Lonesome Town

“Lonesome Town” was written by Baker Knight.  Ricky Nelson’s version became a hit single in the United States, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958. The song was also featured on his 1959 album, Ricky Sings Again.

The Ventures released a version on 1961 on their album The Ventures.

My instrumental arrangement actually uses a setting closer in spirit to Ricky Nelson’s version than the Ventures.

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(theme from) Silver City

The “(theme from) Silver City” was released by the Ventures on their 1961 album, “Colorful Ventures”. This album featured a color in every song title. It was also released as a single that year, but did not chart.

The music was written by composer/arranger/producer Hank Levine, and — though it sounds like it could be — it is not a Western movie theme.

My version is more an arrangement than a cover.

Baja

“Baja” was a surf-rock single in 1963. Strictly speaking it was a “hit”, as it did crack the Billboard Hot 100 — peaking at #94. Released by a Colorado-based group called the Astronauts, it was written by Lee Hazlewood, known for being Duane Eddy’s producer and co-writer. It was also covered by the Ventures.

My version starts out in a manner similar to the original, but works in a few rhythmic changes to add a bit of variety.

Hot Wings Blues

“Hot Wings Blues” is an original jazz/funk/fusion track. The bass line was inspired by Jaco’s work in “The Chicken”.

One Morning Before

“One Morning Before” is another original instrumental composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with a somewhat more sophisticated musical and harmonic language than was typical for that genre. With this one I tried to get a feel similar to the early 60’s style of the Shadows.

You Must Be

“You Must Be” is an experiment. Having just finished it, I’m not sure how I think it turned out. Perhaps you can let me know what you think.

The track is something of a mashup of several of my major influences: Smooth Jazz, Jazz Fusion, 80’s Pop Ballads, and Hank Marvin with the Shadows.

When We Say Goodbye

“When We Say Goodbye” is another original instrumental composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with a somewhat more sophisticated musical and harmonic language than was typical for that genre. With this one I tried to get a feel similar to the early 60’s style of the Shadows.

I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Arthur

“I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Arthur” was the “B-Side” on the Shadows 1965 single “The War Lord” which was their last top 20 UK hit in the 1960s.

Despite the rather silly title, the tune — composed by bassist John Rostill — is actually pretty cool with a nice Rockabilly swing. I would describe my rendition as a “loose cover”.

Shadow Stomp

“Shadow Stomp” is another original instrumental composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with a somewhat more sophisticated musical and harmonic language than was typical for that genre. With this one I tried to get a feel similar to the early 60’s style of the Shadows – and specifically like their “riff-oriented” boogie tunes.

Bombay Duck

“Bombay Duck” was the “B-side” to the Shadows 1967 single “Maroc 7”. I’d describe it as something of a “novelty” number, as it is a caricature of Indian/Asian music.

My arrangement is a cover, but I did not attempt to duplicate the exact sounds of the original recording.

“Bombay Duck”,  by the way, is a type of fish native to the oceans around India.

What a Lovely Tune

“What a Lovely Tune” was released as the “B-side” to the Shadows 1962 top 5 UK hit, “Guitar Tango”. Written by members Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett, the original features a prominent spoken voice-over. I have eliminated this and focused on the music.

Station Break

“Station Break” is another original instrumental composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with a somewhat more sophisticated musical and harmonic language than was typical for that genre. With this one I tried to get a feel similar to the early 60’s style of the Shadows.

Stars Fell on Stockton

“Stars Fell on Stockton” was the “B-side” to the Shadows #1 1962 UK hit “Wonderful Land”. Song-writing credit is shared by the four band members at the time:  Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch, Jet Harris, and Brian Bennett.

My version is basically a cover.

The Breeze and I

“The Breeze and I” is based on original solo piano piece entitled Andalucía, written by the Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona as part of his Suite Andalucía in 1928. English lyrics were added in 1940 by Al Stillman.

The Shadows used an arrangement by their producer, Norrie Paramor, as the “B-side” to their 1963 #1 UK hit “Foot Tapper”. This version is accompanied by an orchestra.

My arrangement is based on — and borrows heavily from the Shadows version. However, I left out the strings and woodwinds and added a couple of interludes borrowed from another source. See if you can identify it!

Alice in Sunderland

“Alice in Sunderland” appeared as the “B-side” to the Shadows 1965 single “Sting Ray”, as the title track on an EP (Extended Play 45) that same year, and in 1970 on the compilation album “Mustang”. Song-writing credit was shared by all four band members.

I would describe my rendition as a “loose” cover.