Percussion in Hi-Fi: David Carroll and His Orchestra (1956) + Dick Schory's New Percussion Ensemble (1960) [HDTT 2013]

In the early days of Stereo, record companies were always looking for ways to show off the capabilities of this new format. One musical genre that met with great success was instrumental pop, and especially percussive releases…

Dick Schory was perhaps the greatest star of the many artists working in the percussive pop field that was so popular in the late '50s. After getting his recording start on the Bel Canto label, he soon after signed with RCA - and, as they say, the rest is history. His smash hit album, "Music for Bang, Baa-room and Harp," is to this day is an audiophile staple, considered by many to be one of the greatest recordings of all time. Performed in the great, pre-"improvement" Orchestra Hall in Chicago, this disc stands to this day as one of the greatest percussion "show off" discs ever made. Schory's second release, the less known "Music to Break any Mood Percussion! From Melody to Madness," was also recorded in the same hall by famed RCA staff engineer Lewis Layton, but never reached the heights of popularity enjoyed by "Bang, Baroom." However, "Music to Break Any Mood" proved to be another audiophile showcase in its own right. Never released on CD, the original vinyl and even rarer reel to reel are still much sought after by audiophiles in the know.

David Carroll, a famous bandleader in the 1950's and 1960's, also jumped on the percussive pop bandwagon, and released several titles including his greatest hit, "Percussion in Hi-Fi" which was recorded on June 4, 1956, and released by Mercury a few years later. Engineered by Bill Putnam of Universal Recording Corp., this recording is simply incredible - and in many ways surpasses "Music for Bang, Baa-room and Harp." You'll be amazed that a recording that's over 55 years old sounds this good, and it makes us all wonder what's really been gained in the ensuing half century of so-called "progress!" Interestingly, Dick Schory was a guest performer on "Percussion in Hi-Fi," which, musically speaking, may be considered as perhaps a bit more "serious" than the RCA release. Sit back and let us bring you back to the late 1950s - considered by many to be the golden age of stereo - and enjoy!

Tracklist:

01 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - Caravan
02 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - Speak Low
03 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - South Rampart Street Parade
04 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - Walkin' My Baby Back Home
05 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - Fascinating Rhythm
06 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - Safari Anyone?
07 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - Autumn in New York
08 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - Fly Now, Pay Later
09 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - I'll Remember April
10 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - Tortilla
11 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - Stranger in Paradise
12 - Dick Schory’s New Percussion Ensemble - A Foggy Day
13 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - Hell's Bells
14 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - Bali Ha'i
15 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - The Chimes Of Swing
16 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - Malaguena
17 - David Carroll and His Orchestra -Discussion In Percussion
18 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - Quiet Talk
19 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - Chatter
20 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - Controversy
21 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - Jungle Drums
22 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - The Cricket
23 - David Carroll and His Orchestra - Spanish Symphonique

"Schory" part: Recorded in 1960 at Orchestra Hall, Chicago
Recording Engineer Lew Layton. Produced by Bob Bollard
Arranged and conducted by Dick Schory.

"Carroll" part: Recorded in 1956 at Universal Recording Corp.
Recording Engineer: Bill Putnam. Musical Director: David Carroll.

Source used for Transfer "Melody to Madness" RCA 4-track tape
Source used for Transfer "Percussion in Hi-Fi" Mercury 2-track tape


Thanks to the Original customer!