Variety (March 1956)

MUSIC P'SftlETY Vednesday, March 21, 195 (j Jocks, Jukes and Disks Album Reviews By MIKE GROSS Bill Haley & His Comets: "R- 0 -C-K”-"The Saints Rock ’N’ Roll" (Decca). Bill Haley continues strong in the rockin' idiom with the simply titled "R-O-C-K." It s not much different from Haley s previous wax outings, but the jocks and jukes are still high on the beat and side should go far. It'll also get an added push via its showcasing in the upcoming Columbia pic, "Rock Around The Clock.” Reverse is a rock 'n' roll version of the dixieland fave, "When The Saints Come Marching In." It’s okay for some kicks. Charlie Applewhite: "I Could Have Danced All Night"-"Shangri- La" (MGM). Charlie Applewhite is headed for big returns with “I Could Have Danced All Night," his first outing for MGM. It’s a class ballad out of the current Broad¬ way click. "My Fair Lady,” and Applewhite gives it a solid roman- is just adequate platter fare. Ar¬ rangement is too reminiscent of the?clicko "16 Tons." Mantovani Orch: "Candlelight"- "Spring In Montmarte" (London). Once again Mdntovani has come up with two instrumentals accent¬ ing the lush melody lines. Both sides are good programming bets that’ll please a wide aud. "Candle¬ light" has the spinning edge. Buddy Bregman Orch: "Picnic"- "Riviera" (RCA Victpr). Theme from the Columbia pic, "Picnic,” is okay instrumental fare which Buddy Bregman turns into an at¬ tractive shellac entry via top ar¬ ranging and tootling. It rates dee- jay attention. "Riviera" Is a light¬ hearted piece fashioned with a brisk beat. George Cates Orch: "Moonglow’ - “Rio Batucada" (Coral). George Cates’ version of the oldie,, "Moon- glow," could come out of left field Best Bets LAWRENCE WELK and his CHAMPAGNE MUSIC 239th Consecutive Week Aragon Ballroom—Ocean Park, Cal. ABC-TV—Sat. 9-iO P. M. EDT Sponsored by • Dodge Dealers of America BILL HALEY & HIS COMETS .R-O-C-K (Decca) .•• .. The Saints Rock V Roll CHARLIE APPLEWHITE . COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT • (MGM) ..... Shangri-La DON CHERRY..WILD CHERRY (Columbia) ....I'm Still a King to You JIMMY GAVIN .JOHNNY ROLLING STONE. (Epic) . Rock Island Line tic reading. He’s in a similar groove on "Shangri-La " title tune from an incoming legit musical. Don Cherry: "Wild Cherry”-“I’m Still A King To You" (Columbia). Coupling of a stickout ballad, "Wild Cherry," and a hot rocking item. “I’m Still A King To You," gives Don Cherry a solid chance to follow his clicko "Band of Gold.” Standout blending of mel¬ ody and vocal on “Cherry" will get it the deejay nod but reverse follows the pattern set by "Band of Gold” which could sway the play. Jimmy Gavin: "Johnny Rolling Stone”-"Rock Island Line" (Epic). "Johnny Rolling Stone” gets new¬ comer Jimmy Gavin off to a fast start. It’s an offbeat entry that packs plenty of excitement via its blending of a rocking and folk- style beat. Gavin is an emotional singer who’s sure to pick up a big following. He covers “Rock Island Line” on the flip side. The Mariners: "The Large, Large House’’-"His Gold Will Melt” (Ca¬ dence). “The Large, Large House” is in the spiritual vein with enough pop overtones to earn it a whirl on the deejay turntables. The Marin¬ ers give it a socko vocal beat. "His Gold Will Melt," a folk-styled song, for a big score. Cates has given the melody an extra added attraction by inserting the background theme from "Picnic" and it comes off as an imaginative and charming piece. "Rio Batucada," oh the other hand, has a routine Latino lilt. Don Costa Orch: "Flamenco Love”-"Heart of Paris" (ABC-Para¬ mount). Don Costa has been turn¬ ing out some flavorsome arrange¬ ments for the ABC-Paramount pactees and now he’s done as much for himself. With “Flamenco Love,” Costa gets his best opportunity to score in the wax sweeps. “Heait of Paris,” a romantic instrumental, will also attract attention. Nick Perito’s harpsichord solo on “Fla¬ menco Love” and accordion work or. “Paris” rates a nod. Frances Wayne: "I’ve Grown Accustomed To His Face”-“Alone In New Orleans” (Epic). One of these releases Frances Wayne will' get hold of something that will lift her into the best seller lists. Al¬ though "I’ve Grown Accustomed To His Face," from the legituner "My Fair Lady,” is way above par as far as current ballads go, it’ll be a tough fight to pull it through. If the deejays get behind it, however, it could make it. Gordon MacRae gives the tune a not too interesting treatment on the Capitol label. To. square the gender, the title of the McRae slice has been changed to “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Your Face." "Aloi\e In New Orleans," on the Epic flip, doesn’t get to mean much. Caterina Valente: "Similau”- “The Way You Love Me” (Decca). “Similau” is an brisk item which Caterina Valente turns into excit¬ ing wax via her vibrant piping. She kicks it off in high gear and sus¬ tains the pace with slick styling. She’s also good on "The Way You Lcve Me," a less energetic offer¬ ing. Joe .Ward: "Mama Darling"- "Upsy Down Town" (King). Juve singer Joe Ward is way ahead of Mother’s Day with his song tribute, "Mama Darling." Moppet still is in the high-pitched class but hd knows how to follow a beat and deliver a lyric. Youngster turns to a novelty mood on “Upsy Down Town,” and does well by it, too. Richard Himber Orch: "Lbve Can Be A Stranger”-“Tom and Huck" (Rolls). Rhythmic py¬ ramids, longtime trademark of the Richard Himber orch styling, gets an attractive showcasing on "Love Can Be A Stranger.” Highlight of the side is Himber’s melodic pat¬ terns which may be novel enough these days to get it a good push on the deejay turntables. "Tom and Huck," on the reverse, has a pleasant lilt. Gene Krupa, who returns this week from a European tour with “Jazz at the * Philharmonic" will open at the Rouge ^Lounge, De¬ troit, with his trio, for one week starting April 2. Frank Sinatra: "Songs For Swin¬ gin’ Lovers" (Capitol). Once again Frank Sinatra has rounded up a flock of standard items to make up a compelling wax package. He’s been a solid album seller for Capi¬ tol since he started with "Songs For Young Lovers” a couple of years ago and this set will sustain the hot pace. The Nelson Riddle arrangements do the set a lot of good, but in the long run, it's the Sinatra style that brings the tunes home. He works over 16 standout oldies. Betty Bennett: "Nobody Else But Me" (Atlantic). Ex-band singer (Claude Thornhill, Charlie Ven¬ tura), Betty Bennett is a modern singer with old-fashioned tastes. She likes the standards and sh$ likes to tackle ’em with a new approach. So with arrangements by Shorty Rogers and Andre Previn, her husband, she updates a lot of faves in an attractive and fashionable manner. For those who think they’ve heard "Mountain Greenery," "You Took Advantage of Me.” "You’re Driving Me Crazy" and "Nobody Else But Me," among others, this set will be a revela¬ tion. Belmonte Orch: "Oha-Cha, Mer- engue, Bolero and Mambo" (Co¬ lumbia). Tag for this package is all inclusive and Belmonte captures the various Latino beats with an authoritative bounce. Set is a terp lure, but it's also good for those who like their chile kicks in an armchair. Especially good are Belmonte’s south-of-the-border ver¬ sions of such gringo items as “Learnin’ The Blues" and “12th Street Rag.” The Jazz Messengers: *'At The Cafe Bohemia" (Blue Note). This is Vol. 1 of a two-part set cut on the spot at the Cafe Bohemia, jazz nitery in'New York’s Greenwich Village. The Jazz Messengers have been attracting plenty of hipster attention during the past year and this LP shows why. The combo £ imaginative, inventive and W wheeling and packs a lot of ex' citement in their instrumental flights. It’s conceiveable that even the squares can get some message from the Messengers. Art Blakcv’q drums spark this package which includes "Soft Winds," "Alone Together" and "Minor’s Holiday.” Eddie Albert and Margo: (Kaon) Eddie Albert and Margo, his wife* whipped up a nitery act some years back which received some critical kudos. Both have a pleasant wav with a song, excellent taste and the know-how to get a tune across They work ensemble and solo with care and affection for the material. Included is Albert’s current poo entry (with Sondra Lee), “Little Child." Marian McPartland: "After Dark" (Capitol). Marian McPartland is a jazz pianist with a classic touch. When she takes over a pop stand¬ ard, it’s given a fresh meaning and a new importance but it never strays from the composer’s original intent. In this package, she high- tens the mood via a cello and harp assist. Backing her deft keyboard¬ ing are Bill Crow, bass; Joe Mo- rello, drums; Lucien Schmit, cello, and Betty Glamman and Margaret Ross sharing the harp assignment. Gros. Garner Into Basin St., N. Y. Erroll Garner set for a two-week stand at New York’s Basin Street starting April 26. He plays a special concert at Town Hall, N. Y., April 29. PAkIETY 10 Best Sellers tm Coin-Machines 1. POOR PEOPLE OF PARIS (5). 2. LISBON ANTIGUA (10) [ Les Baxter . Capitol ' \ Lawrence Welk . Coral ( Nelson Riddle . .Capitol ‘ \ Mitch Miller . Columbia Kay Starr . Victor Four Lads . Columbia 3. ROCK AND ROLL WALTZ (11) . Kay Starr . Victor 4. NO, NOT MUCH (6). Four Lads . Columbia f Dick Hyman Trio .MGM 5. MORITAT (7) .-j Hayman-August . Mercury L Billi/ Vaughn . Dot 6. GREAT PRETENDER (11) . Platters . Mercury 7. SEE YOU LATER, ALLIGATOR (7). Bill Haley's Comets . Decca BO WEEVIL (1) . 9. MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS (15) 10. BLUE SUEDE SHOES (1) . HEARTBREAK HOTEL JUKE BOX BABY. Second Group Platters . „..Mercury Bill Haley's Comets . Decca [Teresa Brewer ‘ . Coral ■{Fats Domino . Imperial | Dean Martin . Capitol \ Gale Storm . Dot Carl Perkins . Sun WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE EDDIE, MY LOVE SEVEN DAYS I’LL BE HOME A TEAR FELL . TUTTI FRUTTI LIPSTICK AND CANDY AND RUBBERSOLE SHOES. ARE YOU SATISFIED .. . .*. , Elvis Presley . Victor , Perry Como . Victor f Teen Agers .r. Gee . \ Diamonds . Mercury (Gale Storm . Dot f Chordettes . Cadence . -{ Fontane Sisters . Dot 1 Teen Queens . RPM j Crew-Cuts . Mercury ’ ( Dorothy Collins . Coral , ' Pat Boone . Dot . Teresa Brewer .. Coral ( Pat Boone . Dot ’ ( Little Richard . Specialty . Julius LaRosa . Victor r SATISFIED .. . .*. \ Rusty Draper . Mercury .] Sheb Wooley . MGM [Figures in parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Top 10] Songs With Largest Radio Audience The top 30 songs of week (more in case of ties), based on copyrighted Audience Coverage Index & Audience Trend Index. Published by Office of Research. Inc.. Dr. John Gray Peatman. Director. Alphabetically listed. *Legit musical. jFilm. tt TV. Survey Week of March 9-15, 1956 Ask Me .ABC Can You Find It in Your Heart.Witmark Dungaree Doll .Marks Eleventh Hour Melody.Paxton Flamenco Love .BVC Gal with the Yaller Shoes—1“Meet Me, Las Vegas". Miller Great Pretender .. Panther Hot Diggity.Roncom If You Can Dream—t "Meet Me In Las Vegas”...Feist Innamorata—t "Artists And Models"...Paramount It’s Almost Tomorrow .Northern Lisbon Antigua ..Southern Love Is Just Around the Corner.Famous Love Is the $64,000 Question...Tree Memories Are Made of This ..Montclare Moritat—*"Three Penny Opera" .Harms Most Happy Fella—*“Most Happy Fella". Frank Mr. Wonderful—*“Mr. Wonderful" .Laurel No, Not Much . ;.... Beaver No Other One.Meridian Nothing Ever Changes My Love for You.Marvin Poor People of Paris .Connelly Port-Au-Prince .Marks Rock and Roll Waltz .Sheldon Serenade—f“Serenade’ .Harms Sleepy Head..*Movietown Small Town .Amer. Acad. Stars Fell on Alabama .■.Mills Vino Vino—1"Rose Tattoo" ......Paramount We All Need Love .Remick When You're in Love—tt“High Tor" .Chappell Without You .Broadcast Top 30 Songs on TV (More In Case of Ties) A Little Love, a Little While—tt"High Tor".Chappell Addio Bimbo .'.Jubilee All.At Once You Love Her—*"Pipe Dream".Williamson Angels in the Sky....Ridgeway ■ Are You Satisfied.Cordial Band of Gold...!.!.!! Ludlow Eleventh Hour Melody .Paxton Everybody’s Got a Home But Me—*"Pipe Dream”.. Williamson Great Pretender .Panther John Barleycorti—tt“High Tor”.. Chappell Juke Box Baby . Winneton Lisbon Antigua . . Southern Living One Day At a Time—tt"High Tor".Chappell Madeira ...Ardmore Memories Are Made of This.......Montclare Moritat—*"Three Penny Op6ra" .’ ’Harms Mr. Wonderful—*"Mr. Wonderful" ..Laurel No, Not Much .’ ’ § ’ Beaver Once Upon a Long Ago—1 t"High Tor" .’.’.’..’.’.’Chappell Poor People of Paris. Connelly Rock and Roll Call .......Goday Rock and Roll Waltz .’.!!!!!!!!!.! Sheldon Rock Island Line ..*!.* .’!!.*!!]!!!!.*! Hollie Sad Is the Life of a Sailor’s Wife—tt"High Tor”.. Chappell ■ See You Later, Alligator'. Arc Tender Trap—1"Tender Trap"' 7.7.7.’.'.’V. .7. .7. Barton That’s Your Mistake.•... r.T Vibrations .. .c<h#»idnn .We All Need Love 7’ 7! 7! 7! 7! 7! J ISk. , When You’re in Loye—“ttljigh Tor”*'!. ..;.: .Chappell