Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Dixieland Way Down Yonder In New Orleans - Southland Records

Dixieland Way Down Yonder In New Orleans


1954 Southland Records SLP 214 Mono Only

Same LP was also published as "Jack Delaney & His New Orleans Jazz Babies" same catalog number, tracks and back cover and as "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans" (but not featuring Pete Fountain's picture on the cover). Both have different front covers. Southland commonly has two or three different covers for the same LP but featuring a different talent.

Side One
Jack Delaney, Trombone

Alvin Alcorn, Trumpet
Pete Fountain, Clarinet
Chink Martin, String Bass
Roy Zimmerman, Piano
Joe Capraro, Guitar
Monk Hazel, Drums-Mellophone

Playing
1. Shine
2. Sidewalks Of New York
3. Hindustan
4. Till We Meet Again

Side Two
Jack Delaney, Trombone

Raymond Burke, Clarinet
Lee Collins, Trumpet
Stan Mendelson, Piano
Abbie Brunies, Drums
Sherwood Mangiapane, Bass

Playing
1. Careless Love
2. Bucktown Drag
3. Who's Sorry Now
4. Basin Street Blues

Cover Design by Johnny Donnels

Liner Notes:

Dixieland from New Orleans: Naturally that's where it all started, back before the turn of the century. New Orleans - where the old time marching jazz came into being: Where Ragtime: Barrel House, old and present day Dixieland all originated: And the best Dixieland is still coming from this famous bend in the Mississippi.

Here's Recorded Proof.
The greatest names in jazz history were born right here in New Orleans. To name a few: Louis Armstrong, Johnny Dodds, Kid Ory, George Brunis, Paul Mares, Leon Roppolo, Irving Fazola, Eddie Miller, Monk Hazel, Santo Pecora, Lester Bouchon, Harry Shields. Every Crescent City boy hears so much music that he can't help developing a genuine interest in this Great Jazz.

There are always parades to inspire the kids. Jazz music is always with them, all year around, Dances, Parties, Celebrations. That's why so many New Orleans Jazz Men begin playing while they're still youngsters. Parents encourage the kids who show an interest in music - After all the older folks, too, have grown up in this parade-brass atmosphere.

It's little wonder that this environment must produce great jazz musicians. So here's real New Orleans-Dixieland music at its very best, and here is a veritable cavalcade of great New Orleans Jazzmen in two spectacular groups, each built around the young leader "Jack Delaney" and his unbelievable trombone. In the world of jazz a tasteful trombone is vital. Jack Delaney possesses all of the qualifications - tone, power, exceptional inventiveness. The ability to fit perfectly in the ensemble work, and a true tailgate style. We catch Jack on these sessions playing in three different styles: The Brunis Style, The Jack Teagarden Style and The Jack Delaney Style. No one enjoys playing more than Jack. He's got Dixieland in his heart. After you hear him on these sides you'll remember the name Jack Delaney, one of the next generation of great names in New Orleans Jazz. On side one you will hear the beautifully lyrical clarinet passages of Pete Fountain who will remind one of the late great Irving Fazola.

Opposite Pete Fountain we find the unique idea of the high-ranking Raymond Burke. On side one is the youthful sensation Alvin Alcorn from whose gleaming trumpet pours the whole tradition of the Crescent City, fine driving lead and exciting solos. On side two we find Lee Collins one of the jazz immortals who has been blowing the same kind of New Orleans horn for the past three decades - And better today than ever before. On piano side one we find Roy Zimmerman. Roy working freely and solid as we've rarely heard him. Onside two we find Stanley Mendelson a young man with old ideas, possessor of a truly great left hand, he has all the barrel house rock and a sincere and emotional style all his own.

Side one, Chink Martin using his string bass to perfection and lays down a big round tone. Side two we find the popular Sherwood Mangiapane; this bass-slaper deluxe would rather bleed to death than miss a beat. On side one we find Monk Hazel on drums and mellophone, Monk's name is famous where ever jazz is heard. Monk made a lot of music and still does. Monk Hazel heard on drums here, lays down a solid beat and plays more honest-to-goodness drums than you can find anywhere else in this hide beating generation. On side two we find the late Abbie Brunis on drums, drumming in good taste and his delicate handling of the rhythm is beautifully adequate. A special treat is the appearance of Joe Capraro on guitar on side one. Joe remains unchallenged in his mastery of the guitar and retains his enormous vigor and vitality after these many years. Joe maintains his position as a top Jazz Musician (after a lay off of twenty-five years) and is already for a hot session day or night.

Southland is proud of this album and proud to be able to work and record here in New Orleans, where session like this are possible and music can be made to delight the hearts of jazz lovers all over the world. After reading the multitude of wonderful reviews accorded Jack Delaney's heart warming horn on his first LP release we include these and other printed comments.

Particularly pleasurable is the full-tone expansiveness of Delaney's Tromhone." (Downbeat)

"Jack Delaney tracks are robust music played with a high degree of musicianship. His work on Southland is of high order. A big future for this boy." (Jazz Journal)

"Young Jack Delaney is improving with every week that passes. On South-land Records he can be heard playing delightful Trombone, easy swinging stuff in perfect taste, with a big tone and very original ideas. Jack is one of the most promising musicians in the states. A big future for this grand young musician." (Melody Maker: England)

"Jack Delaney's Trombone is mellow, round and big, It is very remindful of Miff Mole and Jack Teagarden combined. For such a youngster who is still learning, it is our prediction that this is the boy to watch. He's Got It, He Loves It, And he's not spoiled by the fuss that's being made over him." (Second Line - New Orleans Jazz Club)

"Jack Delaney is super extraordinary because that young man's syncopated ensemble blowing is outstanding, and this young man can really claim the singing tone. One of the finest Trombone men in the country today." (Alan C. Weber - Waterbury - Republican - Conn.)

- Joe Mares, Jr.

Monday, December 15, 2008

New Orleans Artists Against Hunger And Homelessness - Goodwin Music


New Orleans Artists Against
Hunger And Homelessness
featuring Pete Fountain


Front Cover

Back Cover

Inside Cover

Side A is vocals, Side B is Instrumental
1985 Goodwin Music VPAG-101-GT


Autographed Cover

Newspaper Article About the Event.

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Thanks to one of our blog members for sending this nice addition to the discography.


Saturday, December 13, 2008

Pete Fountain LaBlanc Clarinet Ads - Memorabilia

Pete Fountain LaBlanc Clarinet Ads

LaBlanc Clarinet Ads Circa 1961 and 1975


Pete Fountain Billboard 2008 - Memorabilia,

Billboard from Louisiana

Thanks to one of our faithful blog members for sending this photo he recently snapped.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Special Salesmen's Souvenir - TNY Records

Special Salesmen's Souvenir of 1965 Sales Meeting




1965 THY 34336 Stereo 12" 33 1/3 RPM

Side One
1. You Are My Sunshine (Unedited Version)

Side Two
1. 1965 Medley of Hits


Liner Notes:
Special Salesmen's Souvenir of 1965 Sales Meeting
Recorded Live, May 1965 At Pete Fountain's French Quarter Inn, New Orleans, LA

Pete would from time to time rent out his club for national sales meetings and other corporate events for companies. As a souvenir of the event, a special record would be cut for the event and given out exclusively to the attendees. They were never available for sale to the public and hard to find.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Christmas Albums Pete Fountain Appears On - MCA Records

Christmas Albums - Various Artist
Featuring Pete Fountain



Firestone Presents: Home for the Holidays
1976 - MCA Records MSM-35007 / Stereo

Side 1:
1. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing - The Pat Boone Family
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / The First Noel - Jack Jones
3. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Bing Crosby
4. Jingle Bells - The Brady Bunch
5. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Pete Fountain
6. Adeste Fidelis - Robert Shaw Conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Loretta Lynn

Side 2:
1. Silver Bells - Lawrence Welk
2. Jesu Bambino - Liberace
3. Silent Night - The Pat Boone Family
4. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Burl Ives
5. O Holy Night - Roger Williams
6. Handel: Hallelujah Chorus from "Messiah" - Robert Shaw Conducting The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

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The Enchantment of Christmas
1974 - MCA Records Special Markets 734662/Stereo

Side 1:
1. Jingle Bells - Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / It Came Upon the Midnight Clear / The First Noel - Jack Jones
3. Angels We Have Heard on High - The Trapp Family Singers
4. Away in a Manger - Kitty Wells
5. Ave Maria - The McGuire Sisters
6. O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) - Four Aces Featuring Al Alberts
7. The Birthday of a King - Judy Garland
8. We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Columbus Boychoir
9. Silent Night - Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians

Side 2:
1. Auld Lang Syne - Ames Brothers
2. Winter Wonderland - Louis Armstrong and Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra
3. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) - Lawrence Welk and His Champagne Music
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Pete Fountain
5. Silver Bells - Brenda Lee
6. Toyland - Roger Williams
7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra
8. Happy Holiday - Bing Crosby


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Zenith Presents - Christmas, A Gift of Music Vol. 6 - The Christmas Hit Parade
1972 Zenith Records (MCA Records Special Products) SYS 5562 DL 34878 Stereo

Longines Symphonette Society 1972, the jacket has F2182-872 as the album number; however, the record is SYS 5562, DL 34878.

Side 1:
1. Fred Waring - Roudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
2. Jo Stafford - Christmas Song
3. Harry Simeone - The Little Drummer Boy
4. Lawrence Welk - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
5. Bing Crosby - Silent Night

Side 2:
1. Leroy Anderson - Sleigh Rid
2. Roger Williams - White Christmas
3. Brenda Lee - Silver Bells
4. Pete Fountain - Winter Wonderland
5. Guy Lombardo - Auld Lang Syne

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Phil Zito and his New Orleans International City Dixielanders - Dixieland Express - Columbia Records

Phil Zito and his New Orleans International City Dixielanders
Dixieland Express




1950 Columbia Records 10" LP CL 6110 (Canadian issue, different cover)


Side A:
1. Bob Cats
2. Shine
3. Bye and Bye
4. Original Dixieland One Step

Side B:
1. She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain
2. Zito's Zag (2 Up and 2 own Beat)
3. Clarinet Marmalade
4. Tulane Swing

Liner Notes:

Dixieland Express

Phil Zito and his New Orleans International City Dixielanders
Recorded in New Orleans

Personnel:
Phil Zito drums
Emile Christian bass
Roy Zimmerman piano
Pete Fountain clarinet
Joe Rotis trombone
George Girard trumpet

The upswing in Dixieland music that began to gather momentum during the last months of 1919 is happily serving a dual purpose. Not only is it introducing this "happy-making" music to generations almost entirely unfamiliar with it and bringing back fond acquaintance to older enthusiasts, it is bringing recognition to a number of small groups that served faithfully and unceasingly during the Dixieland drought. Many of these groups, playing in nightclubs and theaters around the country, suddenly found that they were not, after all, playing mostly for their own amusement. They found that somehow the lively two-beat of their music had been taken up by a public weary of modernism and wary of over-experimentation.

This record introduces such a group: Phil Zito and his New Orleans International City Dixielanders. Long-time favorites of New Orleans citizens, Zito and his organization have been heard at almost every musical event in that fascinating city. They have played in nightclubs, at jazz concerts and battles, at dances. in theaters, in parks and at all sorts of celebrations. Zito's first group, organized in the late Thirties. built up a considerable reputation with local fans, but was disrupted by the war. When Zito returned from the Navy, he again began building up a small combination, emphasizing Dixieland music, and swiftly became one of the leaders of the jazz movement in New Orleans.

As currently constituted, the New Orleans International City Dixielanders consist of comparative old-timers in the rhythm section, with representatives of the younger musical generation in other spots. Zito himself is at the drums, Emile Christian plays bass, Roy Zimmerman piano, Pete Fountain clarinet, Joe Rotis trombone and George Girard trumpet. This is a festive outfit in the good old-fashioned New Orleans tradition. They put in plenty of time playing the usual round of engagements, but it is not uncommon to find them whooping it up at the opening of a new factory or spreading their music through the streets of the city to signal the premiere of a new film. If this is not precisely the clientele of the old jazz bands, it is at least the closest equivalent that these less rowdy days permit, and it carries their music directly into the daily existence of the lucky residents.

Eight samples of that vigorous brand are contained in this collection, some of them standard jazz exercises, some of them originals. In them is the happy compromise between high-flying solo work and closely-knit ensemble playing that distinguishes the New Orleans International City Dixielanders. Although their title may be a trifle cumbersome, there is nothing unwieldy about their music. Recorded in New Orleans, it has the special flavor of that city's contribution to popular music, bright, inventive and splendidly uncomplicated.

Monday, November 17, 2008

The Best Of Dixieland - RCA Records

The Best Of Dixieland
featuring Pete Fountain



1964 RCA Records LPM-2982 Mono/LSP-2982 Stereo

Liner Notes:

THE BEST OF DIXIELAND
Reissue produced by Brad McCuen

A Treasure-Trove for Dixieland Devotees

Just recently, a teenager "flipped" (he expressed it as "I'm flipped!") when he found out that jazz music is, relatively speaking, a young art. He just naturally figured that people had been playing jazz, and enjoying jazz, almost as long as music itself had form. With considerable logic, our young friend said, "You mean Bach didn't know about jazz?" Sadly, he didn't. Jazz is new on the tablet of time. The first jazz recording ever made was cut February 26, 1917 - not yet fifty years ago. It was, incidentally, made by RCA Victor and is included in this collection. And - it was Dixieland music. Dixieland evolved in New Orleans and is the oldest and most durable jazz style. In fact, it's been said that Dixieland is the jazz music that's most played and most enjoyed. This collection is firmly dedicated to providing this most delightful of all jazz - The Best of Dixieland.

Side 1
1. LOUIS ARMSTRONG: Rockin' Chair
2. TURK MURPHY: Tiger Rag
3. MUGGSY SPANIER: I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate

4. BOURBON STREET ALL-STAR DIXIELANDERS: High Society
(New Orleans, 6/12/56) What a jam session! And it was recorded right down in the French quarter of New Orleans. Originally High Society was a march, but it soon was adopted by jazz. Our soloists are, respectively, the late George Girard, Larry Shields, Jack Delaney, Lester Bouchon, Tony Almerico, Pete Fountain and Santo Pecora.

Leader/trumpet:
George Guard
Trumpet: Tony Almerico
Trombone:
Jack Delaney
Trombone: Santo Pecora
Drums: Roger Johnston
Clarinet: Pete Fountain
Clarinet:
Larry Shields
Tenor Sax: Lester Bouchon
Drums: Paul Edwards
Guitar:
Frank Federico
Piano: Roy Zimmerman
Bass: Phil Darios
Guitar: Wes Buchanan


5. HENRY "RED" ALLEN: St. James Infirmary
6. BUNK JOHNSON: When the Saints Go Marching In


Side 2
1. THE DUKES OF DIXIELAND: Tin Roof Blues
(Chicago, 5/3/55)
Pete Fountain was still a member of the Assunto brothers' fine little band when they cut one of Dixieland's outstanding themes. Dixieland at its best!
Trumpet: Frank Assunto
Trombone: Fred Assunto
Piano:
Arthur J. Seelig, Jr.
Drums:
Roger Johnston
Bass:
William O. Porter
Clarinet: Pete Fountain

2. BOB SCOBEY: Mississippi Mud
3. PETE KELLY AND HIS BIG SEVEN: Oh Didn't He Ramble
4. JIMMY McPARTLAND: South Rampart Street Parade

5. TONY ALMERICO: Milenberg Joys
(New Orleans, 6/10/56) Recorded in New Orleans, this performance was graced by two of the best Dixieland clarinets alive - Pete Fountain and Pee Wee Spitelera. The tune itself is dedicated to a picnic area a short way from the Crescent city.

Leader: Tony Almerico
Piano: Roy Zimmerman
Bass:
Joe Loyacano
Guitar: Frank Federico
Trumpet: Warren H. Luening, Jr.
Drums:
Johnny Castaing
Trombone: Jack Delaney
Clarinet: Pete Fountain
Guitar: Wes Buchanan
Tenor Sax: Nino Pecone
Bugle: Sam DeKemel
Clarinet: Pee Wee Spitelera

6. ORIGINAL DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND: Livery Stable Blues

® 1964, Radio Corporation of America

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Review - Hollywood Casino Performace, Bay St. Louis, MS Oct. 7, 2008

My Visit to See Pete Perform at the Hollywood Casino Oct. 7, 2008


Ticket for the event


Pete and Oliver "Stick" Felix

Pete poses for a picture with yours truly

Posing with "The Stick"

Pete Fountain - Ambassador to New Orleans Music
Short video of Pete's long career that plays before the concert starts
(taken with my cell phone video, please excuse the quality!)


The show was good, lasting about an hour. The song selection are all classics:

1. Introduction
2. Up A Lazy River
3. Basin Street Blues
4. St. Louis Blues
5. Hollywood Blues (version of BB King's "How Blue Can You Get")
6. Closer Walk With Thee
7. When the Saints Go Marching In

Personnel:
Pete Fountain - clarinet
Oliver "Stick" Felix - bass
Jimmy Weber - trumpet
Tim Laughin - clarinet
Tom Maggiore - tenor sax
Mike Genevay - trombone
Bruce Elkinson - piano
Allyn Young - guitar
Bryan Barberot - drums

Had a chance to talk with Pete. He told me that he does visit my blog frequently and thanked me for the work I've done. He mentioned "Where the heck do you find some of the stuff!". I'm glad he likes it. Had a chance to talk with Oliver "Stick" Felix, long time bass player with Pete. I wanted to ask him some details about his career, he was very nice to talk with and mentioned he would look up the website. It was good to hear Pete and the band play. Keep tooting Pete!

The Lawrence Welk Show Rare and Live Performances - Bootleg

The Lawrence Welk Show
Rare and Live Performances
featuring Pete Fountain



2008 - Bootleg Recording from original TV performances

1. Lady Be Good 2:31
Pete Fountain along with Johnny Klein, Buddy Hayes & Tiny Little Jr (1957)

2. I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad 3:07
Lawrence`s son, Larry Jr directs the band in a dixieland number, featuring Pete Fountain at the clarinet (1958)

3. Round & Round 2:12
Featuring Pete Fountain on clarinet with Johnny Kline on drums, Buddy Hayes on bass and Big Tiny Little Jr on piano.(1957)

4. Dippermouth Blues 3:05
Featuring George Thow, trumpet; Pete Fountain, clarinet; Russ Klein, tenor sax; Jimmy Henderson, trombone; Big Tiny Little Jr., piano; Buddy Merril, guitar, Buddy Hayes, bass; and Johnny Kline, drums. (1958)

5. White Silver Sand 2:24
The Lennon Sisters featuring Pete Fountain (1957)

6. The Tiger Rag 2:02
Pete Fountain Soloist (1958)

7. Nobody's Sweetheart 2:05
Larry Hooper at piano and vocals, Pete Fountain at clarinet (1958)

8. Someday Sweetheart 2:08
Pete Fountain at clarinet (1958)

9. If I Had You 2:03
Pete Fountain at clarinet (1957)

Liner Notes:

For the first, these rare and exciting performances are now available on compact disc.

It was in the Fall of 1956 that three New Orleans musicians journeyed to the West Coast for the annual Gene Norman-Frank Bull Jazz Festival. They were veteran trumpet-man Al Hirt; a fourteen-year-old phenomenon on trumpet, Warren Luning, Jr.; and another veteran from the New Orleans jazz scene, clarinetist Pete Fountain. Among those in the audience that proceeded to flip over the playing of the New Orleans visitors was young Lawrence Welk, Jr. Forthwith he goes to the old man and says, "Dad, this you've gotta hear!" (Or words of similar import.) So Larry, Sr. put down his accordion, turned off the bubble-machine, and made the trip to the auditorium where the jazz bash was being held; and that night an idea was born. To wit: why not build a dixieland contingent from the Welk Orchestra around Pete Fountain, and feature him regularly, both at the dance sessions and on the weekly television broadcasts?

Thus it was that Pete Fountain left Al Hirt's band a few months after their return to New Orleans to accept an offer from Lawrence Welk that was (in Pete's words) "too good to turn down." Since joining the Lawrence Welk Orchestra as a featured soloist, Pete has taken advantage of the opportunity to study on the west coast - an opportunity which the mature Pete Fountain realized was a valuable one in keeping with his desire to grow musically. He is almost twenty-eight years old.

Although it is essentially the Welk Orchestra backing Pete in these performances, the arrangements are not of the "Champagne Music" style. Neither is it a jazz album.

Two years later he returned to jazz and New Orleans. As he puts it, "champagne and bourbon just don't mix" - but in two years he had become one of the most familiar names in American music, so the time had been well spent, well spent indeed!

I Want A Girl - Lawrence Welk Show 1958

I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad (1958)

Friday, November 7, 2008

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Pete Fountains Hilton Club - The Record Company of The South

45 RPM from Pete Fountains Hilton Club

Circa 1970s -1980s 45 RPM - The Record Company of The South

Side A:
1: Take Me To The Mardi Gras

Side B:
1. Bitter Sweet

Liner Notes:

This 45 was offered at Pete's club at the Hilton in New Orleans. Thanks to our member here John T. for sending this to post here for all of us to enjoy. If anyone has gems like this, please drop me a message.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

The Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking - Memorabilia

The Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking Club
Mardi Gras Card Set



(Click to Enlarge to see Detail)

Circa 1990's Mardi Gras Card Set #4

The Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking - Memorabilia

The Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking Club
Mardi Gras Card Set

(Click to Enlarge to see Detail)

Circa 1990's Mardi Gras Card Set #3

The Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking - Memorabilia

The Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking Club
Mardi Gras Card Set

(Click to Enlarge to see Detail)

Circa 1990's Mardi Gras Card Set #2

The Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking - Memorabilia

The Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking Club
Mardi Gras Card Set

(Click to Enlarge to see Detail)

Circa 1990's Mardi Gras Card Set #1

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Pete Fountain A's B's and EP's - EMI Records (Bootleg)

Pete Fountain A's B's and EP's





2008 - EMI Records (Bootleg)

Track Listing:
1. Japansy
2. My Inspiration
3. Forbidden Love
4. Alone Together
5. Allisons Theme (Parrish)
6. Lonely Little Tune
7. Grasshopper
8. Casablanca
9. Lost Love
10. China Nights
11. Women Of The World
12. Mae
13. Rave On
14. Juliets Theme
15. Sleepy Serenade
16. I'm Just A Surfing Boy
17. Walking The Floor Over You
18. O' Mabel Where Can You Be
19. Abbeville Our Abbeville
20. Yellow Dog Blues
21. Tailgate Blues
22. Baby, Baby
23. Aquarius
24. Dixie


Liner Notes:

These Pete Fountain recordings are from various Corel, Brunswick, Arcadia and other 45 RPM A and B sides that were never officially issued on any albums. For the first time they are presented here for your enjoyment. All sides are from the original mono recordings, as released from a period from 1950 through 1971.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Goodyear Christmas Volume 13 - Columbia Records

Goodyear Christmas Volume 13
featuring Pete Fountain



1973 Columbia Special Products Stereo P-12013

Side 1
1. White Christmas - Ella Fitzgerald
2. Christmasland - Tony Bennett
3. Winter Weather - Jo Stafford
4. Little Town Of Bethlehem - Barbara Streisand
5. Christmas Waltz - Pat Boone
6. Whatever Happened To Christmas - Frank Sinatra
7. Jingle Bells Medley - Sammy Davis Jr

Side 2
1. Christmas Song - Tex Beneke
2. Toyland - Doris Day
3. Jingle Bell Rock - Pete Fountain
4. Christmas Is - Bing Crosby
5. O Come All Ye Faithful - Julie Andrews
6. Let It Snow - Andy Williams
7. What Are You Doing New Years Eve - Ella Fitzgerald

Monday, October 6, 2008

A Creole Christmas - Epic Records

A Creole Christmas
featuring Pete Fountain

1991 Epic Records

CD Listing
1. White Christmas - Allen Toussaint
2. Please Come Home For Christmas - Johnny Adams
3. Jingle Bell Rock - Frankie Ford
4. I Saw Mama Kissin' Santa Claus - Pete Fountain
5. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Luther Kent
6. Jingle Bells - Rockin' Dopsie/Zydeco Twisters
7. Merry Christmas Baby - Doctor John
8. Let It Snow - The Dixie-Cups
9. Christmas Song, The - Aaron Neville
10. Go Tell It on the Mountain - The Zion Harmonizers
11. O Holy Night - Irma Thomas

Liner Notes:

Various artist compilation of New Orleans musicians.

Two Sides of New Orleans - Master Audio Recording Studios


Two Sides of New Orleans
National Governor's Conference 1975
featuring Pete Fountain



1975 Master Audio Recording Studios

Side A
1. Saints Go Marching In - Louis Cottrell and Jazz Band
2. New Orleans Parade - Murphy Campo and Orchestra
3. Cabaret - Dukes of Dixieland
4. Ragtime Gal - Your Father's Moustache Orchestra
5. Little Rock Get-A-Way - Armand Hug Piano
6. Tiger Rag - Danny Barker and Jazz Band

Side B
1. R. K.'s Boogie - Ronnie Kole Trio
2. Down By the Riverside - Trombone Beaucoup and Orchestra
3. Cotton Fields - Paul Guma Quartet
4. Without a Song - Dick Stabile and Orchestra
5. Java - Al Hirt and Orchestra
6. Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans? - Pete Fountain and Orchestra

Album cover designed by Bob Cole
A tourism souvenir given out at he The National Governor's Conference held in 1975 in New Orleans, LA

Liner Notes:

"Priceless" is literally the word for this L.P. It isn't for sale. It's a gift from the State of Louisiana, a special gift of New Orleans music.

New Orleans music is an art derived from European classical and folk music, African chants, country blues, work songs, jazz and a modernization of all of these in today's Crescent City sound. It's a sound heard all around town - Bourbon Street, Uptown, Downtown - from the old sections to the suburbs, and beyond.

But however New Orleans music changes, it always provides pleasure. And for pleasure, we offer this disc for your very own.

Louis Cottrell, Jr., "When the Saints Go Marching In"
Louis, Jr., son of the great jazz percussionist, is one of the finest pure New Orleans clarinetists. He performs with his old-timers at Heritage Hall on Bourbon Street, while Blanche Thomas belts out her own brand of blues and "soul."
Performance courtesy of Nobility Records, N-703.

Murphy Campo, "New Orleans Parade"
Reared in the French Quarter, Campo started young on the trumpet. As a teenager he won a stint at New York's Radio City Music Hall. Now appearing at the French Quarter's Famous Door. Campo is a trumpet virtuoso, singer and composer.
Performance courtesy of Spark Records, K 84001, 1962.

Dukes of Dixieland, "Cabaret"
"La familia Assunto e compadres" is an Italian description of the Dukes. Frank Assunto, his brothers and associates still carry on hometown traditions with a hometown sound. The Dukes have made it big in Las Vegas and just about everywhere. Now they're home playing at Dukes' Place at the Monteleone Hotel.
Performance courtesy of Decca Records. DL 74863, 1968.

Your Father's Moustache Orchestra, "Ragtime Gal"
Nostalgic turn-of-the-century and roaring twenties sounds spill through the jazzy precincts of Bourbon Street when the enthusiastic young musicians of Your Father's Moustache make music with banjos, tuba and slide trombone while the visiting firemen sing along just for kicks.
Performance courtesy of Your Father's Moustache, New Orleans.

Armand Hug, "Little Rock Get-A-Way"
Leader in the white jazz field. Hug's only eccentricity is a refusal to leave New Orleans even for money. During the thirties, Hug's piano was first choice of Benny Goodman, Bob Crosby, the Dorseys. Today he spellbinds audiences at the Royal Orleans Hotel.
Performance courtesy of Gold Crest Label. #3045.

Danny Barker, "Tiger Rag"
Danny as a kid played with old-time New Orleans spasm bands. Later his versatility on guitar or banjo provided a rhythm spark for Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Cab Calloway and Lucky Millinder. An authority on New Orleans jazz, he worked as historian for the Jazz Museum.
Performance courtesy of Bethlehem Label, BCP-6047, 1959.

Ronnie Kole, "R. K.'s Boogie"
Skilled piano entertainer, Kole got his first big break on the Mike Douglas TV Show, followed by appearances on the Tonight Show and at Las Vegas' Thunderbird. There Al Hirt persuaded him to head New Orleans way. His style, according to Kole, is not Dixieland, progressive or even jazz. Just cool and classical. he and his combo turn on fans wherever they play in New Orleans and throughout the country.
Performance courtesy of Paula Records, LSP 2200.

Trombones Beaucoup and Orchestra, "Down By the Riverside"
Louis Pendarvis, Milton Bush, and Bob Morgan had been playing trombones as a section for several years with the New Orleans opera. Their trombone togetherness also extends to the New Orleans Summer Pops, as well as many dance bands and jazz clubs.
Performance courtesy of Dover Record, Inc., LP1002.

Paul Coma Quartet, "Cotton Fields"
New Orleans born Paul Guma has the unique talent of being equally adept on guitar, clarinet and saxophone. Known 'round the country as former guitarist with Pete Fountain, Paul formed his own group and is now entertaining in Florida.
Performance courtesy of Top of the Mart.

Dick Stabile, "Without a Song"
Since he formed his own band in 1936, Dick Stabile has been a much wanted musician. He's appeared in virtually every major hotel and has logged thousands of broadcast hours. Today he plays to happy audiences in the "Blue Room" of the Roosevelt Hotel.
Performance courtesy of King Records, KS623.

Al Hirt, "Java"
"Gabriel of the South," big Al and orchestra rate as one of showbiz's hottest musical groups. A "red-beans-and rice" Orleanian, Al started to climb with a scholarship to the Cincinnati Conservatory. He later joined the Dorsey bands, Ray McKinley and Horace Heidt. He's wowed audiences at Carnegie Hall as well as in feature movies and recordings. Now he's a hero at his own Bourbon Street bistro, Al Hirt's Club.
Performance courtesy of RCA Records, LSP 3309, 1965.

Pete Fountain, "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans"
One of the great clarinetists of all times. Pete made his first pro date at age 18, filling in for Irving Fazola. With a two-year stint on Lawrence Welk's TV show, Pete earned national acclaim. An incurable Orleanian, Pete has rooted himself here - except for recording dates, short tours and TV appearances. He now dispenses musical pleasure in his own club, Pete Fountain's French Quarter Inn.
Performance courtesy of Coral Records, CRL757282.

Good Time Louisiana is a unique combination of just about everything you could want to enjoy. Would you like your vacation to have an exotic flavor? Well, 10 flags have flown over Louisiana, and the state still exhibits exciting and unusual influences from its past. Take the Evangeline Country, where the Acadians, exiled from Canada, settled. Their descendants, affectionately called "Cajuns," still speak a patois based on 18th century French as frequently as English. The enchanting past is all around you in Louisiana. You can see Indian mounds... remains from earliest explorations... towns founded before the United States was a nation... magnificent ante-bellum mansions... pirate hangouts... Civil War forts and battlefields. It's a sight-seer's dream.

Louisiana is a Sportsman's Paradise, too. Whatever your sport - unless snow is involved - you will enjoy it here as never before. There is year-round golf, tennis, fishing and water sports of every description. Horse racing has been popular since the days when plantation owners staked fortunes on the prides of their stables. And there are unusual native sports as well, such as the pirogue races in slim craft invented by the Indians. Of course, the Mid-Winter Sports Carnival, with its complete program of amateur athletics, is famous throughout the nation.

Regional cooking at its most unusual and best is what you'll find in Louisiana. The Creole cuisine originated from the classic French - spiced with Spanish flavoring, Indian herbs, and an African exoticism. All this art was used on the native produce such as magnificent seafood and shellfish... vegetables such as mirliton, yams, okra and cushaw... excellent meats... and a luscious array of fruits and berries. Creole cooking is found, for the most part, in the southern part of the state, but wherever you go in Louisiana - whether it's a world famous restaurant or a little out-of-the-way cafe offering the specialities of that particular region - you can eat beautifully.

Louisianians are a festival minded people, and you'll find celebrations throughout the year. Of course, Mardi Gras is the most famous event as far as the rest of the world is concerned. But in a typical year there are almost a hundred fairs and festivals throughout the state from Spring Fiesta, a recreation of ante-bellum days, to Holiday in Dixie... the Hodges Gardens Arts & Crafts Festival... Tarpon Rodeo in Grand Isle... and delightful country fairs of every sort.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Benefit Night for Monk Hazel - GHB Records

Benefit Night for Monk Hazel
featuring Pete Fountain









1996 GHB Records BCD-1421143 2 CD Set

Disc 1
1. With You Where You Are
2. South Rampart Street Parade
3. Tin Roof Blues
4. Bugle Call Rag
5. Basin St. Blues
6. Bill Bailey
7. All Of Me
8. Farewell Blues
9. Indiana
10. Sister Kate
11. Some Of These Days
12. Struttin' With Some Barbecue

Disc 2
1. Panama Rag
2. Milneberg Joys
3. Woodchooper's Ball
4. High Society
5. Blues
6. Dinah
7. Shine
8. That's A Plenty
9. None Of My Jelly Roll
10. When The Saints Go Marching In
11. No Place Like Home



Available for purchase on CD, New and Used at Amazon


Liner Notes:

Benefit Night For Monk Hazel
Parisian Room May 7, 1956
Master Of Ceremonies Joe Mares

Composite Personnel:
Trumpets: Tony Almerico, George Girard, Bugle Sam Dekemel, Sharkey Bonano, Mike Lala
Clarinets: Pete Fountain, Raymond Burke, Harry Sheilds
Trombones: Jack Delaney, Santo Pecora, Joe Rotis
Piano: Roy Zimmerman
Banjo And Guitar: Frank Federico
Basses: Joe Loyacano, Chink Martin
Drums: Johnny Castaing, Johnny Edwards

Production: Barry Martyn

The announcement in the New Orleans States-Item was simple enough:
A two hour jazz concert will be held this coming Monday, May 7, 1956 at the Parisian Room on Royal Street for the benefit of ailing jazz drummer Arthur "Monk" Hazel. The music is slated to begin at 8:30 pm.

Sounds fairly basic - not necessarily an unusual event. Benefits are not uncommon in show business - but this was New Orleans and it happened at the peak of the so called "Jazz Revival" in the Crescent City. The second generation of New Orleans dixieland jazz musicians were working steady and performing extremely well. There was a wealth of talent available in the city and a jazz tradition in full swing.

New Orleans jazz musicians are a somewhat contradictory group. They have always been a little different in their attitudes and temperaments from players in other parts of the country. On one hand they can behave defensively and jealously, always suspecting someone may be trying to take their job. At the same time, in spite of any insecurities they may have, they tend to regard themselves as a "family" and, in many ways, behave that way among themselves. Quick to squabble among themselves but even quicker to join hands against any perceived outside threats. The Musicians Union reflects this family attitude. Louisiana is a right-to-work state and there is no really logical reason for players to join a union - but the local has always been strong and the vast majority of the musicians belong. It's primary function is to set hours and pay scales and discipline erring members but its real reason for existing for many years so far has been its role as a unifying sense of identity for the members.

As the music business grew through the '20s and '30s and musicians left town to tour or play in other parts of the country, invariably they would tend to stick together whenever possible. They got along with everyone usually but, if there were two or more Orleanians in a band, they would hang out together. The Bob Crosby band was a good example of this.

So - a benefit for one of their own who was having problems could become - and in this instance did become - a truly great jazz program. Monk Hazel was an excellent jazz drummer - one of the best - and he had played with most of the jazz musicians in town through the years. He kept excellent time - backed the players well - and he had a strong understanding of the role of the drums in a jazz band. In addition, he could double on his old, beat-up silver mellophone. It was a little added extra lagniappe that audiences liked and it added another solo voice to the traditional six piece band. Sharkey Bonano always felt he played best when Monk was backing him. Other leaders - Santo Pecora, Tony Parenti, Johnny Wiggs, George Girard and others - preferred him to other drummers. He was virtually the "house" drummer of Joe Mares' Southland record label, with roots that went back to the great jazz players and New Orleans bands of the '20s, Hazel was truly a musicians' drummer.

Monk has a friendly, pleasant attitude and personality - he was cooperative on the bandstand - and he was well - liked by his cohorts. Monk had a tendency to imbibe spirits more than most and there were scores of stories related among musicians of his antics while under the influence. Funny though they were, few would bear repeating in print. without exception though, every musician was impressed with the fact that, no matter how many "sheets to the wind" Monk may have had, he always played superbly. Unfortunately Monk's thirst habits contributed to his failing health. He had been playing with Sharkey Bonano at the Famous Door on Bourbon Street when he fell ill and the benefit followed shortly after that. Fortunately he recovered and resumed playing until his death in April, 1968.

The well attended benefit was the idea of Joe Mares (Paul Mares of NORK fame's younger brother and record producer) and Joe Gemelli (a men's clothing store owner an avid jazz fan). Tony Almerico offered his Parisian Room on Royal Street for the show and recruited the musicians. Mares acted as Master of Ceremonies. A copy of the ticket to the concert is illustrated on the back cover of this CD.

It would take an involved listing of players to identify each player on each tune but, as announced, the concert kicked off at 8:30 in the evening with Tony Almerico (t), Pete Fountain (cl), Jack Delaney (tb), Roy Zimmerman (p), Joe Loyacano (b), and Johnny Castaing (d). As the concert proceeded other players would replace the starters. If you'll listen closely you'll hear Raymond Burke and Harry Shields in the clarinet chair; Santo Pecora and Joe Rotis with their trombones; George Girard and Sharkey Bonano and Mike Lala on trumpets; banjoist Frank Federico and bassist Chick Martin. As the concert progressed, Johnny Edwards replaced Castaing on drums.

This concert gives an exciting sample of the great jazz being played in New Orleans in the 1950s. This was about the same period when Eddie Condon and his cohorts were dominating the scene in New York and most of the country. Although it might be tempting to make comparisons between them and the New Orleans players, it would have to be too subjective to have any value. Both groups contained most of the best dixieland players of the time and all were sincere in what they were doing - yet there were differences that reflected backgrounds and experience that made subtle changes in their approach to the music. Listening to the jazz players in this concert will illustrate the talent and enthusiasm and excitement New Orleans jazz men projected - especially when they were playing for one of their own.

- Plato Smith 1996

Ticket:
Benefit Dance for Monk Hazel
Sponsored by Funds for Monk Hazel Committee
Monday, May 7, 1956 8:30 P.M.
Parisian Room, 116 Royal St.
Music by Dixieland All Stars
Donation $100