Before we move on to the 70s I wanted to post some instrumentals from way, way back. I think most of these are familiar. Several are what you could call "easy listening". You know I like the rocking tunes but sometimes it's nice to have these softer things on.
From San Francisco, pianist Vince Guaraldi had a hit with this number. I love this from his wiki page: "Unlike many songwriters who grow weary of their biggest hits, Guaraldi never minded taking requests to play it when he appeared live. 'It's like signing the back of a check,' he once remarked."
Bert Kaempfert had success with this number. He was also a producer in Germany and was the first one to ever sign the Beatles, when he had them provide the instrumental backing for Tony Sheridan. But here's Bert with his chart-topper.
There is this weird phenomenon of awarding show business royalty titles. For example, Miss Ginger Rogers! or Mister Martin Scorsese! Next up is a guy who has actually been called, for many years, Mister Acker Bilk. From England....I've always loved the tone he gets from his clarinet.
Nashville studio musician Floyd Cramer started out in the Louisiana Hayride, then played on records for people like Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline and Roy Orbison. Here's another number to fall asleep to...which is what I'd do in the back of the car on the way home from "the country". That means the ride from Central New Jersey back to Queens.
Oops! How'd this one get in here? I probably have posted this before but it's an important instrumental from my youth. Les Cooper's Wiggle Wobble was one of the first songs I ever danced to...with a girl! That makes it extra special.
Here's a jazzy number from Dave Brubeck. He recently got some kind of award for being a great American. (White House Kennedy Center Award).
New Jersey, baby! Cozy Cole was nearly 50 when he had his biggest hit. From East Brunswick!
Here's a trad jazz group, the Village Stompers. The shelf life of a successful act is so short! This went to #2 in the country. They never again cracked the top 50. But it's funny that we remember these one-hit wonders, and I mean that in general. Everyone of a certain age knows Fontella Bass. For you youngsters, try Yvonne Elliman. Jesus Jones? Well, you get the idea.
In England, once upon a time, all groups wanted to be like The Shadows. Fancy suits, matching guitars, big hits. Here's one you might recognize.
Back in the U.S.A. the model for rock n' roll dance bands was this group. I can only remember one school dance where the guys sang as well as played. Other than that one time, up until the Beatles of course, the bands would play instrumentals all night long, in the style of the Ventures or the Chantays.
and we'll close with my first guitar hero, Duane Eddy.
