My record collection listening chain is a series of occasional posts working through my 7" single collection (and maybe other records as well). The general idea is that I started by posting about the first record in my collection, then asked readers to reply with a random number from 1 to 100. I would then choose someone at random, and count on from the last record posted about by the number they have chosen and post about that record. Then we'll rinse and repeat until we get bored! Oh, and I also chuck in a 5 Hive SBI reward to the chosen poster as a 'thank you for playing'!
Apologies for the delay on posting this - I did say it'd be an occasional series 😉 🤣
So, @tlundy47 was the poster of the randomly chosen reply. 5 Hive SBI have been sent, and the record 33 places on from Old Red Eyes is Back in my collection is...
Perhaps a bit of a surprise - but then maybe not as we've not got very far into my collection for you to form an opinion on my taste!
The provenance of this record is interesting, though. It isn't a record I bought. It is, however, one that played a part in the foundations of my love for music.
When I was young, we had an old radiogram at home. For those not versed in the ancient lore of home music systems, a radiogram was more a piece of furniture than something to play records on. It was like a sideboard that contained a record player, a radio - and often was big enough to have some storage for records as well.
Not the model we had, but you get the idea
My Mum and Dad had some records, but they were stored in two suitcases. Generally my Dad's records were the old 78's and lived in a big black suitcase. Elvis rubbed shoulders with xxxx - and I've no idea how more of these fragile discs didn't break being stored like that.
Mum's were more old 45's, and they were kept in a smaller brown case. I remember the garish mix of labels you saw as you opened it.
This record came from that collection that wended its way to me over the years. In all honesty, I don't recall playing this much. There were other records form the Parental Collection that I enjoyed more. But even so, pulling this record out brought back strong memories of sitting on the floor in the front room of our terraced house in Gainsborough, records spread out around me with the lid of the radiogram open. The smell of the rubber mat on the Garrard deck stays with me even now...
The title track is a lovely slice of jazz tinged mellowness.
While Before Sunrise adds some blues into the mix...
Ans St. Pete is a more traditional bluesy piano piece..
The EP continues in that slow laid back bluesy style up until the last track which kicks the blues up a notch or two.
It's all jolly good stuff, actually. Here's a handy YouTube playlist for the whole EP.
On re-listening for this it was great to just pop it on and let it flow over mw accompanied by a nice peaty single malt.
Given I was aware of Ray Charles and had heard bits and bobs by him, but recognise him the most from his Blues Brothers Cameo (oh, how I love the Blues Brothers), I really must make some time to listen more...
So, wanna join in and be in with the chance of winning 5 Hive SBI? Drop a reply to this post, and suggest a number from 1 to 100 for me to count on in my collection from Ray Charles. I'll choose a reply at random, the poster will get a sweet 5 Hive SBI and we'll see where we land and what record will be the subject of my next post.
If you fancy taking a listen to the music I make as well as collect, have a shufty round here --> gribblystuff!!
Cheers,
.g