Encore
Releases
Produced by Bumps Blackwell
Artists: Bumps Blackwell Orchestra
Songs:
Sale: I can make a copy, e-mail me for more information, always try Gemm
Liner Notes
Less than a year before his
record-smashing engagement at New York's internationally famous Copacabana, the
name SAM COOKE held no significance except to devoutees of spiritual music. That
short period of time unfolded a saga of succes seldom equaled in the history of
show business. One big record hit after another demonstrated that here was a
singer with something to say that not had been said before. Each succeeding hit
induced greater demands for appearances in the nation's top supper clubs and
with each club performance came a clamor for a "SAM COOK ENCORE."
This album has been created to record permanently some of these memorable performances which have excited hundres of thousans of patrons of after-dinner circuit. As the curtain is raised a tender impression is created with the delicate standard WHEN I FALL IN LOVE-and if you haven't fallen yet, you might after hearing the expressive lyrics as caressed by Sam. This is the same familiar purveyor of romantic atmosphere who has given so many young couples "their song". . . The program continues with I COVER THE WATERFRONT and the tempo picks up slightly but the proficiency of the master showman holds the audience in relaxed captivity . . . There is a thin line between love and fascination and the line becomes even thinner as you listen to Sam's rendition of MY FOOLISH HEART. This is the Sam Cooke touch in all its glory. He demonstrates his rare ability to literally live a lyric . . . The versatility of an accomplished performer unfolds as he chants TODAY I SING THE BLUES with original New Orleans authenticity . . Cliff White's soft guitar with a Flamenco flavor paces Sam's tantalizing gentle rendition of "the Gypsy". . . Sam's final ballad is in concert with his meteoric rise in the musical field as he truly is the THE TALK OF THE TOWN. . .
A flip of the record is the signal, and the relaxed becomes the swinger. Sit back and do just that as Sam sings OH LOOK AT ME NOW. The Bumps Blackwell Orchestra bounces along and Sam displays a "sing for the love of singing" quality, which has been such a big factor in his popularity . . . The tempo accelerates on "SOMEDAY," and Sam goes into second gear without losing any of his individualistic style or the famous Sam Cooke vocal capers . . . The momentum continues to gather with a fresh and distinctive arrangement of ALONG THE NAVAJO TRAIL. Evinving a rare musical conception that enables Sam to sell a song like this standard without sounding trite, stale or overdone. . . Everyone is on double time on RUNNING WILD but the tempo does nog bother Mr. Cooke as he sings along with the greatest of ease. Note how the trumpet section brings out of a quality of "trumpet brightness" in Sam's voice . . . A Johnny Mercer standard is a must in any top vocal album. This requirement is met with ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE. Sam jokingly enjoys himself on this selection as he calls for his own encore . . . The program closes with MARY, MARY LOU. Everyone now is in high gear and Sam gets a vocal boost from the group as he exhibits an almost spiritual quality in his voice. A touch of musical humor is added as Sam plays "cat and mouse" with a bright sax solo.
LOU ADLER
