CD 192599 ROCKIN' HOT

Tracks: Big Sandy / Real Wild Child / Laguna Beach (instr.) / Red Hot / No Limit / Junior (instr.) / Rock & Roll Guitar / Baby Blue / Saturday Night At The Duckpond (instr.) / Tailspin (instr.) / You Know What I Mean / Everybody's Got A Baby / Red Hot Navigator (instr.) / University Boulevard (instr.) / Rock This Joint / Steamroller Blues / Journey To The Stars (instr.) / Rockabilly Boogie / Big Little Baby / The Wedge Paradiso (instr.) / The Way I Walk / Burning Love

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CD 192628 DO IT WITH JOE'S COMBO!

Tracks: Thank You LM / Carolina's Theme / Twist Around The Strings / Blue Dreams / On The Track / Night Train / When You're Gone (v) / Theme From Another Imagery Western / Pulaski / Joseph's Buffet / I'm Sorry / Get On The Floor And Dance (v) / Going Home (Theme From Local Hero) / Surfbored / Western Sun / Tomorrow's Cancelled / Oh Cindy (v) / Catalina Island / Django / Cherokee / Do It / Portrait / Tramino Boogie / Don't Tell Me (v) / Ghost Train

(from PIPELINE #50 - New Year 2001)

Named after their leader Jan-Olof Eriksson, Joe’s Combo have been missing from our pages for too long. Their last release was Time Out With Joe’s Combo on the Triola label which Dave reviewed back in Pipeline 24 - some six years ago. I believe that one’s still available and fortunately its predecessor, Portrait, has all six of its tracks included here.
Do It With Joe’s Combo confirms the classy, skilful approach that so impressed us right from the outset. The variety of material shows their many influences, the greatest being The Shadows. Strangely it’s the sheer range of material which allows a parallel to be drawn with the Shads’ ’60s albums, plus of course the quality of their performances. Actual Shadows covers are limited to just three. Brian Bennett’s Pulaski was definitely a highlight of the ’80s and Joe’s Combo capture its feel and dynamics perfectly. Going Home is a fine cover and Tomorrow’s Cancelled is quite uncannily spot on. Appeal will be much Whilst Shadows fans will love this CD because of the group’s background, its broaderThe Cliffters’ classic . Bert Weedon’s excellent rocker Ghost Train never sounded better and Django is as catchily melodic and sprightly as everof Stanley Myers’ . Portrait is a beautiful reading theme while Night Train rocks smoothly with just sufficient edge to make it interesting.
The originals come from guitarists Jan-Olof Eriksson and KG Johansson. There are richly twanged Marvin-style beat ballads such as Thank You LM and Catalina Island, slower HBM Fender melodies like Carolina’s Theme, Blue Dreams and I’m Sorry, plus the Shadoogie guitar beat of Tramino Boogie. There’s a tip of the hat to the Euro echo sound on Twist Around The Strings, and those great galloping ’60s guitar singles are recalled on Western Sun.
Like Night Train, the title track is more of an American-styled rocker from the Ventures early period. Theme From Another Imaginary Western successfully mines the spagwest seam while Surfbored melds several surf trademarks into a rich medium-paced rocker.
If you’re after a guitar album of variety and guaranteed quality then look no further. Go Do It with Joe’s Combo!                          Alan Taylor

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CD EPM 696 (LET ME BE YOUR) NUMBER 72

Tracks: (Let Me Be Your) Number 72 / Let Me Try / 2.0.5. Junior / Puttin' On A Style



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CD C192688 FAMILY VALUES

Tracks: (Let Me Be Your) Number 72 / Tennessee / No Other Baby / Gina Don't You Run With Him / Brand New Cadillac / I'm Lonesome / Money (That's What I Want) / Rebound / 2.0.5. Junior (instr.) / Everyday / Nothing Shaking / Lend Me Your Comb / Dizzy Miss Lizzy / Dukes Of Hazzard Theme / Slow Down / Uranium Rock / Long Black Shiny Car / Well, All Right / I'm Talkin' About You / I'm Down / San Franscisco Bay Blues / (She'll Stay Just) One More Day / Slow Down / Santa Claus Is Back In Town

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CD 192497 THE BEST OF THE JOKERS vol. 1 (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Football Boogie, Apache, My Bonnie, Song Of Delilah, Sabre Dance, Rock Around The Clock, When The Saints Go Marching In, Tabou, Instant Coffee, Addis Abeba, Auld Lang Syne, Annie Laurie, Perdido, Summertime, Skokiaan, Brazil, Carioca, Caravan, Maria Elena, Memphis Tennessee

(from PIPELINE #27 - Summer 1995)

Volumes 1 & 2 contain a selection of 40 tracks from the 64 titles that comprised The Jokers' first five LPs released in Belgium over the two year period 1965-1966. They had released several singles from 1960 onwards but the mid-sixties was certainly their most profolic period. They may have sported the standard two guitars, bass and drums line-up, but The Jokers managed to produce their own invidual sound. This was based on a bright and clean lead guitar supported by a very precise rhythm section. The end result was particularly suited to Latin and Dutch Indo-rock songs and also led to some interesting versions of the more common instro fare. By programming for listening pleasure rather than slapping down tracks in their LP sequence, Rarity have done us a favour as the variety helps maintain the listener's interest. Go Latin! was a good LP in its own right but when interspersed with the other titles here these tracks have more impact. I'm not a lover of guitar versions of numbers like My Bonnie, Auld Lang Syne and Annie Laurie but Vol.1 does have has plenty of highlights to compensate. Apache, for instance, has an acoustic lead which adds rhat little touch of spark to the much covered fave. Song Of Delilah is a delightful Latin ballad and Sabre Dance rattles along apace, some four years before Love Sculpture too let me remind you. Tabou is utterly superb. It has all the atmosphere of The Shangaans' version but flows more smoothly, a lovely piece of exotica. Summertime gets a pumped up rhythm that drives along without losing its flavour although the fine rhythm of Memphis is not well-served by an acoustic lead that reduces the impact. Original rockers like Instant Coffee and Addis Abbeba more than hold their own in such company. (Alan Taylor)

CD 192499 THE BEST OF THE JOKERS vol. 2 (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Gemini Boogie, Black Eyes, Drina March, Down By The Riverside, Harry Lime Theme, Greyhound Express, Moscow Guitar, Ronny Boy, Walk Don't Run, Diamond Strings, Umoresco, La Cucaracha, Spanish Hully Gully, You Are Always In My Heart, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Gloria In Excelsis Deo, Hully Gully Stop, Sampam, Erica, Besame Mucho

(from PIPELINE #27 - Summer 1995)

Vol.2 is a similar mix that gets off to a grand start with Gemini Boogie prooving that boogies don't have to be boring. the jazzed-up group original Greyhound Express makes an interesting diversion and Moscow Guitar is a strident rendition of an eastern melody that bounds along vigorously. Even more strident is a Walk Don't Run ('64 style) that is curtly dismissed in 1 1/2 minutes. My favourite track is a wonderful slow ballad, Sampam, that was written by the group and is one of the best guitar ballads I have ever heard. Besame Mucho has a sweeping and swirling organ that blends neatly with the expressive lead and closes this second CD on a high note. (Alan Taylor)

CD 192500 vol. 3 RARITIES (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Silver Bells, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Silent Night, Joy To The World, First Nowell, Ave Maria, Adeste Fidelis, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Auld Lang Syne, Andalucia, Maria Dolores, El Choclo, Johnny Guitar, Cerezo Rosa, Luna Gitana, Gitanillo, Olas Del Dunabio (Donauwellen), Mantilla Espanola, Jezebel, El Toro Solitario, Caravan

(from PIPELINE #27 - Summer 1995)

Vol.3 comprises the 1964 Japan-only LP Beat On Christmas and the 1963 Spain-only LP Guitarras en Stereo, plus amn early version of Caravan that only appeared on a Belgian single in 1963. The Jokers'Christmas album runs The Ventures close as the best seasonal guitar album ever. With their punchy rhythm and tough lead sound the group don't let things get overly sentimental. Silver Bells and First Nowell make good instrumentals for any time of the year, they even slip some All Day And All Of The Knight riffs into Adeste Fidelis (Oh Come All Ye Faithfull)! This sparklingly lively God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen will undoubtedly find its way onto my Chrissy cassette too. Auld Lang Syne is an integral part of this LP so it must appear here, why on Vol.1 as well then? Rarities continues with the highlight of all three volumes, the dynamic Spanish LP Gitarras En Stereo. What a find this is! The Jokers are really in their element here and the whole set is quite exquisite from the moment they kick-off with a stunning Andalucia (The Breeze And I). the combination of a strong rhythm and a good melody is a winning format and there are plenty of examples here for the band to perform their own particular brand of guitar magic. Johnny Guitar works well with strings, Luna Gitana is an excellent uptempo piece, El Toro Bravo (Lonely Bull) is simple and effective and Jezebel is portrayed with fiery emotion. Only the rather routine La Paloma disappoints, but Caravan makes a very suitable finale. The booklets with these CDs contain many vintage photos, a comprehensive discography and lenghty notes (though not in English) from Piet Muys. Congratulations are due to Piet and Rarity Records for the comprehensive approach they are taking to The Jokers' catalogue. These releases are sure to find favour with guitar fans, especially was Piet tells me a Vol.4 is planned once the tapes have been located. (Alan Taylor)

CD 192532 vol. 4 RARE RECORDINGS (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Song Of Paloma, Song Of Orfeu Negro, Twelfth Street Rag, Batman, Perfidia, The Kilt, Adios Muchachos, Napoleon Solo, Magic Is The Moonlight, Old Folks At Home, El Cumbanchero, Nashville Turnpike, Frenesi, Saturnus, One Way Ticket, El Choclo, Home On The Range, Baia, Hawaiian War Chant, Misirlou, La Golondrina, My Blue Heaven, Our Man Flint, Tico Tico, Man Of Mystery, Danza Del Sable (alt. take), Football Boogie (alt. take), Gloria (alt. take), Gauchos, Dunch Duch Dunch, Lucille

(from PIPELINE #35 - Spring 1997)

Rarity conclude their extensive survey of The Jokers' recordings with this fourth CD in the series. The first thing that strikes is the title strength. It is quite remarkable for a collection of rarities and helps make Vol.4 at least as good if not better than its predecessors. The clean-cut two guitars, bass and drums sound of The Jokers is well suited to strongly rhythmic and melodic Latin-influenced pieces such as Perfidia, Adios Muchachos, El Cumbanchero, Frenesi, El Choclo and Tico Tico. There's a fascinating slow version of Michael Carr's Man Of Mystery on acoustic guitar and, as a Cliff/Shads fan, I welcome the chance to hear an instrumental version of that great ballad Carnival (Song Of Orfeu Negro). Also striking is their version of One Way Ticket with comparatively strident lead and chunky rhythm. Misirlou is another highlight. Taken with crystal clear lead and conventional rhythm it seems likely their source was Arthur Lyman's 50s recording rather than Dick Dale's surf blast. Our Man Flint works well thanks to a big drum sound supporting the proud, echoey lead; the band's own Napoleon Solo succeeds in a similar arrangement. In a later sixties style, Gauchos could be 1967 Shads with its use of volume pedal and bright bass sound. Completing the set is an instrumental version of Lucille from a 1962 Belgian TV show with Ronny Sigo playing his white Fender Squier. a fine end to a good CD. In fact, strange as it may sound, with its 31 tracks Vol.4 -Rare Recordings is the best place to start your Jokers collection! (Alan Taylor)

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CD 192610 GUITAR BOOGIE FEVER (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Guitar Boogie / Walk Don't Run / Look At That Moon / Buddy's Song / Thomahawk / Hot Potato / F.B.I. / The Duel Man / Blue Coat Boy / Bongo Rock / Maria Elena / La Bamba / Polkaroonie / Perfidia / Our Love / Sleepwalk / Don't Tear Me Up / Blue Sunset / Eddie's Boogie / Deep In The Heart Of Texas / Switchback / Wind It Up / Guybo / Porkine Boogie / Jonestown / I'm Lookin' For Someone To Love / Rock Run Blues / Honky Tonk Man / Country Boogie Fever / Old Time Country Jukebox / Rose Of Old Mexico / Corinna

(from PIPELINE #48 - Summer 2000)

Bob Thomas (Bim Bam Bob) responded to a call in the pages of Pipeline and set Rarity on the right track to locating the tapes for an 80's LP by UK guitarist Eddie Jones. The resultant CD is considerably expanded by the inclusion of further tracks recorded at the same sessions in 1982-1983. Eddie is a versatile player from a country and rockabilly background. That gives this instrumental set a slightly different twist as the guitars, bass and drums line-up performs crisp versions of instrumental classics, a few vocal covers and several original pieces.
Eddie's guitarwork is precision stuff, bright and tight and always with a rockin' swing to it. For a change it's a Gibson up front and a decidedly non-Shads approach to instro-rock.

(from NEW GANDY DANCER #59 - Summer 2000)

I recall reviewing an Eddie Jones album way back in 1982 - 20 or 25 or 30 Guitar Greats kind of set and very nice budget release on vinyl it was. Here are many of those tracks plus a few others in CD form. Raucous Rarity by the way have another 14 albums of various stuff in the pipeline after this issue, I note from reading the liner sleeve, bringing their catalogue up to almost 200 releases! Anyway, back to Eddie. Very talented rock & roll guitar man who has written 11 of these cuts and who has played with many seminal R&R greats as well here, as covering some of the hottest guitar instrumental classics of the sixties. Our Love with slide is excellent as is another notable ballad Eddie's own Blue Sunset. Rockers come off well and all rock instrumental fans, country pickers and rockabilly boppers will like this set. (Davy Peckett)

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CD 192722 JIVING AGAIN

Tracks: Quick Run (instr.) / Always Running / A Rocking Good Way, Loneliness (instr.) / Good Rocking Daddy / Daddy Cool, Have A Look Back (instr.) / Jiving Again / Pertama Dan Terakhir / Complaining (instr.) / My Little Dog And Me / Rosalita / Keep Searching (instr.) / A Love Worth Waiting For / 5 Years, 4 Months, 3 Days / Jade Idol (instr.) / Brand New Cadillac / I´ve Been A Fool / Woman Casino (instr.) / Semalam Di Cianjur / Lonely Summer Night / Explosion Express (instr.)

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CD 192490 CRY OUT !

Tracks: Cry Out, Rockabilly Rebel, Blue Moon Of Kentucky, All By Myself, Rock And Roll Tonight, Good Rockin' Tonight, Blue Moon, Gotta Learn (How To Love You), Please Don't Touch, I Sure Miss You, Stockings 'n' Shoes, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Yes Tonight Josephine, Take My Heart, Crazy Bound, Mystery Train, Love Me, Pocket Full O' Money, I Got A Baby, Jeanny Jeanny Jeanny, Too Hip Gotta Go, Love Me Or Leave Me, My One Desire, Heart 'O Gold, All I Have To Do Is Dream

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CD 192575 JUMPING MELODY

Tracks: Jumping Melody (instr.) / Giddy Up Twist / Wien, Wien Nur Du Allein (instr.) / His Latest Flame / Cosy (instr.) / A Picture Of You / Hello (instr.) / Wooden Heart / Red River Rock (instr.) / Sea Of Love / Spring Is Nearly Here (instr.) / From A Jack To A King / Theme From Shane (instr.) / Dear One / South Of The Border (instr.) / Valley Of Tears / Little Princess (instr.) / Tutti Frutti / Don't Cry For Me Argentina (instr.) / It's Only Make Believe / Happy Days (instr.) / Diane / Round And Round (instr.) / Buona Sera - Oh Marie

(from PIPELINE #46 - Winter 1999)

Alternating instrumentals and vocals, these two dozen recordings by The Jumping Strings are recent efforts from musicians who have been around since the 60's. Their two guitars, bass and drums sound is nicely full and echoed, their repertoire a mix of Shads and Dutch influences. They are certainly fluid players and the trad-Euro number Jumping Melody is delivered in convincing style. Cosy is unusual Shads cover, and such is their skill that you can listen without any nagging fears of bum notes or dodgy interpretations. The same is true of Spring Is Nearly Here and South Of The Border - I wonder what their favourite Shads album is !! Don't Cry For Me Argentina seems a strangely modern inclusion but Round And Round buzzes along well, Theme From Shane is handled sensitively and Little Prinsess shines simply beautifully. No problem on the Shads front then, but what of the rest. Happy Days has a great early 60's feel too and, surprisingly, I have to admit that I enjoyed their tasteful interpretation of Hello as well. The Jumping Strings are clearly an accomplished band, another album with more adventurous material would be something to look forward to. (Alan Taylor)

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