist Jimmy Haslip, Leo Nocentelli of the Meters (all multiple Grammy nominees/awardees,) with, once again, the best of New Orleans, including the 12 last recordings of the late drummer Bunchy Johnson, and the Louisiana Philharmonic Strings. His next planned project, a duet CD with Will Porter and Dr John will continue without him, as he died September 6, 2011, age 81.Please Click On The Attached Link For More Music In The Studio
On July 19, 2009, a tribute was mounted to Wardell Quezergue at the Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall. By all standards, the show was a triumph, its concept begat from Dr. Ike and the Ponderosa Stomp crew. A nine-piece band was assembled and imported from New Orleans to back up singers like Dr. John, Robert Parker, Jean Knight, and The Dixie Cups, just to name a few. Veteran writer/arranger/bandleader/producer Quezergue showed everyone that he still has it, as he conducted the whole concert.

Dr John And  Wardell Quezergue - A Tribute (Please notice bass player in the kitchen)
http://youtu.be/48ymr_iFvHw

Read More from Stereophile

Wardell Quezergue | Stereophile.com




From YouTube , Chancellor of Soul, Mike Boone presents the story of Malaco Records, a label in Jackson, Mississippi that produced two historical recordings by two legendary artists from the city of New Orleans, King Floyd's 'Groove Me'  and Jean Knight's 'Mr. Big Stuff'.

Both sessions took place on Sunday, May 17, 1970.

'Groove Me' and Mr. Big Stuff' established the Sound of Malaco, where both recordings made a significant addition to R&B and Pop music.

Groove Me' hit No.1 on Billboard's Soul Singles chart for 4 weeks, the week ending January 2, 1971. The 'King Floyd' LP charted No.19 on the Soul LP charts, the week ending, June 26, 1971.

;Mr. Big Stuff' hit No.1 on the Soul Singles chart for 5 weeks, the week ending July 3, 1971. The self-titled LP 'Mr. Big Stuff' charted No.8 on the Soul LP charts, the week ending Sept 25, 1971

Monday, September 26, 2011

Doo Wop memories and Keeping The Sound Alive

Here is another example of the staying power of doo wop and how it is a world wide pleasure . We have The Monarchs with Mike Gibson on a fan site in Spain - You will find the Trendels and the Sultans there as well http://whitedoowopcollector.blogspot.com/2008/10/monarchsover-mountain.html    and have featured a Spanish doo wop group  The Doo Langs doing "Seven Day Weekend " http://louisvillemusicicians.blogspot.com/2011/06/doo-wop-from-spain.html

Now we present Cathy Jean and Roomates, The Roomates US and a fantastic group from the UK , The Roomates . These guys are great and there is much more on youtube plus they have cds. ( See the list at the end )

Cathy Jean and Roomates
Please Love Me Forever

Roomates US 1962 Check Out this site http://saddlebrooketimes.com/Roomates/Roomates.html

Band Of Gold

My Foolish Heart


Roomates UK
Lovebound

Magic Star

Band Of Gold



Roomates UK CD's - Click on links for track listing 


ROOMATES - THE CLASSIC SOUND OF 
Listen to this group of English guys that capture the magic of the great sounds we love and cherish. 24 tracks. 
ROOMATES - BETWEEN THE LINES
'Of all the modern day performers who sing group harmony, the Roomates are among the few who have kept the faith and avoided the temptation to moderise the classic sound' - as noted in liner notes. 22 tracks.
ROOMATES - Off the Shelves
Off the shelves and onto a cd - tracks from before the hits we never had - includes 26 previously unreleased tracks. 29 tracks.
ROOMATES - CAN'T LIVE ON MEMORIES 
Contains 12 tracks recorded in the studio sessions during '97 and '98, and a number of tracks that have only been previously available on various R&R compilations! 18 tracks. 
ROOMATES - Lost On Belmont Avenue
Although from the UK, the Roomates are lost on Belmont Avenue. Listen as they showcase thier amazing vocal talents in the styles of many classic white groups on the late 50's and early 60's. 30 tracks
ROOMATES - Let's Call It A Day
Let's call it a day & relax listening to the Roomates - 24 tracks .... 75% previously unreleased. 24 tracks. 
ROOMATES - NEWPORTS Meet the ROOMATES - Doowop Lives
You don't have to pick your favorite - the Newports and the Roomates on one great CD! 26 tracks. 
SWEET JEENA & the ROOMATES
What a great combo - the Roomates from the UK and Sweet Jeena from Finland! With sound clips. 18 tracks. 

Monday, September 19, 2011

Celebrating 75th Birthday of Hardy Martin in Louisville with some well known musicians

Received this from a correspondent who was at the 75th Birthday party for Hardy Martin, one of the founders of the Carnations and a part of the Sambo music booking agency
Who is in the photo ?
Jim Stodghill (Paul Penneys brother), Bill Summit (Trendells), Joe Bergman (original Trendell), John St Clair (original tenor/lead with Sultans), Wayne Young( Soul , Inc ), Paul (Stodghill) Penney. Mike Gibson(original Monarch ),Dick Snider on Drums 9original Monarch.) Bill Haswell (original Monarch) guitar, Geroge Owen piano original Monarch out of frame.
When asked who was there another correspondent comented "Every Louisville musician that could walk was there! What a party!!! List is too long. Was the same at his 70th!"

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

From Louisville : Radio Vinyl Nostalgia on spreaker.com

From
David Fields
Radio VinylNostalgia

Hello Everyone,

I have included the song list from the first 10 episodes of the Louisville and KY Area Artists Shows from Radio VinylNostalgia.  After every 10 shows I produce I will email the song list for those 10 shows.

If you don't want to receive the song list let me know and I will remove your email address. If you know anybody who would like to receive this song list, have them send me an email.

To Hear These songs go to http://www.spreaker.com/page#!/show/vinylnostalgia


Louisville and KY area artists - #10

Shadows - Shake Sherry - 1964

Soul, Inc. - Don't You Go - 1965

Chateaus - Summer Has Come And Gone - 1966

Gary Edwards & The Embers - Hitch Hike - 1966

Indigos - The Ballad Of The Belle - 1966

Mersey Beats USA - Does She Or Doesn't She - 1966



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Mersey Beats USA - Stop, Look And Listen - 1966

Sultans - She Loves Me - 1965

Tren-Dells - Love - 1966

Profiles - You Can't Stop My Loving You - 1967

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Louisville and KY area artists - #9

Chuck Harrod & The Ant Eaters - Sandy - 1958

Rhythm Addicts - That Night - 1960

Jimmy McConville & The Shamrocks - Scorpion - 1961

Rhythm Addicts - Drag - 1961

Cosmo & The Counts - Let's Do The Tastee Twist Song - 1962

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Billy Huhn & The Casuals - Twist & Freeze - 1962

Irwin Twins - I Can Take His Baby Away - 1962

Tren-Dells - Hully Gully Jones - 1962

Little Pete & The Youngsters - I'll Never Leave You Again - 1962

Cosmo & The Counts - Troubles Of My Own - 1964

Fannom Patrick - Your Lover Boy - 1964

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Louisville and KY area artists - #8

Elysian Field - Kind Of Man - 1968

Monarchs - Shangri-La - 1968

Soul, Inc. - Love Me When I'm Down - 1968

Elysian Field - Strange Changes - 1969

Rugbys - Wendegahl The Warlock - 1969

Rugbys - You, I - 1969

Brothers Pride - Love Is All I Have To Give - 1970
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Monkey Meeks & The Colonels - Take Me To Your Heart - 1973

Rugbys - Rockin' All Over Again - 1970

Chateaus - Moanin' - 1965

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Louisville and KY area artists - #7

Soul, Inc. - Midnight Hour - 1966

Keyes - She's The One - 1966

Rugbys - Walkin' The Streets Tonight - 1966

Tren-Dells - That's My Desire - 1967

Keyes - Farmer's Daughter - 1967

Soul, Inc. - Stronger Than Dirt - 1967

Alphabetical Order - My Little Red Book - 1967



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Snoopy And The Others - Sweet Thang - 1967

Alphabetical Order - Under My Thumb - 1967

Alphabetical Order - All Over The World - 1968

Soul, Inc. - I Belong To Nobody - 1968

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Louisville and KY area artists - #6

Keyes - Barbara - 1965

Magnificent Seven - Stubborn Kind Of Fellow - 1964

Carnations - Funny Time - 1963

Soul, Inc. - Poppin' Good (Part 2) - 1966

Indigos - He's Coming Home - 1965

Sultans - Poor Boy - 1965

Chateaus - I'm The One - 1965



******Commercial Break******



Soul, Inc. - Who Do You Love - 1965

Tren-Dells - It's So Right - 1966

Oxfords - (There's) Always Something There To Remind Me - 1966

Mersey Beats USA - You'll Come Back - 1966

Soul, Inc. - Midnight Hour - 1966

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Louisville and KY area artists - #5

Tren-Dells - I'm So Young - 1961

Sultans - You Got Me Going - 1961

Hayden Sisters - Mr. Blues - 1961

Cosmo & The Counts - You Can't Get Kissed - 1962

Tren-Dells - I Miss You So - 1962

Cosmo & The Sultans - Just Words - 1962

Monarchs - Till I Hear It From You - 1963



******Commercial Break******



Monarchs - What Made You Change Your Mind - 1964

Aztecs - It's You That I Love - 1962

Epics - Baltimore - 1963

Sultans - Mary Mary - 1963

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Louisville and KY area artists - #4

Tren-Dells - Moments Like This - 1962

Cosmo & The Sultans - Sweetheart Please Don't Go - 1962

Tren-Dells - Nite Owl - 1962

Monarchs - This Old Heart - 1963

Sultans - Toss In My Sleep - 1962

Epics (with Janie Moss) - We Belong Together - 1963

Shirley Caddell - The Big Bounce - 1963



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Billy Huhn & The Catalinas - Baltimore - 1961

Tren-Dells - Ain't That Funny - 1963

Boothog Pefferly & The Loafers - I'm Not Going To Work Today - 1963

Monarchs - Look Homeward Angel - 1964

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Louisville and KY area artists - #3

Cassius Clay - Stand By Me - 1964

Louisville Falcons - Time You're Told - 1964

Louisville Falcons - Wanted $10,000 Reward - 1964

Soul, Inc. - Poppin' Good (Part 1) - 1966

Sultans - She's Got It - 1964

Monarchs - Climb Every Mountain - 1965

Carnations - Scorpion - 1961



******Commercial Break******



Monarchs - Over The Mountain - 1962

Tren-Dells - Don't You Hear Me Calling, Baby - 1961

Sultans - It'll Be Easy - 1961

Cosmo & The Carnation - I'm A Little Mixed Up - 1961

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Louisville and KY area artists - #2

Dynamics - Departure - 1962

Cosmo & The Counts - Small Town Gossip - 1963

Cosmo & The Counts - Things I'd Like To Do - 1963

Paul Penny - True Fine Mama - 1962

Dynamics - Later On - 1962

Tren-Dells - Hey Little Sheila - 196?

Tren-Dells - Everyday - 1964

Mystics with Diane Kirchner - Cry Baby Cry - 1964



******Commercial Break******



Carnations - Punctuation - 1963

Tren-Dells - Hey Da Da Dow (A Little Thing Called Love) - 1964

Kelli & The Kittens - What Mama Don't Know - 1964

Cosmo & The Counts - Soft And Pretty - 1964

Ultra-Tones - Locomotion - 1962

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Louisville and KY area artists - #1

Carnations - Red Wing - 1959

Donny White - That's My Doll - 1958

Jerry Cox & The Cavaliers - Debbie Jean - 1959

Peter Pete & The Lovers - A Lonely Island - 1964

Carnations - A Wing And A Prayer - 1960

Jerry Cox & The Cavaliers - Lover Man - 1959

Rhythm Addicts - The Thrill - 1959

Rhythm Addicts - Hey, Whatcha Say Babe - 1960



******Commercial Break******



Scarlet Combo - The Huckleberry Hound Theme Song - 1961

Little Pete & The Youngsters - You Told Another Lie - 1962

Tren-Dells - Mr. Doughnut Man - 1963

Fannom Patrick - Eva - 1963