I had the best time last night! I was at The Ridgefield
Playhouse on January 23rd ... just before the projected nation-wide snow
and ice storm. If you ever wonder what the participants of The Happy
Together Tour do when they are not Happily Touring, I am here to help.
At least I will give it a good try.
Tonight, let's explore Jay and the Americans.
This
is the third year I have seen Jay and the Americans between Happy
Together Tours. They have changed and grown each time. Yes, sometimes
from necessity and some from skill and showmanship. Their drummer is
still Rick Van Horn, who moved from Hawaii to New Jersey (?) to accept a
job his wife said he could not refuse. Their musical director and
keyboardist is George Tuzzeo, who has had many musical director positions
and opportunities. So why is he with JATA? They pay him more.
Only In America
Let's Lock The Door
Sunday And Me
Up On The Roof - sung by original member Marty Sanders
She Cried - a dedication to Jay Traynor ... the first "Jay"
Some Enchanted Evening
You've
Lost That Lovin' Feeling - sung by Darren Dowler ... who sang with Bill
Medley as one of The Righteous Brothers ... and Jay Reincke (the third
"Jay") Beautiful
Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison was a good friend of Jay and the Americans ... sung by Jay Reincke, who considers Orbison a hero.
Let It Be Me - sung by Marty Sanders and founding member Sandy Deanne. Always one of the most beautiful performances.
Cara Mia - Jay Black's ("Jay" number two) signature song and sung to match him by Jay Reincke.
Stand By Me - sung by Sandy. Another stunner with a "mic drop." (details if you ask)
Walking In The Rain - a song the Ronettes also recorded. Here is the conversation surrounding this intro.
Voice 1: "We were really, REALLY close to The Ronettes."
"Biblically close!"
Voice 2: "We went to church with them."
Such a Night - another Jay Reincke hero choice ... Elvis
Here
comes "Something New" (sawwwy ... just had to).
Lenie Colacino filled in
for Marty when he was forced to take care of himself for a spell. Now he
is in the USA Band as the bass player. Since every person is showcased,
and Lenie is an original Paul from Beatlemania, we are treated to three
Beatle songs with Lenie moving downstage to Marty's mic.
I Saw Her Standing There
I'll Be Back
Day Tripper
The
harmonies on all three songs are great, but the consensus of which
verse or lyrics we will sing needs work. It doesn't matter if you sing
several different versus or if you repeat the same verse over and over.
It just needs to have everyone on the same page (maybe literally).
Gimme Gimme Good Lovin' - from Crazy Elephants
The
Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore - from Frankie Valli. No really. He gave it
to JATA to record. Unfortunately, as they were recording, it was
shown to them that The Walker Bros. had a version that was climbing
up the charts. Oh go ahead! Record it anyway before Frankie gives it
away to a few more groups.
As
we know, Darren Dowler has joined the group directly from Paul Revere
and the Raiders so let's have him lead us in some Raiders' tunes.
Just Like Me
Kicks - a great upbeat song about kicking drug habits.
Reeling In the Years - Steely Dan, made up of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen who were musicians for JATA for three years until they disappeared one day and emerged later on in CA as Steely Dan. Hey, Becker and Fagen ... it would have been nicer to give notice since JATA saved you from homelessness and gave you a chance. BTW, when Marty told Sandy that this duo had written some really great songs, it was the first, last and only time since meeting Marty at age 13, that he has agreed with him.
Come
A Little Bit Closer - a song that reached #3 in 1964, which is memorable
as the British Invasion had begun and taken over the charts.
This
Magic Moment - This was indeed a magic moment and gets you up to date on
what one band is doing in between Happy Together Tours. The Happy Together
Tour is indeed a delightful time showcasing the hits of several great
acts. But to understand and get to truly appreciate each act, you need
to see them separately in concert where you can get to know them.
Thank you, Marty, Sandy, Jay, Darren, Lenie, George and Rick. See you soon.
AFTER THOUGHT!
When
the concert was ended, I joined the line snaking around the Ladies
Restroom. Two women, 7 or 8 places ahead of me, were talking. Here is what
I heard ...
"There was one song I didn't even know! The last concert they did oldies. I would like more oldies."
The
two moved on and the three women ahead of me, and myself started to
laugh. We looked at each other and one of them said, "ONE song out of
25? That's pretty good!" I couldn't resist. I had to add, "What about
wanting oldies? These songs were from the 60s. How far back do they want
to go?" More laughter.
So, now when you listen to songs from the 1960s, you can consider yourself listening to new releases.
The RIAA (they’re the folks who keep track of record sales)
has announced that the original “Eagles’ Greatest Hits” (from 1975) has just become
the first album in history to be certified Quadruple Diamond for sales of over
40 Million Copies.(Incredibly, numerous
greatest hits albums by this band have been released since that are far more
complete … this 1975 release even predates “Hotel California!”)
But I guess that’s ok because The Eagles’ “Hotel California”
album is in THIRD place with sales of over 28 million copies.(Wedged in between these two is Michael
Jackson’s “Thriller” LP, which now records sales of 34 million.)
What’s interesting is that each of these releases were
single LP’s … most of the rest of The Top Ten are 2-LP sets, which earned one
sale for EACH album sold in the set, thus inflating their overall performance
by double the actual number of physical copies moved.
That’s how albums like “The Beatles” (The White Album)
reached sales of 24 million, and 2-record sets like “Billy Joel’s Greatest
Hits, Volume I and II,” Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and Garth Brooks’ “Double Live”
albums each sold 23 million copies.
Still, there are some VERY impressive numbers posted by
single LP’s like AC/DC’s “Back In Black” (27 million), “Led Zeppelin IV” (24
million), “Cracked Rear View” by Hootie and the Blowfish (22 million) and “Rumours”
by Fleetwood Mac (21 million)
If anything, I’m a bit surprised by what’s NOT there … no “Dark
Side Of The Moon,” no “Sgt. Pepper” or “Abbey Road” … no “Tapestry” or anything
by Elton John, “Led Zeppelin II,” “Frampton Comes Alive” … nothing by Stevie
Wonder, who ruled the charts back in the ‘70s … “Bridge Over Trouble Water,” “Saturday
Night Fever” … nothing by Springsteen or Prince … or even The Rolling Stones
and *NSync!(kk)
Meanwhile, Bruno Mars’ new single “I Just
Might” debuted at #1 on The Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart this week.(It’s another great retro track from Bruno
who, incredibly, has not released a new album on his own in ten years now.
This becomes Bruno’s tenth #1 Hot
100 Hit, which ties him with Janet Jackson and Stevie Wonder, both of whom have
also topped the chart ten times.
Here is the rest of the list
leading up to the leaders, The Beatles still at #1 with 20 chart-toppers:
20 - The Beatles
19 - Mariah Carey
14 - Rihanna
13 - Drake, Michael Jackson, Taylor
Swift
12 – Madonna, The Supremes
11 - Whitney Houston
10 - Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars, Stevie
Wonder
Very sad to report that Phil Collins is now under 24 hour
care.
Phil said "Everything that could go wrong with me, did
go wrong with me."
Collins celebrated his 75th birthday last week …
and in an interview with Zoe Ball of Eras he told her “It’s an ongoing thing.I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I
take my medication as I should do. I’ve had challenges with my knee. I had
everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me.
“I got COVID in hospital. My kidneys started to back up.
Everything seemed to converge at the same time.He also stated that he has undergone five knee surgeries and now only
has one “that works.I can walk, albeit
with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever.”
Collins acknowledges that he brought some of his pain upon
himself by drinking too heavily for years … but says that he has been stone
cold sober for the past two years.
While he admits to missing making music (although he hasn’t
been able to play the drums for years due to so much pain), he also says “I
keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But
I’m not hungry for it anymore.The thing
is, I’ve been sick. I mean very sick.”
This is sad news to report.I think many of us were hoping he might eek out one more album in spite
of all that’s been going wrong with his body … it might even be therapeutic for
him to do so … but it doesn’t sound like he’s in the right frame of mind (or
physically able) to do so at this time.Our best wishes go out to him. (kk)
Meanwhile, here’s news of great, recent reunion … Micky
Dolenz and Henry Diltz at the Troubadour in Los Angeles …
Look for a new Beach Boys Box Set release celebrating the
Brother Studio years, 1976 – 1977.
They’re referring to it as a new six-disc (3CD & 3LP),
73-track collection exploring the 1976 -
1977 Brian Wilson-penned and produced sessions at Brother Studio, offering up a
“trove of unheard outtakes, alternate mixes, instrumentals, demos, and more.”
These tracks include the newly remastered Love You
album, unreleased songs from 15 Big Ones sessions, and the first
official release of the mythical unreleased Adult/Child sessions.The expansive compilation also includes
extensive liner notes detailing the Brother Studio era, along with beautiful,
never-before-seen photos.The new collection,
titled “We Gotta Groove,” will be released on February 13th.(kk)
And, just before John Mellencamp kicks off his Greatest Hits
/ Dancing Words tour, his old label (as in “before he had ANY hits”) is
releasing a 2-CD anthology featuring some of his earliest works.(At least these will have bonus tracks –
which means I’ll probably end up rebuying them again!)
You gotta wonder how many “future deejays” somebody like
Dick Biondi influenced and inspired back in those early days of rock and roll.
This just in from Shadoe Stevens … he was inducted into The
Radio Hall Of Fame in 2023 …
I love Dick Biondi!As a kid growing up in North Dakota, I
listened every night.
On top of a pizza will never die
in my mind.
Thanks!
Shadoe
A Great "Staggering" Story in today's FH! Stuff in there I did not know!
Thanx!
Chuck
Kent,
Of
the many versions of STAGGER LEE recorded through the years, the one I
at first noticed missing from your list was the novelty record from 1959
by Spencer and Spencer called STAGGER LAWRENCE on Gone records. Just a
takeoff on musical conductor Lawrence Welk. I played it, hadn't heard it
in years.
Larry
You're not going to hear THIS one every day! (lol)
Quite obviously Dickie Goodman ... but this time paired with Mickey Shorr. They did have a chart hit with "Russian Band Stand" ... if you can call #91 a "hit" ... but this one evidently didn't catch on. (kk)
Annette Kleinbard Changed Her Name To Carol Conors.
Phil Spector Liked Her Voice And Told Her That If She Had $10, They Could Make A Recording.
She Didn't Have It ... Got It From Her Mother. They Recorded "TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM" In Two Takes..
She Said It Was True That The Title Came From Phil's Father's Headstone.
She Has A Book And Documentary = "ELVIS, ROCKY & ME."
Elvis Liked Her Voice. They Met. She Dated Him For 9 Months ... He Was Her First Boyfriend.
Carol Connors Wrote The Lyrics To Rocky Theme "GONNA FLY NOW."
She Also Wrote "HEY LITTLE COBRA."
She Is Currently Showing Her Documentary At Film Festivals, Hoping It Gets Picked Up By A Streaming Service.
>>>FRANK B REPORTING
Would love to see the documentary! (kk)
The Bellamy Brothers will celebrate their 50 Years Of Hits
with their first-ever, headlining performance at The Ryman Theater in Nashville
on June 25th.In fact, it was
also 50 years ago that their biggest hit, “Let Your Love Flow,” topped the pop
charts as well.One other crossover hit,
“If I Said You Have A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me,” made The
Pop Top 40. Out of over fifty charted country hits, ten of their hit singles
have topped Billboard’s Country Singles Chart, including “If I Said You Have A
Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me,” “Sugar Daddy,” “Do You Love As
Good As You Look” and “Kids Of The Baby Boom.”
Their Ryman appearance will be part of a lengthy tour that’ll
last all year long, celebrating this career milestone.(The tour is already underway, kicking off on
January 17th in Immokalee, Florida and carrying on thru nearly 75 dates,
ending December 5th at the Richard Childress Racing Welcome
Ceremony.(kk)
Looks like Billy Preston will be getting a new documentary
as well.“That’s The Way God Planned It”
covers Billy entire career, dating back to the age of five.Over the years, beside The Beatles, Billy has
recorded and toured with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Little Richard, Ray
Charles, Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton and many others … and this promises to
be a very interesting documentary.
The film will premier at New York City’s Film Forum on
February 20th and then show in selected theaters thereafter.(kk)
A short while back we told you about a new book celebrating the
story of Shelter Records and The Church Studio down in Tulsa, OK.It’s a coffee-table book for sure and the
legacy of artists who recorded there is overwhelming.
Well, now comes word that a companion piece album is being
released later this month.Titled
“Sanctuary Of Sound,” it is due for release on January 30th.
From the official press release:
SANCTUARY OF SOUND – THE
COMPANION ALBUM OUT JANUARY 30
When the book Sanctuary
of Sound was released in August, it immediately ignited engagement
with a comprehensive look at the renowned The Church Studio in
Tulsa, Oklahoma: the original home of Shelter Records, producer
Denny Cordell, and the Master of Space and Time, Leon Russell.
Contained in its 344 pages are
detailed accounts of how Cordell and Russell first discovered the location
(actually sitting in a coffee shop directly across the street from its
location); the initial artists; details of its earliest recording sessions; including
Russell; The Gap Band; Mudcrutch (Tom Petty); Eric Clapton; George
Harrison; Willie Nelson; Michael Bolton; Freddie King; Bob Marley; JJ Cale;
Phoebe Snow; Don Nix; Mary McCreary, Dwight Twilley; Ringo Star; Bob Seger;
Jimmy Buffet; Bonnie Raitt; Stevie Wonder; Oak Ridge Boys; Kansas; Richard
Torrence; and of course, Leon Russell as himself, and as Hank Wilson; many of
the original Shelter-ads; and an exhaustive look into the machinations of
running the studio.
Now, CEO Teresa Knox (the
current owner and proprietor of The Church) has meticulously put together a
companion album for the book, which features nine songs for the book’s nine
chapters. Says Knox: “Sanctuary of Sound is told through nine songs for nine
chapters, each a companion to the century-old story. All the tracks were
recorded at The Church Studio and each track is an original
work, written and performed by Tulsa artists who are inspired and embrace the
significance of the building. The opening track is a cover of “Amazing
Grace” – with the band’s interpretation."
The book, which has received
critical praise from the likes of Goldmine Magazine, MusicDrivesUs podcast; MIX,Times
Square Chronicles and Medium; is now officially joined by
a companion album. Adds Knox, “The opening song honors the early church
congregation, transitions to the Tulsa Sound of the seventies and recordings of
the eighties, and carries into the 'People's Church,' including the 'church'
choir made up of studio volunteers, employees, and members. The music is
created by Oklahoma artists and pays tribute to the musicians, The
Church, and a heritage that continues to resonate with visitors today.
In addition to being released as a full album, each chapter of the audiobook
opens and closes with snippets of these recordings, inviting the listener to
step inside and stay awhile.”
Today, the studio continues its
historic recording session, which have included recent sessions by: Kenny
Loggins; Dropkick Murphys; Tommy Emmanuel; Bill Champlin; John Ford Coley;
George Thorogood; Southall; The Mountain Goats; Elle King; Wade Bowen; Michael
Martin Murphey; Turnpike Troubadours; John R. Miller, and Disney's Jordan
Fisher.
Also, Taj Mahal, who won a
Grammy in 2025 for Swingin’ Live at The Church, which was
completely recorded there.
SANCTUARY OF SOUND REVIEWS:
·Mix Magazine: “The
massive book is inevitably a paean to the facility’s founder, Russell, but it’s
also a carefully documented history of the recording studio and the incredible
music that has been has been birthed there, as well as a tribute to the
determination of author Teresa Knox, who brought the studio back from
oblivion starting in 2016."
· NPR/Theater In The Round:
“Author, studio owner, producer and historic preservationist Teresa Knox
discusses her longtime Leon Russell fandom, her recently published coffee table
book Sanctuary of Sound: The Church Studio Story dedicated to the legendary
Tulsa recording space and the January release of Sanctuary of Sound: The
Companion Album.”
· Tulsa People: “Just
east of downtown Tulsa, a dynamic history reverberates within the stone walls
of The Church Studio. From its initial use as a place of worship to its
transformation into Leon Russell’s headquarters for Shelter Records, to years
of abandonment until it was restored as a state-of-the-art recording studio by
Tulsa entrepreneur Teresa Knox.
· Times Square Chronicles: “This
deluxe 12×12-inch, 344-page volume presents the full saga of The Church Studio
— chronicling its inception as land granted by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, its
transformation into a sacred church, and, in 1972, its celebrated rebirth as a
recording studio under the legendary musician and producer Leon Russell. Under
Russell’s ownership, The Church Studio became a creative epicenter, shaping
American music history and hosting a constellation of acclaimed artists, and
serving as the headquarters of the trailblazing music label, Shelter
Records.”
And you can look for a 4-CD Collectors Set of Leon Russell
recordings coming out on March 20th.“The Paradise Years, 1976 – 1981” will feature many tunes recorded with
his wife Mary. (The box set includes newly remastered editions of “Leon and
Mary’s Wedding Album.” And their follow-up LP “Make Love to the Music” as well
as Leon’s “Americana” and “Life and Love” plus Mary Russell’s “Heart of Fire.”
As if that’s not enough “The Live Album” by Leon Russell and The New Grass
Revival will also be included as well as seven rare, new-to-CD bonus singles.
(kk)
Andrew Gold also gets the box set treatment with a brand new
6-CD + 1 DVD collection coming January 30th.It features all four of his Asylum albums
plus a disc of outtakes and unreleased recordings as well as a live cd recorded
in 1976 and 1977.
The DVD will feature promotional videos that Andrew made as
well as television appearances and interviews.(Looks like we’re off to a great start here in 2026!)kk
If you're a Lovin' Spoonful fan, boy, is this the box set for you!
Cherry Red Records has collected the COMPLETE Lovin' Spoonful collection of '60's recordings, 1965 - 1969, and packaged them all together in a 7-CD box set. Mono and Stereo versions of their early LP's, bonus tracks (outtakes and demos) ... QUITE the complete collection to satisfy ANY Lovin' Spoonful fan.
I have been busy working on
Micky Dolenz's 60th Monkees tour book, a David Cassidy photo book, and finding
photos for a Huey Lewis & The News documentary.
Sent you a few photos to post on
the blog.
The two black and white photos
are from Jim Edmundson's archives.He
did security at this show in Phoenix (January 21, 1967) and then was hired to
do security on the 1967 Summer Tour. Tomorrow (January 22, 1967) it was The
Monkees at the Cow Palace in San Francisco 59 years ago.They filmed both concerts and used footage
from both of those venues in the episode "Monkees On Tour."
May this New Year be healthy,
joyful and prosperous for all of us.
I heard about the arctic blast
there in Chicago ... be careful!
LYB,
Gary Strobl
Hey Gary!Happy New
Year!Looking forward to see all three
of the projects you’re currently working on.Let’s catch up next time you’re in Chicago.(My schedule is a lot more flexible now that
I’ve retired!)But definitely let it
warm up first … this weekend they’re forecasting windchills of -35 to -40
degrees!!!(kk)
The 2026 Songwriters Hall Of Fame inductees have been
announced …
Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Paul
Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, Christopher
“Tricky” Stewart and Taylor Swift
The Inductions and Awards Gala Ceremony is scheduled for
Thursday, June 11th, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.Unfortunately this event is not televised or open
to the public.(kk)
Best Classic Bands referenced another WLS Chart, spotlighting a great week in Top 40 Music, this time from the last week of January, 1969. (In fact, the chart is actually dated 57 years ago today!)
Since they didn't run it, we figured WE would ... check it out right after you read their tribute via the link below ...
You'll see our very own Chuck Buell mentioned at the bottom ... Todd Rundgren's original Nazz version of "Hello It's Me" at #40 ... and a local hit by Chicago's New Colony Six posted at #28.
We weren't the WLS Silver Dollar Survey anymore in 1969 ...
By this time, John Rook was running the station (in fact, it was John who brought Chuck Buell to Chicago) ... and his musical buzz words were always "The Hit Parade" ... so that's what we became.
Still, we featured a WIDE variety of musical styles ... you'll find psychedelia, courtesy of Tommy James and the Shondells, hard rock via The Doors and Spirit, soul by Sly and the Family Stone and The Young-Holt Unlimited, Elvis Presley and Paul Anka back on the charts a decade plus after they started, bubble gum by The 1910 Fruitgum Company, show tunes courtesy of Sammy Davis, Jr. and even a little bit of country thanks to Tammy Wynette and Johnny Cash. (Boy, I sure do miss those golden days of Top 40 Radio!) kk
Best Smile of the Day …
Remembering George Burns on his birthday 🎂!!!! January
20th. Seen here at Chasen's. I asked him if I could get a photo and he
told me to wait a minute ...
Then he came back with Carol Channing and Betty White!
Today, Shelley’s got a review of ALBERT Lee(yeah, I know … different guy) …
But worth reading just the same!
ALBERT LEE CONCERT REVIEW
Albert William Lee (born 21
December 1943) is an English guitarist known for his fingerstyle and hybrid
picking technique. Lee has worked, both in the studio and on tour, with many
famous musicians from a wide range of genres. He has also maintained a solo
career and is a noted composer and musical director.
That is what Wikipedia has to
say. I have never seen him on tour with his band. The only input I can offer is
from a tour with Peter Asher. Now that I have attended a concert of Lee's, I
more fully understand how he and Asher connected.
The audience came in singing
Albert's praises and stating how they have been waiting for this concert. The
concert is at The Katherine Hepburn Performing Center. (We all know how much I
love that place.)They were here first
to see Albert Lee and secondly, to support this great site.
I hear them explaining:There will be an opening act that will sing
six songs for a half hour. Then there will be an intermission. The reason for
the early intermission is because Albert and his group want to perform
continuously for 90 minutes. It actually turned out to be two hours. Let's
begin.
The Cryers, who have appeared as
openers at The Kate five times now, have also been frequent openers for
Albert's tours past and present. Joe Orlando and Belle Liao are the mainstays
of this group with alternating drummers and a new 24 year old lead guitarist.
Opening with Green Tangerine and following with five original compositions
covering different styles, they have been a good opening choice for Denny
Laine, Joey Molland, Albert, Micky Dolenz and many others.
At intermission, The Cryers help
set up for The Albert Lee Band. When all is ready, Charlie Faragher (drummer),
JT Thomas (keyboards), David Chamberlain (bass) and Albert walk on quietly and
the band waits patiently as Albert gets himself set up. The three band members
sit silently. watching Albert and smiling. It is customary for drummers and
keyboard players to sit, but even Chamberlain, who is wearing an African
caftan, sits and I wonder if this is going to be a more somber concert than I
anticipated. When Albert speaks, it is with the soft unassuming British tone
that I hear while watching the BBC.
THEN THE MUSIC BEGINS!
'Setting Me Up' is definitely
not soft and quiet. Chamberlain has risen to his feet and from here on in, the
band continues a grounded, unassuming stature while the music showcases the
talents of all four musicians.
Albert had experience playing
with Emmy Lou Harris, Don Everly. Eric Clapton, and The Everly Brothers when
they reunited. He has a wealth of stories that escort the songs forward and
motivate the audience to bounce along in their seats.
Country Boy
Spellbound
Runaway Train
Luxury Line
If You Don't Want To, You Don't
Have To
Too Young To Die
Highwayman
These are just a few of the
songs from the show. Praise for Albert's guitar picking innovations rise up in
every article written about him. His band has also picked up unusual instrument
techniques, and my eyes float back and forth trying to catch it all. They watch
each other and smile, thoroughly enjoying the challenges they have assumed.
When the band is introduced, they turn to each other, shaking hands and saying,
"Hi, I'm ..." This all creates a grounded and humble
atmosphere.
They were brought back for
encores by a sold-out standing ovation. They ended with Glen Campbell's 'A
Better Place' and Johnny Burnett's 'Tear it Up'
The country rock sound that
Albert Lee came over to America to play filled up The Kate. Even ushers said,
"That was great! That is why I wanted to work tonight."
