Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

New Jersey's Viscounts were a very cool band. Their signature shimmering guitar was played by Bobby Spievak, his brother Joe Spievak played bass, Larry Vecchio played organ, Harry Haller's sassy sax made the nasty quotient rise, and Clark Smith's drums brought in a sleazy tribal foundation. The Viscounts' one 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. This CD is their album, plus all of their singles, and even some acetate demos. Also included is one vocal, "Oo-O-Wee." It is an original acetate demo, somewhat like the Rock-a-teens' "Woo Hoo," but with actual lyrics, and demonstrating why these guys were an instro band.

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, Wabash Blues, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Little Brown Jug, So Slow, Night Train, Sloppy Jalopy, Sweet Georgia Brown, Shadrach, This Place, Night Flight, A Girl Like You, Mark's Mood, Ballin' The Jack, Night For Love, Harlem Nocturne, Dig, Viscount Rock

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)

As one would expect from the title, it's in the grand tradition of the early Shadows, both in tone and melody style. It lies between Slaughter On Tenth Avenue sowed down, and Adventures In Paradise. Beautiful, and swimmingly liquid.

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)

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.

Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)

This single track starts out slow, moody, almost churchy, but suddenly drops into a raging sax monster that shreds mightily. Its stellar presurf combo instro wail is driven the the nasty sax and an almost surf guitar tone.

Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)

I can't count the number of times this has been covered by rock bands, from Duane Eddy and the Lancers, to this rousing rocker. Much tougher than most others, it's a honking sax fest with a really dirty rumble-on-the-docks feel. The quieted down slow fade out is quite dramatic.

Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)

Saucy slowed down moodiness, this was the B-side of "Wabash Blues." The growling organ under the harmonized sax-guitar duet provides a moody backdrop for a foggy night on the docks. The guitar in the break sports adequate reverb... quite cool.

Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)

From the first time James Brown morphed this standard into a rock 'n' roll classic, it's been a part of the scenery of rock. This is a solid, if not predictable version.

Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)

What a strange track. The girls are singing along out of key off mic, the band is playing it like they were a high school marching band, and the whole effect is very Stanford.

Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)

The sax is nasty enough, the guitar floats on a jazz pillow, and the organ has that Wailers growl. Like many a northwest single to follow, this track is a progression and a bunch of fun.

Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)

This original acetate demo is sorta in the style of "Harlem Nocturne," but more jazzy and detectivist, less shimmering and moody. The scenery is like an epilog to their earlier sound. Still, it's damn swell.

Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)

Saucy sax 'n' roll, soothing and nasty, and without a doubt, shimmering. Like a more R&B based take on the "Harlem Nocturne" theme, this is quite dramatic. The toms are tribal, and the sound primal.

Dramatic Pre Surf (Instrumental)

With percussion that straddles the line between the caravan harem and the Las Vegas runway, this stellar tune is simply magical. It shimmers, it writhes and undulates, and it grabs you.