I found this lp in a Charity shop during one of my endless trawls in the hope of finding something worthwhile, which is not very often, and I must admit that I was attracted by the cover. Well, who wouldn't be?
I paid £1 and never even looked at the vinyl which I was intending to dump and just keep the sleeve. When I did look, it was an absolute train wreck, full of scratches, scuffs and it sounded terrible when played. But there was something about the music which interested me. Well played, lightly swinging and reminiscent of music I remember hearing on the radio during my youth. So, I decided to attempt some kind of restoration.
I made at least three different rips from the lp before I got the best 'original sound' and then spent hours on restoration trying to get a decent end product. It was probably far longer than it warranted but having started I just couldn't give it up.
The end product is far from perfect but I was quite pleased with it and so here it is. A labour of love.
For those who love trivia, the model on the cover is Mavis Ascot. No, I didn't make it up and I've never heard of her either.
Apart from the very well known Jack Emblow on accordion, the musicians are unknown and the music was recorded in 1962 (issued in 1963) for Embassy which was a Woolworth's record label.
I since discovered that the lp is quite a sought after cult item and sells for quite high sums. BJ spares no expense in bringing this music to you.
Unknown - alto (09), clarinet
Unknown - piano
Jack Emblow - accordion
Unknown - guitar
Unknown - bass
Unknown - drums
01 The Gypsy In My Soul (Boland, Jaffe) (2:03)
02 Tangerine (Schertzinger, Mercer) (1:42)
03 Poor Little Rich Girl (Coward) (2:39)
04 Our Love Is Here To Stay (Gershwin) (2:47)
05 That Old Black Magic (Mercer, Arlen) (2:33)
06 Love Is Just Around The Corner (Gensler, Robin) (2:30)
07 Last Night On The Back Porch (Schraubstader) (1:47)
08 All The Things You Are (Kern) (2:06)
09 Babette (Herbert) (2:32)
10 A Foggy Day (Gershwin) (2:22)
11 Beautiful Love (Young, King, Van Alstyne- Haven, Gillespie) (2:55)
12 I Hear Music (Loesser, Lane) (1:48)
13 Just In Time (Comden, Green, Styne) (2:03)
14 Vilia (Lehar) (2:12)
Label: Embassy WLP 6056
Recorded: 1962
Lineage: LP>FLAC
Very nice post!
ReplyDeleteThank you, bluebird and Rodney, for the hard, but lovely, work. Uuuu... Mavis Ascot was cute.
They certainly don't make covers like this anymore and a nice set of tunes to boot,going to be an interesting listen I'm sure.Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAh! Nothing like a bit of diversification, and an Embassy record to boot. The label is very collectable. I have to say the cover tops the music and brings back memories . . . playing with housewives, eh!! My eyes are watering, I'd better sign off. Thanks, you have a brilliant blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. I have a few rips of his albums but mostly French themed I think. You can check out a 1959 'Music While You Work' broadcast by the sextet on the 'Masters of Melody' site.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.turnipnet.com/mom/jackemblow.htm
Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis looks pleasant - I'm going to give it a listen.
ReplyDeleteThank you, bluebird and Rodney.
bluebird many thanks. all your work worthwhile and sound quality very good. fine music. very fine clarinet and I put Henry MacKenzie in the frame. most likely candidate for guitar would be Judd Proctor.
ReplyDeleteAh! Dear old Woolies. When they did everything as long as it could be paid for in small change. And even produced their own records, having the cheek to name them "Embassy" as if they originated in Embassy Row (or at least the Hyde Park Gardens area). I have a distinct memory that many of them were pressed in a plastic that did not much resemble vinyl, or am I wrong? - and Jack Emblow on the wireless, the BBC Light Programme. Frequently popping up to add musical accompaniment to many variety shows and helping the Cliff Adams Singers in "Sing Something Simple" if my memory is not playing tricks? Surely the LP title is a rip off from "Housewives' Choice".
ReplyDeleteThanks, you've made me feel 50 years younger, even if this is a few streets away from jazz.
Great post!
ReplyDeleteMany, many thanks from Rome.
emblow -- still with us -- was an ubiquitous session musician. was there another session accordionist ? long associated with george chisholm and the scot's london clique -- clan ? fine musician who didn't need to play jazz, but did. with chis also on 'back & white minstrel show' -- whatever we think of that. title this album combines two BBC perennials 'Hosewives' Choice' and 'Workers' Playtime'.
ReplyDeleteThe cover shows a good early example of multi-tasking.
ReplyDeletePolishing the radiogram with her behind (unless there is a hidden sexual meaning here - or was that washing machines?), brush in one hand ready to sweep and about to drink a cup of tea with the other. And eat a slice of cake. And wearing high heels and full make up with perfect hair. She's probably just taken the dog for a walk and popped a casserole in the oven ready for husband's return from work.
Aren't women versatile - you too bellawoods.
Thanks Rodney. Fun record. I love jazzy accordion records.
ReplyDelete"...wearing high heels and full make up with perfect hair. She's probably just taken the dog for a walk and popped a casserole in the oven ready for husband's return from work."
ReplyDeleteThe cover is certainly a trip back in time and by the description the music is sure to be also. Thanks so much, bluebird, for all the effort that went into sharing this rarity with us. Perhaps I should prepare some canapes and a martini to go with the listening.
Thanks Bluebird though accordion is usually a turn-off for me. Worth it for the cover!
ReplyDeleteCan't resist a rarity. Many thanks, Rodney and bluebird.
ReplyDeletehttps://cjoint.net/?iof4cp5g49
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