I don't actually own a copy of today's record. It was recently auctioned at eBay, and while I failed to take ownership of the physical product, I loved it enough that I pursued another opportunity to own it digitally, at least. This just occurred this week, and I could hardly wait to share it with the world, or at least this small corner of it.
It not only features perhaps my favorite song-poem singer, Norm Burns, it also clearly dates from around the same time, and quite possibly the same recording date, as my favorite Norm record (and one of my three favorite song poems), "Darling, Don't Put Your Hands on Me" (which can be heard here, among other places). The label numbers are only four digits apart, and as you'll hear, there are other similarities, as well.
This song and performance are certainly not in the same league with "Darling, Don't Put Your Hands on Me" (and really, few records are), but it's got the same feel, instrumentation and energy - the same driving piano, tenor sax (which even plays some of the same fills as on the previous record) and unique Norm Burns style. And then, during the solo break, there's a lovely vocal surprise from Norm!
Download: Norman Burns, Lew Tobin's Orchestra - Sunshine Twist
Play:
The flip side, "The Wind and the Rose", is in poor condition, with a lot of surface noise at the start. This one is not up to the standard of the A-side, or even to Norm's average. It does, however, contain a rather interesting conversation - a bragging contest, of all things, between the title characters.
Download: Norman Burns, Lew Tobin's Orchestra - The Wind and the Rose
Play:
4 comments:
"Sunshine Twist" is wonderful. So happy.
I prefer the "Wind" song.
Long overdue to sing the praises of "Sunshine Twist"! Rockin'!!! This and "Let's Beat The Clock" are two of Norm at his most rockin'! Presumably that's him playing drums, too; he always knows when (and how!) to lay it down when need be! He can keep a little bossa nova beat cooking in the background, sure. But when it's time for the "Sunshine Twist".....watch out!
Thanks for sharing this with us, both the original owner, and Bob for hosting the party.
I love this song, and the record. BTW I am the owner of the pictured record. Bought it on eBay in 2013.
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