The Work Song
“The Work Song” was composed by jazz trumpter Nat Adderley (brother of Julian “Cannonball” Adderley). It first appeared as the title cut on his 1960 album. The tune was given lyrics and covered the following year by Oscar Brown Jr. on his album “Sin And Soul…and then some” and has become a standard in both vocal and instrumental forms.
Versions exist by many artists. It was recorded by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass and the Ventures.
My version is instrumental guitar rock, but is not based on anyone else’s arrangements.
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.
Greenfields
“Greenfields” was a huge hit for the Brothers Four in 1960, selling over a million copies, and reaching #2 on the singles charts. Part of the folk music boom that included the Kingston Trio, Peter Paul and Mary and the Chad Mitchell Trio, the song was written by and first recorded Terry Gilkyson, Frank Miller, and Richard Dehr who comprised a folk music group called the Easy Riders.
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 lead guitar part is arguably more in the manner of Hank Marvin than the Ventures.
Business Ventures
“Business Ventures” is another original instrumental composition in which I try to combine the feel of 60’s instrumental guitar rock with a somewhat more complex 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 surf rock and the Ventures.
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