Green Eyes

“Green Eyes” was written in 1929 i(n Spanish) under the title “Aquellos Ojos Verdes” (“Those Green Eyes”) by with lyrics by Adolfo Utrera and music by Nilo Menéndez.

It has become very popular in Spanish, English and instrumental versions over the years.

I have not been able to find a recording by the Ventures, but the Shadows recorded a version in 1967 on their album “Jigsaw”. However, I really do not consider this the best period for the Shadows…perhaps in 1967 they were struggling a bit given the extremely creative and progressive musical environment at the time. 1967 saw “the summer of love” and the release of “Sergeant Peppers” and “Are You Experienced”, among others. At this time the Shadows were trying to modernize their sound — which did not always result in their best work.

In any event, my version is more like one the Shadows might have released in their earlier days.

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Dean’s Theme

“Dean’s Theme” was originally a track on the Shadows 1964 album “The Sound of the Shadows”. Songwriting credit is given to leader Hank Marvin and bassist John Rostill. It also appeared on an EP.

It’s an interesting tune, and while not unheard-of, it is not typical of their style, being in a “smoky jazz” feel. It also appears that the original recording did not involve rhythm guitarist Bruce Welch.

My version is pretty much a straight cover.

Adios Muchachos

“Adiós muchachos” is a tango composed in 1927 by Argentinian pianist Julio César Sanders and Argentinian poet César Vedani. It is a fairly popular tune, having appeared in a number of movies and television shows — including a performance by Desi Arnaz in a 1952 episode of “I Love Lucy”.

In 1963, the Shadows included an instrumental version on their EP (Extended Play) release titled “Los Shadows”. All four selections were by Spanish or Latin American composers.

My rendition is basically a cover of the Shadows version, minus the strings and orchestra.

Las Tres Carabelas

“Las Tres Carabelas” is a song composed in 1955 by Augusto Algueró (1934 – 2011) who was a Spanish arranger, and composer. The title means “The Three Galleons” and refers to Columbus’ three ships, the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria.

In 1963, the Shadows included an instrumental version on their EP (Extended Play) release titled “Los Shadows”. All four selections were by Spanish or Latin American composers.

My rendition is basically a cover of the Shadows version, minus the strings and orchestra.

The Green Leaves of Summer

“The Green Leaves of Summer” was composed by Dimitri Tiomkin with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. The song was written for the 1960 film The Alamo. It was performed in the film’s score by the vocal group The Brothers Four. In 1961 the song was nominated for an Academy Award.

The Ventures included an instrumental version of the song on their 1961 album “Colorful Ventures” — each track of which had a color in the title. While my instrumental arrangement was inspired by theirs, it is not a cover — and actually the arrangement is arguably more in the manner of Hank Marvin and the Shadows than the Ventures.

 

Waiting for the Rain

“Waiting for the Rain” 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.

Theme from Prairie Dawn

“Theme from Prairie Dawn” 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.