Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Ron Ayres, Piano and Rhythm • Friendly Persuasion [1962] Richmond Percussive Stereo Series/London Records RPS 39008

 



The Richmond was a London-owned budget label that released albums in the United States from 1958 to 1963. The albums were often abridged versions of albums previously issued on the London label, and sold for $1.98 each. In addition to mono and stereo vinyl albums, many of the numbers were issued on reel-to-reel tape. 

The Richmond Percussive Stereo series used a white label with a light blue field starting above the center hole. Print was black. The series was printed in England and sold both in the UK and US, selling for $3.98 here. The first 12 albums were all issued in a group during the week of August 11, 1962, but apparently did not sell as well as London had hoped, because, after the first 12, the series was abandoned in the US.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Bela Babai ("King of The Gypsy Violin") and His Orchestra • Gypsy Moods [1957] Epic Records LN 3363

 



Billboard July 1, 1957:
"A virtuoso performance in schmaltz.  The sound of Babai's violin, the cymbalom (cimbalom), cellos, etc., will make women desert their husbands and mothers their babies.  Dealers with buyers addicted to this Romany music should by all means stock this item.  It is authentic, throbbing, and full of fire.  Strong men will smash seltzer bottles on the floor.  Included are Monte's "Czardas," "Fly My Swallow," and the pseudo-gypsy "Le Canari" ("Hot Canary")."

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

The Magical World of Melody [Reader's Digest 10 LP Box Set] [1964] Reader's Digest RD16-K (Auto Sequenced)

 





"The best-loved melodies by 20 of the world's most popular composers"

Scans of the 24-page booklet are included! (1000 dpi resolution)