The latest releases from Avid Records feature timeless music from two important artists.
During the 1950s, The Drifters were one of the most important Doo Wop bands, with lead singer Ben E. King eventually breaking away in 1960 to have a successful career of his own His thematic 1961 debut has King with strings mixing standards like “Sway” with his big hit “Amore”. His 1962 album has arrangements by Claus Ogerman and Jimmie Haskell, and includes the two classics “Stand By Me” and “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”. King taps into his inner Sam Cook for some popular tunes such as “Moon River “ and “Fever” the next time around. The 1958 version of The Drifters had lead singer Johnny Moore as well as saxist Sam “The Man” Taylor for a swinging “Drip Drop” and street corner symphony of “Ruby Baby”. King joins the Drifters in 1959 for a mix of strings and R&B on the eternal “Save The Last Dance For Me” as well as the memorable “I Count The Tears”. The last time vocal music was happy and innocent.
Lonnie Johnson was one of the most important guitarists of the early 20th century, mixing blues and jazz in a unique fashion appearing on recordings ranging from Louis Armstrong to Duke Ellington. Here, he’s found in the late fifties and early sixties, playing country blues on “Rocks IN My Bead” and “Drifting Blues” on an ep and getting folksy on “Careless Love” , showing his finger picking style on ”Hot Fingers” and “Two Tone Stomp”. Johnson keeps it Spartan on a 1962 recording with intimate solo work on “Bow Legged Lady” , “Another Night To Cry” and a thoughtful “Blues After Hours”. Pianist and vocalist Victoria Spivey joins with Johnson for some of her own compositions, such as “I’m A Red H ot Mama”, “Grow Old Together” and “Christmas Without Santa Claus” as well as some solo piano reads such as “A Big One” and “Beautiful World”. Down home style.