Procedamus In Pace! (Sadeness) - Capella Antiqua München 1976 .wmv waltervdbus 2010-05-03 | Antiphon: Procedamus in pace! - Cum angelis Psalm 24 (23), verses 7-10. Excerpt from Paschale Mysterium (Gregorian chant) by Capella antiqua, München (Choralschola) - Konrad Ruhland, director. Philips "Seon" LP 6575 976. Thanks Karel S (audio).
Yester-Me Yester-You Yesterday (original) - Chris Clark 1966 waltervdbus 2013-02-27 | Yester Me, Yester You, Yesterday (Ronald Miller, Bryan Wells)First recorded by blue-eyed soul singer Chris Clark (2 Sept 1966).Released March 2005 on CD: UK Motown 981 9564 - The Motown Collection.Stevie Wonder's (24 Jan 1967) was the first version to be released in Aug 1969 on LP Tamla S296 'My Cherie Amour', the next month as a single A-side (# 7 US, # 2 UK, # 6 NL).Thanks http://www.secondhandsongs.com/work/21554 for info and http://www.originalsproject.us for audio support.
Guajira Guantanamera (original) - Cuarteto Caney 1938.wmv waltervdbus 2012-12-19 | Composed by Cuban Joséito Fernández, who used to sing it on his radio show with verses accustomed to the latest news. He recorded the song in 1940 as A Mi Madre (Guajira Guantanamera) on Victor 83240 B.An earlier recording was made on April 12, 1938 by Cuarteto Caney in New York - vocals by Alfredito Valdés and Machito (Columbia 5741 X B). The scan shown is from an earlier 1936 recording 'Clarivel'. Caney Quartet was founded in the early thirties by Cuban musician Fernando Storch (Fernando Caney). With a repertoire based on the pure style of Cuban son musicians, the band signed with Columbia Records in 1936 and recorded over 100 songs over the next six years.The song as we know it today (since the late fifties) has Fernandez's melody and chorus with lyrics by Jose Martì in the verses taken from the poem Versos Sencillos ("yo soy un hombre sincero", etc).Thanks to Joop Jansen for audio support and Chester Proudfoot at 'Page Mr.Volstead' blog.
La Bamba (original) - El Jarocho 1939.wmv waltervdbus 2012-06-06 | Originally a wedding dance (from the Veracruz area), La Bamba eventually became a standard in the Son Jarocho repertoire. Oldest version known by me: El Jarocho (Alvaro Hernandez Ortiz) con guitarra. Released on RCA Victor 76102, B-side: El Dinero. More info welcome. Reissued in 1997 on The Secret Museum of Mankind: Vol. 4: Ethnic Music Classics: 1925-48, date given there is c. 1929. However, research in relation with other Mexican RCA Victor recordings, reveals this performance as recorded and released in 1939. More info welcome. Thanks to Roel Vos for audio and pictures.
Brigitte Bardot (original) - Jorge Veiga 1960.wmv waltervdbus 2011-12-29 | Written by Miguel Gustavo. Released in Brazil in December 1960 by Jorge Veiga on Copacabana 6.198-A, it was an international hit on Barclay the year after. Many, many versions followed: Roberto Seto, Dario Moreno, Luiz Vanderley, Michelino, The Emeralds, Les Chakachas, Digno Garcia, Two Man Sound, etc.
Dont Tell My Heart (original) - The Marcy Brothers 1991.wmv waltervdbus 2011-12-02 | Written by Don Von Tress. The Marcy Brothers released "Don't Tell My Heart" on their second (self-titled) studio album, on July 9, 1991 on Atlantic Records. This song would later become a five-week Number One on the country charts in 1992 when Billy Ray Cyrus recorded it under the title "Achy Breaky Heart". Special thanks to Luc Goossens for audio supply.
Straight From The Heart (original) - Ian Lloyd 1980.wmv waltervdbus 2011-10-29 | Written by Bryan Adams, but not recorded by him before 1983 on Cuts Like A Knife. This version was first released by Ian Lloyd on 1980 album 3WC (Third Wave Civilization). Adams told Songfacts: "I wrote it when I was 18 and it was one of the first complete songs I'd ever written. I'd been living in Vancouver and teaching myself piano and this came out. Sometime after I had written the song, my friend Bruce Fairbairn was producing an album for an artist called Ian Lloyd, and wanted the song for him. the song went on to be recorded by many people including Bonnie Tyler (on her blockbuster album Faster Than the Speed of Night), and I didn't actually record "Straight From The Heart" until 1983 for my Cuts Like A Knife album. It was my first Top 10 record."
Wau Wau (Shame & Scandal in the Family) - Lord Melody 1962.wmv waltervdbus 2011-02-03 | Seminal 1962 recording by Lord Melody (Fitzroy Alexander) with Cyril Diaz Calypso Combo on "Calypso 1962" (Cook 931). Although "Wau Wau" can be easily traced back to Sir Lancelot's "Shame & Sorrow" from 1943 RKO movie "I Walked With A Zombie", Lord Melody's version became the template of later hit recordings by Shawn Elliott, Kingston Trio, Sacha Distel, Cocktail Trio, Lance Percifal, Johnny Chester, Madness, etc. Big thanks to Joop Jansen for audio support.
Comin Home Baby (original) - The Dave Bailey Quintet 1961.wmv waltervdbus 2011-01-24 | Composed by Ben Tucker. Recorded by Dave Bailey Quintet on October 6, 1961, six weeks ahead of Herbie Mann's recording at the Village Gate. Released on Two Feet in the Gutter (Epic BA 17021) in 1961. Personnel: Frank Haynes (ts), Bill Hardman (t), Billy Gardner (p), Ben Tucker (b), Dave Bailey (d). Big thanks to Roel "Snowybowie" Vos for audio support. The first vocal version was recorded by Mel Tormé in September 1962 on Atlantic (words by Bob Dorough). Issued as a single, it peaked at # 13 UK and # 35 US early the following year. Enjoy !
Cest Si Bon (original) - Jacques Hélian & son Orchestre 1948.wmv waltervdbus 2010-11-26 | Written by Henri Betti & André Hornez. This is the first recording of C'est Si Bon (known to me): Jacques Hélian & his Orchestra (vocal by Jean Marco) on February 18, 1948 (French Columbia DF 3232). Any additional info welcome. In later years popularised by Yves Montand, Jean Sablon, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Desmond, Eartha Kitt, Conway Twitty and many others. Thanks to Dick Rosemont at www.originalsproject.us (info and label shot). Thanks to http://jacques-helian.pagesperso-orange.fr/ (photographs).
Together We Are Beautiful (original) - Ken Leray 1977.wmv waltervdbus 2010-10-22 | Written by Ken Leray. Sung by Fern Kinney, this song topped the UK charts briefly in March 1980 (in between Blondie's Atomic and The Jam's Going Underground). This is the seldom heard original version from 1977. Thanks to Luc Goossens for audio and single artwork. The pictured couples are random picked from girlscene.nl , I hope no one is offended by this, thanks.
The Thrill Is Gone (original) - Roy Hawkins 1951.wmv waltervdbus 2010-10-02 | Blues standard popularised by B.B. King among others. This is the 1951 original version by its writer Roy Hawkins on Modern. Thanks Joop Jansen (audio) & Dick Rosemont (artwork).
Papa Was A Rollin Stone (original) - The Undisputed Truth 1972.wmv waltervdbus 2010-09-17 | Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong as a single for Motown act The Undisputed Truth in 1971. This version of "Papa" was released as a single in early 1972, and peaked at number sixty-three on the pop charts and number twenty-four on the R&B charts. Later in 1972, Whitfield, who also produced the song, took "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" and remade it as a twelve-minute record for The Temptations, which was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and won three Grammy Awards in 1973. While the original Undisputed Truth version of the song has been largely forgotten... (info from wiki). Thanks Gerard VM (audio) and Dick R (artwork).
What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes ... - Murray & Jones 1917 .wmv waltervdbus 2010-09-14 | "What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For" - words & music by Joe McCarthy, Howard Johnson and Jimmie Monaco, Leo Feist, Publisher, New York, 1916. The song hit of "Follow Me", Anna Held's new show, sung by Henry Lewis - their photos on the sheet cover. Early recordings by Samuel Ash in December 1916 (Columbia A 2169) and Billy Murray & Ada Jones in January 1917 (Victor 18224). This became a # 1 UK hit for Emile Ford & The Checkmates in 1959.
Umqokozo (Pauvre Lola) - Miriam Makeba 1962.wmv waltervdbus 2010-08-25 | Umqokozo (A Children's Game Song About A New Red Dress) from Makeba's 1962 album The Many Voices of Miriam Makeba (Kapp KL-1274) feat. Hugh Masekela on trumpet. French popmusic lovers and/or Gainsbourg fans will recognize Pauvre Lola in this :-)
Im A Fool To Care (original) - Ted Daffans Texans 1940.wmv waltervdbus 2010-08-16 | Writen by Ted Daffan (of Born To Lose fame). Vocal by Chuck Keeshan. First released on Okeh in 1940, reissued on Columbia in 1947. A big hit for Les Paul & Mary Ford in 1954 and covered ever since: Joe Barry, Jim Reeves, Fats Domino, George Jones & Gene Pitney, Ray Charles, Rick Nelson, Ringo Starr, Mina, etc. Thanks to Gerard V (audio) and Victor D (info and artwork).
Lady Marmalade (original) - The Eleventh Hour 1974.wmv waltervdbus 2010-08-03 | Lady Marmalade was written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan. The song came about after Crewe made first-hand observations in New Orleans. First recorded by Nolan's group Eleventh Hour in 1974 on Eleventh Hour's Greatest Hits LP, Labelle's producer Allen Toussaint decided to record it as the main track for the album Nightbirds. Released in December 1974, it became a number-one hit the next year. (wikipedia) Thanks Joop Jansen (audio) and Dick Rosemont (artwork). There is another version posted on Youtube purporting to be the "ORIGINAL' version, which in my opinion is the Eleventh Hour's late 1975 re-recording of the song, following their hit 'Hollywood Hot'. Any additional info welcome. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YntIl88sbzY
Come Back And Stay (original) - Jack Lee 1981.wmv waltervdbus 2010-08-02 | From Jack Lee's Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (Maiden America). As witnessed on Youtube, Lee performed it with his band The Nerves as early as June 1977. Lee also wrote Hanging On The Telephone, famously covered by Blondie. Come Back And Stay became a big European smash for Paul Young in 1983. Thanks Joop Jansen (audio) and Dick Rosemont (artwork).
Doggie (Who Let The Dogs Out) (original) - Anslem Douglas 1998.wmv waltervdbus 2010-06-11 | This was written and recorded (as 'Doggie') by Anslem Douglas, a soca musician from Trinidad two years before The Baha Men's hit version.
Son Ar Chistr - Alan Stivell 1970.wmv waltervdbus 2010-05-31 | From Stivell's album Reflets and B-side of Brocéliande, using an already existing tune. Original title: Ev' chistr 'ta, Laou.
Let Your Love Flow (original) - Gene Cotton 1975.wmv waltervdbus 2010-05-24 | Written by Larry Williams, then a roadie for Neil Diamond. A big hit for the Bellamy Brothers in 1976, however first recorded by Gene Cotton on ABC album For The Young Writers. Thanks Joop Jansen (audio) and www.originals.be (info).
In Other Words (original) - Kaye Ballard 1954.wmv waltervdbus 2010-05-14 | Written by Bart Howard. Introduced by Felicia Sanders, who recorded it in the late 50s. However, first recorded and released by musical actress Kaye Ballard in Spring 1954 on Decca 29114. Around the same time, she apparently made the cover of Life Magazine. Shortly afterwards, the song became better known as Fly Me To The Moon.
Happy Talk (original) - Juanita Hall 1949.wmv waltervdbus 2010-05-09 | In 1982, n°1 UK for Captain Sensible. Written by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II. Introduced by Juanita Hall in her role as Bloody Mary in the musical South Pacific which premiered March 7, 1949 in the Shubert Theatre in New Haven. This recording was made either April 18 or May 16 with Salvatore Dell'Isola Orch for Columbia. In the 1958 film version, Hall was overdubbed by Muriel Smith (at the request of Rodgers), who was part of the London Cast. Thanks Joop Jansen (audio) and imdb (info).
Pearls A Singer (original) - Dino & Sembello 1974.wmv waltervdbus 2010-05-06 | A big hit for Elkie Brooks in '77. This is the seldom heard original version by authors Ralph Dino and John Sembello from '74. Thanks Karel S (audio).
Youll Never Walk Alone (original) - Christine Johnson 1945 .wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-28 | Written by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II for the Broadway play Carousel (opening on April 19, 1945) Introduced during the second act by Aunt Netty (played by Christine Johnson) to comfort and encourage Julie when her husband Billy is killed during a failed robbery. The original cast recording was recorded (July 19, 1945) on Decca after Frank Sinatra's original cut (May 1, 1945) on Columbia. Thanks Joop Jansen (audio), Josse Middag (artwork) and Dick Rosemont's www.OriginalsProject.us site (info).
It Hurts To Say Goodbye (Comment Te Dire Adieu) - Walter Wanderley 1967.wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-27 | Influential version to Gainsbourg's Comment Te Dire Adieu, a big hit for Françoise Hardy in 1968. Oddly enough, this song was first recorded in 1966 by Margaret Whiting (and later Vera Lynn) in a convential orchestral style. Thanks to Luc Goossens and www.originals.be
Feelin Good (early & rare version) - Cy Grant feat. Bill LeSage 1965.wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-24 | Written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. First performed by Negro & The Orchans in the 1964 British musical The Roar Of The Greasepaint, The Smell Of The Crowd (Theatre Royal, Nottingham) with Cy Grant as The Negro and a young Elaine Paige as one of the Urchins. Their version was not recorded, but Grant sang it on his album Cy & I (World Record Club T451), probably predating Nina Simone's more famous cut. Thanks to Luc Goossens (audio) and www.originals.be (info).The first recording of "Feeling Good" was likely by its co-author Anthony Newley on his RCA Victor album: "Who Can I Turn To and Other Songs from The Roar of Greasepaint" issued early January 1965 per Billboard.
Those Were The Days (original) - The Limeliters 1962.wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-23 | "A playwright and singer who performed with his wife as "Gene & Francesca", Gene Raskin had originally given "Those Were the Days" to the Limeliters, an American trio who popularised it during the folk boom of the early Sixties along with another of his compositions, "That's Just the Way it Goes". Paul McCartney heard Gene & Francesca play "Those Were the Days" in a London club and recalled the song when picking material for his protegee Mary Hopkin, who had triumphed on ITV's Opportunity Knocks show." (source: Pierre Perroni, The Independent) Original Russian title: DOROGOI DLINNOYU (Boris Fomin/Konstantin Podnevsky).
Bongo Chant (Bangarang) - Kenny Grahams Afro-Cubists 1953.wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-20 | Bongo Chant was written by British sax player Kenny Graham as part of his Caribbean Suite. Recorded on October 23, 1953 with Jo Hunter (tp), Kenny Graham, Joe Temperley, Norman Fantham, Eddie Mordue (ts), Don Honeywell (bs), Dill Jones (p), Roy Plummer (g), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d), Judy Johnson (voc, mcas). Released on Esquire 10" LP 20-023. The eight movements of Graham's 'Caribbean Suite' are linked together by Dennis Preston's narration, which was dubbed on later. The entire Caribbean Suite was covered by American sax player Harold Vick in 1966 on RCA Victor. In October 1968, Jamaican sax legend Lester Sterling reworked Bongo Chant into the reggae classic Bangarang with producer Bunny Lee and singer Stranger Cole, among others. On the strength of its success, Pama released the Bangarang LP and the rhythm continues to be versioned to this day: Tommy McCook, Soul Vendors, Lord Creator, Brigadier Jerry, Dillinger, etc.
Why Dont You Do Right (original) - Lil Green 1941.wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-15 | One of the finest blues recordings ever (Chicago, April 23, 1941). Written by Joe McCoy (based on his 1936 Weed Smoker's Dream). Lil Green (vocal), Big Bill Broonzy (guitar), Simeon Henry (piano), Ransom Knowling (bass). Peggy Lee with Benny Goodman made a pop hit out of it in 1943. Numerously covered and sampled ever since.
Sidi Mansour (Ma Baker) - Mohammed Hanesh 1975.wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-15 | German (?) release on Ariola in September 1975. This Tunesian n°1 song became the basis of Boney M's millionseller Ma Baker in 1977. I also have another more traditional take of the song by Hanesh dating back to the early 70s, perhaps even older. Additional info welcome.
Sinner Man (original) - Les Baxter 1956.wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-14 | First recording by Les Baxter Orchestra featuring Will Holt & Chorus of 'Sinner Man' (Baxter/Holt), possibly better known through later versions by The Weavers (1959), Nina Simone (1964) and Peter Tosh (1966/1971/1977), among many others. The song is clearly adapted from the 1954 gospel tune 'On Judgement Day' (Peacock 1743) by The Sensational Nightingales. (Thanks to Minstrelcraft for the tip).
The Air That I Breathe (original) - Albert Hammond 1972.wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-13 | (Albert Hammond & Mike Hazelwood) Made famous by The Hollies in 1974, but first recorded and released by Albert Hammond on his 1972 Epic album It Never Rains In Southern California.
Jah Jah Dub (Chapter Three) - Herman Chin-Loy 1973.wmv waltervdbus 2010-04-13 | Augustus Pablo's King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown (1975) is considered by many as dub reggae's finest moment. Due to its popularity, the initial B-side to Jacob Miller's Baby I Love You So was released as an A-side by Island Records. Aka as Cassava Piece, this tune began life as Jah Jah Dub on producer Herman Chin-Loy's Aquarius album (1973), one of the first dub reggae albums (featuring Augustus Pablo). The same bassline was later heard in Joe Gibbs' Chapter Three (1978), another dub reggae classic.
