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”.

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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!