Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Viscounts - Harlem Nocturne | The Viscounts were quite a band in their day. They were Bobby Spievak - guitar, Joe Spievak - bass, Larry Vecchio - keyboards, Harry Haller - sassy sax, and Clark Smith - drums. The Viscounts' lone 1959 hit was a cover of "Harlem Nocturne." This album was originally issued in 1960, but was reissued in 1966. The label, Amy was the sister label to Mala (Ronnie & the Daytonas), and was owned Bell Records. "Harlem Nocturne" was written by Earl Hagen, a man whose name appeared on many television theme songs as writer. His sense of melody and sultry style were unsurpassed. |
Picks: Harlem Nocturne, Chug-A-Lug, I Cover The Waterfront, Dig, September Song, Opus 1, Le Grisbi (The Touch), Viscount Rock, Summertime, Along The Navajo Trail, Sophisticated Lady, When The Saints Go Marching In
Track by Track Review
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
The Viscounts' spectacular 1959 hit was a cover of "Harlem Nocturne" was reissued again in 1960 and 1966 after selling out of the first pressing. It features the very intense and sultry sax of Harry Haller, which drives this track with the danger of a back alley. The throbbing vibrato guitar adds to the ominous sound. This is one magnificent track.
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
This is an early Neal Hefty (Bat Man television theme, Munsters, etc.) tune. It is very surfy for a presurf tune. Military drums, vibrato, guitar lead, great sax lines, and splendid spirit.
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
This country classic has been garaged into submission, twanged into twilight. Wish I could place the name of it, but it escapes me now. Anyway, it's a fun party kinda hoe-down.
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
What a pretty track. The Hawaiian steel second guitar sets the ambiance against which this fine melody is displayed. The melody hints of a haole on big island... splendid. Great tone and a catchy melody, and pristine performance and sound.
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
This is a very Shadows-like tune, glimmering with great tremolo, and an understated delivery. The sounds are beautiful. The fluid melody line is more than friendly, with lush romantic flows, and a lilting innocence that drops your guard and makes instant friends. Very satisfying.
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
High spirited, almost King of Hawaii like in melody structure and pacing. This is a spectacular track. It is infectious, pristine, melodic, and very fun. It has a kinder-gentler Cruel Sea break, a divine friendliness, and a full round sound. The whammy dips are cool, and any would proud to have created this. Absolutely great!
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
Jean Wiener's MOR standard turned small smoky club combo sleazy by this fine band. Throbbing and cool.
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
Fine acoustically second guitar supports a slow country two-step sensibility and a Shadows soul. Like formal country, if there can be such an oxymoronic genre. Very pretty.
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
Cowboys ridin' with chaps flapping and scarves flying in the breeze. This is just so wonderful. Is this in the Mermen's set these days? I think so. Rhythmic, infectious, brilliantly structured, playful, and artful. , Instantly creates a bond with your inner cowboy (or cowgirl). Yee-ha!
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
This is a mighty pretty tune, with haunted keys, and a formal air, like a sophisticated upper crust afternooner on the South lawn, a minuet for the great outdoors. Very visual, and very pretty.
Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
Effervescent, slightly hokey, Shadows tonality, and croissants all around. Like a sophisticated line dance, it giggles under the black-and-white garb. Very cool.
When The Saints Go Marching In Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)
Slow and sinewy, reminding me of Jade Warrior's "Snow Queen," with it's metered artful melody line and oriental flair. It has a quiet drama, and a sense of well being slightly overshadowed by a passing sadness. This is simply stunning.