20 FAVE INSTRUMENTAL RECORDS

TODAY........FROM 1957

1. RAUNCHY - BILL JUSTIS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8a0KgxWQzQ

Recorded at 706 Union Av Memphis June 5 1957. Personnel : Bill Justis
(ten sax)
Sidney Manker (gtr) Roland Janes (gtr) Sid Lapworth (bs) James Van Eaton
(dms)
Jimmy Wilson (pno) and originally a track on his Phillips International
LP “Cloud 9” (no,I’ve never seen an original copy either 😊)Pulled from the LP as a single in September 1957 the single reached #2 BBpop and
#1BBr&b. It spawned a whole host of cover versions including Ernie
Freeman (see below),Billy Vaughn, Muvva Hubbard etc. Despite a local
cover version (Ken Mackintosh) Justis reached #11 on the UK chart on
London label

2. HARD TIMES (THE SLOP) – NOBLE “THIN MAN” WATTS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO7FQY4FYxs

His second outing on Sol Rabinowitz’s Baton label in October 1957 gifted
sax player Noble “Thin Man” Watts a #44 BBpop hit plus a hasty cover version on Imperial from Dave Bartholomew (see #11 below). Released on
London in UK failed to chart

3. WHAT’S THE WORD? THUNDERBIRD! – RED PRYSOCK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7BndCGQKTE

Tenor sax man Red Prysock here with his adieu record for 1957 on Mercury
a play on the popular “What’s The Word Thunderbird whats the price…..” rhyme popular at
the time. No chart action no release in UK

4. LEAP FROG – CHUCK ALAIMO QUARTET https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPPzvdqKNGk

Torrid sax rocker from the foursome from Rochester NY originally on Ken label--the Same label that shortly after gave us Frank De Rosa’s “Big Guitar”(see #6 below) before being picked up by MGM where it charted at
#97 BBpop. Not released UK

5. WALKIN’ WITH MR. LEE – LEE ALLEN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE3riB2EudY

Born in Pittsburgh (no,the Kansas one 😊) mastered the tenor sax and
moved locale to New Orleans in the 1940’s. First in the Paul Gayten band
then with Dave Bartholomew he rose to prominence backing dozens of local artists most notably Fats Domino.He began cutting records under his own
name with “Rockin’ At Cosmo’s” (see the 1956 entry in this series) but it was his second release “Walkin’ With Mr. Lee” on Ember that concerns us here---a #54 BBpop hit. Released UK on HMV but no chart action

6. BIG GUITAR – FRANK DE ROSA & D-MEN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhdZHP_TgZ8

Here’s the much recorded “Big Guitar” number in its original
version---by Frank De Rosa & His D-Men on the same Ken label as the
Chuck Alaimo “Leapfrog” team (see #4 above).Picked up by national distribution by Dot it spawned several cover versions the most
successful being that of Owen Bradley early in 1958. UK release on
London in March 1958

7. 7-11 – THE GONE ALL STARS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITHm_WYa60A

Nice arrangement of Perez Prado’s oldie “Mambo No.5” from the session band featuring Buddy Lucas and arranged by George Goldner. Charted #30
BBpop. Not released in UK

8. RAUNCHY – ERNIE FREEMAN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLOyVq6vXI4

Inferior but still very listenable cover of the Bill Justis #1 version
listed above recorded for Imperial. This cover reached #4 BB pop and #1
BBr&b. Released in UK on London but non-charting.Incidentally Freeman’s previous single on Imperial had been a hasty cover of this next one……

9. DUMPLINS – DOC BAGBY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HFOjzgQik4

The original version of the number also covered by Ernie Freeman on
Imperial (see above) Recorded for Okeh the saxy instrumental sold well
enough to gain #69 on the BBpop chart.Released in UK (but only on
78RPM!!) on Fontana. Did not chart

10. ELMORE’S CONTRIBUTION TO JAZZ – ELMORE JAMES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrkeKTZCwDY

Recorded 12 April 1957 in Chicago featuring Elmore James (gtr) J.T Brown
(ten sax) Johnny Jones (pno) Wayne Bennett & Eddie Taylor (gtrs)
Homesick James (bs) Odie Pyane (dms) Memorable instrumental that first
appeared first on Chief label then on Vee Jay.

11. HARD TIMES (THE SLOP) – DAVE BARTHOLOMEW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXDN79no11k

“Bartholomew wastes no time in jumping on an item showing up strong in several area. The Bartholomew version is very strong and could break
into the sales column big. It’s a question of “the fastest with the mostest” (Imperial 5481) (“Cash Box” review 30-11-57)

12. RAM-BUNK-SHUSH – BILL DOGGETT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9IX9dLUzow

Revival of the number first recorded by Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra
way back in 1952
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRFZtPg36lo

that nearly made my 1952 instrumentals list on here the other day. Lots
of other later versions out there too led by The Ventures in 1961 with
others by The Rockin’ Rebels,Ace Cannon etc etc. Number charted well for Doggett #67 BBpop #10 BBr&b. UK release on Parlophone did not chart

13. THE BIG WHEEL – CLIFTON CHENIER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6jV6JpB2g4

After a stint on Specialty Clifton Chenier arrives at Chess and seals
his debut with this outing on Argo “The Big Wheel” in February 1957. In
an odd turn of events it is released with TWO flipside titles---either “Standing On The Corner” or “Where Can My Baby Be” depending on which copy you have.

No,I don’t know why either---the weird thing is THEY ARE BOTH THE SAME
SONG! Just two different titles.

14. ROCK-A-BUCKET – IKE TURNER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zozbBMSvUcM

Recorded 9 April 1957 at Ike Turner’s last session for Federal (King)—a
six track affair that resulted in his last three singles for the
company---one of which was “Rock-A-Bucket” which included the lineup
Jackie Brenston (bar sax) Raymond Hill (ten sax) Ike Turner (gtr) Jesse
Knight Jr (bs gtr) Eugene Washington (dms). Released as Federal in
August 1957

15. BOOGIE BEAT – LEVI SEABURY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9aVOcX7G5M

James Levi Sebury (sic) renamed as simply “Levi Seabury” recorded two titles for B.B. King’s small Blues Boy Kingdom label in Memphis--one of
which was the harmonica workout “Boogie Beat” that was released as the first single on the label (B-101) in 1957.

16. RAMROD – DUANE EDDY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4atYxtioywE

Earlier undubbed version of “Ramrod” cut at Ramsey Recorders in Phoenix
Az. Ca July 1957.Personnel : Duane Eddy (gtr) Al Casey (gtr) Vivian
Casey (gtr) Tyler Wheeler (bs gtr) Robert Taylor (dms) unk. sax.Produced
by Lee Hazlewood. Released as the GREAT named label Ford 500 (overdubbed
in July 1958 for the Jamie release)

17. POT LIKKER – WASHBOARD BILL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_4Quw346rM

Regardless of what it says on the label it’s King Curtis here serving up
a very tasty dish.Not sure what the story is here perhaps Bruce can fill
us in why its credited this way on the single? WARNNG! I see several
clips of this on YT but all have very small viewing figures (the one
used here has only 75 views
In TEN YEARS!! (strongly hinting a USA ban).If it don’t work for you let
me know I’ll get Larry to repost it or send mp3 if you wish

18. DRIVING HOME – PAUL GAYTEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOHvW2HJ_74

Both sides of the splendid “Driving Home” welded together here. Recorded for Argo January 10 1958 featured players include Lee Allen (ten sax)
Edgar Blanchard (gtr) Roland Cook (bs) and Charles Williams (dms).

19. TRAIL BLAZER – IKE TURNER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qM1glERzfI

His adios record to the Federal label and his last 45rpm outing in 1957
(his next record in 1958 On Tune Town will introduce one “Little Ann” on vocals---absolutely no prizes for guessing her true identity 😊- meantime same notes (re lineup etc) apply here as to #14 above.

20. X-CELLO ROCK – LOUIS BROOKS & HI-TOPPERS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2VIBQh7rFc

“LOUIS BROOKS/HI-TOPPERS (Excello 2100)

“X-CELLO ROCK” (2:12) [Excellorec BMI
—L. Brooks] Louis Brooks and his Hi-Toppers deliver a middle beat rock instrumental. Flavory wax with an infectious beat and sound. Good
instrumental side
“B. R. DRAG” (2:39) [Excellorec V+ BMI—L. Brooks] Slow beat drag instrumental.
Similar comments, tho “Rock” comes off the more intriguing side.
(CASH BOX January 19 1957)

BUBBLING UNDER

21, TOUGH ENOUGH – PAUL GAYTEN
22. PLANET ROCK – THE ROYAL TEENS
23. JOHNNY’S HOUSE PARTY – JIMMY BEASELEY & THE ROCKERS
24. SAIL ALONG SILVERY MOON – BILLY VAUGHN
25. THE SWINGIN’ SHEPHERD BLUES – MOE KOFFMAN QUARTETTE

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Here is what I have for 1957 instrumentals. This was probably the best
year for instrumentals.

89 ¦ Raunchy ¦ Bill Justis
136 ¦ Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu (part 2) ¦ Huey
"Piano" Smith
157 ¦ 7-11 ¦ Gone All Stars
188 ¦ Leap Frog ¦ Chuck Alaimo Quartet
189 ¦ Walkin' With Mr. Lee ¦ Lee Allen
285 ¦ Rockin' With The Duke ¦ Good Buddy (Buddy Lucas)
289 ¦ Driving Home (part 2) ¦ Paul Gayten
295 ¦ The Big Wheel ¦ Clifton Chenier
418 ¦ Ram Bunk Shush ¦ Bill Doggett
445 ¦ Quarter Party ¦ Al Smith
458 ¦ Hard Times (The Slop) ¦ Noble "Thin Man" Watts
485 ¦ March From The River Kwai and Colonel Bogey ¦ Mitch Miller
500 ¦ Johnny's House Party ¦ Jimmy Beasley
587 ¦ After School Rock ¦ Pancho Villa

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On Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:17:39 +0000, Roger wrote:

20 FAVE INSTRUMENTAL RECORDS

TODAY........FROM 1957

6. BIG GUITAR – FRANK DE ROSA & D-MEN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhdZHP_TgZ8

Did not know it, downloaded it, worth having.

13. THE BIG WHEEL – CLIFTON CHENIER >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6jV6JpB2g4

After a stint on Specialty Clifton Chenier arrives at Chess and seals
his debut with this outing on Argo “The Big Wheel” in February 1957. In
an odd turn of events it is released with TWO flipside titles---either “Standing On The Corner” or “Where Can My Baby Be” depending on which copy you have.

No,I don’t know why either---the weird thing is THEY ARE BOTH THE SAME
SONG! Just two different titles.

I'm guessing they changed the title due to publishing problems with
"Standing On The Corner" Because of the vocal hit of the prior year. As
far as "The Big Wheel," it's an 8.

14. ROCK-A-BUCKET – IKE TURNER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zozbBMSvUcM

I wonder why so many versions of "Night Train" were given different
titles.

17. POT LIKKER – WASHBOARD BILL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_4Quw346rM

Regardless of what it says on the label it’s King Curtis here serving up
a very tasty dish.Not sure what the story is here perhaps Bruce can fill
us in why its credited this way on the single? WARNNG! I see several
clips of this on YT but all have very small viewing figures (the one
used here has only 75 views In TEN YEARS!! (strongly hinting a USA
ban).If it > don’t work for you let > me know I’ll get Larry to repost
it or send mp3 if
you wish

I never heard of it before, but I would guess that it doesn't saying
Curtis because it's a King recording and he was signed to Atlantic at
the time.

The video was banned here, but this one works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeOLEPlkHSA

19. TRAIL BLAZER – IKE TURNER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qM1glERzfI

His adios record to the Federal label and his last 45rpm outing in 1957
(his next record in 1958 On Tune Town will introduce one “Little Ann” on vocals---absolutely no prizes for guessing her true identity 😊- meantime same notes (re lineup etc) apply here as to #14 above.

Did not know it. Sounds like the Baja Mirimba band.

20. X-CELLO ROCK – LOUIS BROOKS & HI-TOPPERS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2VIBQh7rFc

Don't like it, organ is way too prominent.

BUBBLING UNDER

21, TOUGH ENOUGH – PAUL GAYTEN

Did not know this, but I like it. A high 6 I'd say.

22. PLANET ROCK – THE ROYAL TEENS

I forgot about this one and did not have it on MP3, but I do now. Not
great, but worth having.

24. SAIL ALONG SILVERY MOON – BILLY VAUGHN

Yeah, I like this too. The flip side stinks though.

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These 2 instrumentals were getting so much airplay from an album that
Atlantic issued them on an EP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NrXGUX2SMc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y008ASwue1A


FROM CASH BOX ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 30, 1957

RAY CHARLES EP SELLING LIKE A HIT SINGLE!

When The Great Ray Charles (Atlantic LP 1259) was released a few weeks
ago, we knew that we had an album of unusually strong commercial
potential. Yet we did not foresee that “Doodlin'" and “Sweet Sixteen Bars,” two selections in the LP, would generate so much spontaneous air
play. Our distributors clamored for an EP coupling the two numbers and
we rushed it out in a plain brown wrapper. First in Philadelphia and
later in Atlanta, Chicago and a variety of other cities, the Ray Charles
EP began moving like a hit single. Now available in a green, white and
black hard cover sleeve, EP 597 is the juke box and retail buy of the
season.

THE GREAT RAY CHARLES ATLANTIC EP 597

THE CURRENT ATLANTIC EP RELEASE

EPs 593, 594, 595 & 596
Chris Connor Sings The George Gershwin Almanac of Song
EP 597 The Great Ray Charles
EP 598 That Satin Doll / Carol Stevens
EP 599 Mood Jazz / Joe Castro
EP 600 New Orleans Blues /Wilbur De Paris and Jimmy Witherspoon
EP 601 Ballads and Blues / Milt Jackson
EP 602 The Warm Sound / Frances Wayne
EP 603 The Modern Jazz Quartet
EP 604 The Jimmy Giuffre Three
EP 605 Rock With Clyde McPhatter
EP 606 Rock With Joe Turner
EP 607 Rock With Ray Charles
EP 608 Rock With Ivory Joe Hunter
EP 609 Rock With Chuck Willis

ATLANTIC RECORDING CORPORATION
167 WEST 57 STREET, NEW YORK 19. N.

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On Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:21:20 +0000, Bruce wrote:

On Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:17:39 +0000, Roger wrote:

20 FAVE INSTRUMENTAL RECORDS

TODAY........FROM 1957

6. BIG GUITAR – FRANK DE ROSA & D-MEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhdZHP_TgZ8

Did not know it, downloaded it, worth having.

13. THE BIG WHEEL – CLIFTON CHENIER >>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6jV6JpB2g4

After a stint on Specialty Clifton Chenier arrives at Chess and seals
his debut with this outing on Argo “The Big Wheel” in February 1957. In an odd turn of events it is released with TWO flipside titles---either “Standing On The Corner” or “Where Can My Baby Be” depending on which copy you have.

No,I don’t know why either---the weird thing is THEY ARE BOTH THE SAME SONG! Just two different titles.

I'm guessing they changed the title due to publishing problems with
"Standing On The Corner" Because of the vocal hit of the prior year. As
far as "The Big Wheel,"

Sounds plausible to me

17. POT LIKKER – WASHBOARD BILL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_4Quw346rM

Regardless of what it says on the label it’s King Curtis here serving up >> a very tasty dish.Not sure what the story is here perhaps Bruce can fill
us in why its credited this way on the single? WARNNG! I see several
clips of this on YT but all have very small viewing figures (the one
used here has only 75 views In TEN YEARS!! (strongly hinting a USA
ban).If it > don’t work for you let > me know I’ll get Larry to repost >> it or send mp3 if
you wish

I never heard of it before, but I would guess that it doesn't saying
Curtis because it's a King recording and he was signed to Atlantic at
the time.

The video was banned here, but this one works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeOLEPlkHSA

Ditto response here

19. TRAIL BLAZER – IKE TURNER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qM1glERzfI

His adios record to the Federal label and his last 45rpm outing in 1957
(his next record in 1958 On Tune Town will introduce one “Little Ann” on >> vocals---absolutely no prizes for guessing her true identity 😊- meantime >> same notes (re lineup etc) apply here as to #14 above.

Did not know it. Sounds like the Baja Mirimba band.

The Baja Marimba Band didn't get much airplay over here which suited me
fine

BUBBLING UNDER

22. PLANET ROCK – THE ROYAL TEENS

I forgot about this one and did not have it on MP3, but I do now. Not
great, but worth having.

Always liked this decent little instrumental. The flip of course of the
horrid "Short Shorts" that I always abhored

24. SAIL ALONG SILVERY MOON – BILLY VAUGHN

Yeah, I like this too. The flip side stinks though.

Yes not exactly the greatest version of "Raunchy"

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On Wed, 29 Jan 2025 6:42:10 +0000, Roger wrote:

On Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:21:20 +0000, Bruce wrote:

22. PLANET ROCK – THE ROYAL TEENS

I forgot about this one and did not have it on MP3, but I do now. Not
great, but worth having.

Always liked this decent little instrumental. The flip of course of the horrid "Short Shorts" that I always abhored

We part company here. "Short Shorts" is easily the better side, and
would have been a really good record if there were no vocals. The
instrumental parts are easily the best parts of the record. It gets a 7
and is on my 1957 list.

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On Wed, 29 Jan 2025 7:09:36 +0000, Bruce wrote:

On Wed, 29 Jan 2025 6:42:10 +0000, Roger wrote:

On Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:21:20 +0000, Bruce wrote:

22. PLANET ROCK – THE ROYAL TEENS

I forgot about this one and did not have it on MP3, but I do now. Not
great, but worth having.

Always liked this decent little instrumental. The flip of course of the
horrid "Short Shorts" that I always abhored

We part company here. "Short Shorts" is easily the better side, and
would have been a really good record if there were no vocals. The instrumental parts are easily the best parts of the record. It gets a 7
and is on my 1957 list.

This might be an example of a geographical thing. I'm always amazed that
I never met an American that didn't like "Short Shorts" at least a
little but OTOH I never met anyone on this side of the pond who liked it
at all

And what about Tiny Bradshaw's version?

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On Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:37:04 +0000, Bruce wrote:

Here is what I have for 1957 instrumentals. This was probably the best
year for instrumentals.

89 ¦ Raunchy ¦ Bill Justis

Easily the best version! #59 on my 1957 faves list and a 9

136 ¦ Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu (part 2) ¦ Huey
"Piano" Smith

SHIT!! Looks like I forgot this one when compiling my 1957 list. I'll
add it in it'll be at least a very high 8 (I have the "A" side as a 10)

157 ¦ 7-11 ¦ Gone All Stars

#567 - 7

188 ¦ Leap Frog ¦ Chuck Alaimo Quartet

#319 - 7

189 ¦ Walkin' With Mr. Lee ¦ Lee Allen

#483 - 7

285 ¦ Rockin' With The Duke ¦ Good Buddy (Buddy Lucas)

Look who posted this and then look at who forgot the add the thing in
his list

289 ¦ Driving Home (part 2) ¦ Paul Gayten

#1131 - 7

295 ¦ The Big Wheel ¦ Clifton Chenier

#706 - 7

418 ¦ Ram Bunk Shush ¦ Bill Doggett

#694 - 7

445 ¦ Quarter Party ¦ Al Smith

Didn't know this one. Pretty good I'll add it. A good 7 I'd think

458 ¦ Hard Times (The Slop) ¦ Noble "Thin Man" Watts

#192 - 8

485 ¦ March From The River Kwai and Colonel Bogey ¦ Mitch Miller

Despite liking the movie a lot never warmed to this tune

500 ¦ Johnny's House Party ¦ Jimmy Beasley

JUst a 6 for me

587 ¦ After School Rock ¦ Pancho Villa

Did not know this one. Need to hear it few times but I'll add it

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On Wed, 29 Jan 2025 7:23:49 +0000, Roger wrote:

On Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:37:04 +0000, Bruce wrote:

136 ¦ Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu (part 2) ¦ Huey
"Piano" Smith

SHIT!! Looks like I forgot this one when compiling my 1957 list. I'll
add it in it'll be at least a very high 8 (I have the "A" side as a 10)

I figured that was the case.

285 ¦ Rockin' With The Duke ¦ Good Buddy (Buddy Lucas)

Look who posted this and then look at who forgot the add the thing in
his list.

LOL

587 ¦ After School Rock ¦ Pancho Villa

Did not know this one. Need to hear it few times but I'll add it

This one is well known to 80+ year old collectors around here. I guess
Freed must have played it a lot for awhile or something.

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Here's a 1957 instrumental that I just discovered that's good IMO.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBmWYg1BHRo

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