Music For Sunny Place, vol. XXIX

Johnny Meijer was a Dutch accordionist, among the greatest virtuosos on the instrument. He was born Jan Cornelis Meijer in Amsterdam on October 1, 12. Meijer was a world champion accordionist in 53—54. He played a wide variety of music including folk, pop, jazz, swing, Romanian music, and classical pieces. Meijer was especially known as a jazz accordionist. A documentary film simply titled "Johnny Meijer" was made about him in 93 by director John Appel.

Torquato y los 4 was part of the early rock scene in Spain in the 60s. "Torquato" was a nickname for double bass. They released a few singles and EPs showcasing their early rock sounds.

Lidija Klement was a talented Soviet singer in the 60s who gained national fame for her performances of popular songs, but sadly passed away at a young age due to cancer. She was born Lidia Richardovna Klement on July 8, 37 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) and died on June 16, 64 at the age of 26. Klement was involved in music from a young age, studying piano and singing in a choir. She later sang with the Naum Tyomkin Variety Orchestra and the Leningrad Comedy Theater ensemble. She became well-known across the Soviet Union for her performances of songs like "Karelia", "Rain on the Neva", and "Is All This for Me Alone?". Klement frequently appeared on popular TV shows like "Goluboy Ogonyok".

Vanni Catellani leads the musical group Vanni Catellani e la sua Orchestra (Vanni Catellani and his Orchestra). He was a trumpet player, was still very active through the 70s.

Progresiştii orchestra is a Romanian folk and dance music ensemble that has released recordings and performed live concerts showcasing traditional Romanian music styles. They have performed concerts alongside other notable Romanian folk music groups, such as the National Folk Music Orchestra "Lautarii".

Helena Majdaniec was a pioneering Polish big beat singer and actress who left a lasting impact on the Polisg music scene in the 60s and 70s through her recordings and performances. She was known for her energetic performances and was considered the "queen of Polish Twist" for popularizing that dance style in Poland.

Brita Borg was a versatile and acclaimed Swedish entertainer who left a lasting mark on the country's music and theater scene over her decades-long career. She was born Brita Kerstin Gunvor Borg on June 10, 26 in Stockholm, began her career in the 40s as part of the variety show group "Vårat gäng" ("Our Gang"). She later formed the quartet "Flickery Flies" with Allan Johansson, whom she later married. She had a long collaboration with famous Swedish variety performer and writer Povel Ramel, appearing in his radio programs and variety shows. Borg was known for her energetic and humorous performances, often playing characters like an "African-American jazz/gospel singer in blackface" or a "seductive Gypsy girl".

The core members of the Gus Brendel Group included Gus Brendel, Armin Rusch, Charly Antolini, Jeff Wohlgenannt, and Mladen Franko. They released at least one album titled "Die Große Teenager-Party" in 1967, which featured the Gus Brendel Group performing alongside the band The Crazy Horses.

Het Cocktail Trio was a Dutch group that recorded EPs and singles in the 1960s in collaboration with the bands De Krekels and De Merels, releasing their music on the Omega label.

Werner Müller was a highly versatile and prolific German musician who left a lasting mark on both classical and popular music through his extensive discography and collaborations with other pop artists. Collaborations with renowned artists like singer Caterina Valente and trumpeter Horst Fischer, releasing joint albums together.

That's all, folks. See you soon.

Johnny Meijer met zijn Swing accordeon Doedelzak Boogie (Netherlands, 69)
Torquato y Los 4 Baby In “Blue Jeans” (Spain, 60)
Lidija Klement My prihodim v novij dom (Russia, 63)
Orchestra Vanni Catellani Samoa (Italy, 196?)
Vokalni Kvartet Predraga Ivanovića Pod sjajem zvezda (Serbia, 61)
Helena Majdaniec Jedziemy autostopem (Poland, 64)
Progresiştii Fetite dulci ca-n Bucureşti (Romania, 6?)
Brita Borg Fat Mammy Brown (Sweden, 57)
Hazy Osterwald-Sextett The Laughing Hussar (Switzerland, 65)
Gus Brendel Group Take a Shake (Western Germany, 63)
Het Cocktail Trio met de Krekels Wie heeft de sleutel van de jukebox gezien? (Go 'Way Christina) (Netherlands, 65)
Werner Müller mit Dem RIAS Tanzorchester Rumba Anna (El negro zumbon) (Western Germany, 58)

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Evening Cocktail

Hello everybody, hi all! This is Karel and radio Manzerock is on the air!

Since rock 'n' roll received a recognition in the 1950s Europe, I decided to choose some songs and instrumentals with a rockin' flavour. Some of the songs were already aired in "Music for Sunday Date" compilations, but most of them not.

Henry Cording, Janice Peters,Van Wood, Odd Gisløy, Magali Noël — all of them are here and many more...

Diny Snyders Wie, wie, wie
(Pi Veriss / Wim Poppink) Netherlands, 1959
Baby Gate and The Happy Boys When
(Paul Evans / Jack Reardon) Italy, 1958
De Kilima hawaiians Hawaiiaanse krijgszang (Hawaiian War Chant)
(Leleiohoku / Johnny Noble) Netherlands, 1960s
Quartetto Cetra Sei piccolo per i 'Blue-jeans'
(Antonio Virgilio Savona / Giovanni Giacobetti) Italy, 1960
Peter Alexander Rocky-tocky-baby
(Heinz Gietz / Kurt Feltz) Austria, 1957
Janice Peters and The Playboys A Girl Likes
(Ian Samwell) UK, 1959
Henry Cording and his Original Rock’N’Roll Boys Rock-hoquet
(Henri Salvador / Boris Vian) France, 1956
Nora Brockstedt Jeg trodde
(Sven Lykte) Norway, 1963
Conny Froboess und Will Brandes Teenager melodie
(Werner Scharfenberger / Aldo von Pinelli / Peter Ström) W. Germany, 1958
Micky Main Peter
(Unknown) W. Germany, 1959
Dickie Pride Frantic
(May / Norman) UK, 1959
Odd Gisløy Dancin' with My Rockin' Shoes
(Odd Gisløy) Norway, 1958
Van Wood e il suo quartetto Van Wood’s Rock
(Peter van Wood / Leo Chiosso) Italy, 1957
Magali Noël avec Les Fontana Strip-rock
(Alain Goraguer / Boris Vian) France, 1956
Hula Hawaiians The Chimpanzee Rock
(Werner Kunz) Switzerland, 1957
Will Tura Oh! Paardenstaart (I Love Your Pony Tail)
(Shelton Fisher / Jan Remo / Van Aleda) Belgium, 1958
Gitte Hænning med Jørn Grauengårds kvintet Souvenirs
(Cy Coben / Torsten Tanning / arr. Jørn Grauengårds) Denmark, 1959
Adriano Celentano Rock matto
(Lucio Fulci / Giulio Libano / Piero Vivarelli) Italy, 1960
Siw Malmkvist Schotten-rock
(Siegfreid Wegener / Peter Anton) Sweden, 1959
Rocky Volcano Comme un volcan
(Jean Nicolas) France, 1961
Brita Borg Frankenstein rock
(Beverly Ross / Hans Alfredson / Tage Danielson) Sweden, 1958
De Zwarte moustachen Vlaamse hutsepot
(C. Koopmans / J. Brol) Belgium, 1961
Dorit Oliver und das Orchester Charles Nowa
Oh Yes, Das ist Musik (Oh, Marie)
(Eduardo Di Capua / Charles Nowa / Günter Loose) W. Germany, 1959
Les King Creoles Accordeon Twist
(Norbert Blancke) Belgium, 1962

Let's Rock! (101.6 MB)

Music For Sunny Place, vol. XXIV

Hello everybody, hi all! This is Karel and Radio Manzerock is on the air.

I've received many letters regarding music of Eastern Europe. Here I tried to make a whole Eastern programm.

All of the countries below were parts of the former USSR. I think it's interesting to make a journey through some rare sounds of these partly unknkown music scenes.

Not many informarion of this tracks, I even didn't put years of recordings as I'm not sure what years they were recorded. But I'm sure they're from the 1950s-1970s.

If you have interest in certain performes I'll try to answer in the comments.

Have a nice weekend!

Aino Bāliņa Slezinki (Estonia/Latvia)
Zhan Tatlyan Gitarovo (Armenia)
L'ensemble Samotsvety Molodo-Zeleno (Russia)
L'ensemble vocal Narochanka Ekspromt (Belorussia)
L'ensemble Norok Deti Solntsa (Moldova)
L'ensemble Alma-Altinskii Electron Poyushaya Gitara (Kazakhstan)
Polad Bul Bul Ogly Sheik (Azerbajdzhan)
Batyr Zakirov Ty Daleko (Uzbekistan)
L'ensemble Orera Ty Mne Verish Ili Net (Georgia)
Nemuno Žiburiai Elegija (Lithuania)
L'ensemble Kobza Progulka (Ukrania)
ER Meeskvartett Romantika (Estonia)

34.8 MB

Rocking Cosmonauts, vol. II

Hello everybody, hi all, this is Karel and Radio Manzerock is on the air.

12th of April is coming, and so it's time for Rocking Cosmonauts. On this day, Bill Haley recorded “Rock Around the Clock” and Yuri Gagarin orbited the Earth!

I just noticed that shortly after the first “Rocking Cosmonauts”, The European Space Agency (ESA) started an interesting competition. They asked young people from all over Europe to suggest the most suitable playlist for the astronauts living on the International Space Station.

After two months, the winner was chosen. It was Therese Miljeteig, 14 yo girl from Norway. Here’s Teresa’s playlist: Here Comes The Sun – Beatles, Come Fly With Me – Frank Sinatra, Rocket Man – Elton John , Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, Imagine – John Lennon, Flashdance – What A Feeling – Irene Cara, Walk of Life – Dire Straits, Fly – Celine Dion, Rockin' All Over The World – Status Quo, I Believe I Can Fly - R Kelly.

Other national winners mentioned on the web-site are: Aricia Planchenault from Belgium, Luisa di Valvasone from Italy, Sebastiaan Van Doornik from Netherlands, Lucìa Aparicio from Spain, Frederik Heimark from Denmark, Adam Viaud from France, Erik Guenther from Germany, Jean-Philippe Green from Sweden and Andrew Hale from Switzerland.

I dedicate this sampler to all the ESA winners, maybe some day they will be cosmonauts!

First track is simply called “Spoutnik”. This little gem was written by Belgian accordeon player Hector Delfosse, and recorded by Hector himself with two unknown (to me yet) musicians on lead and rhythm guitar in the late 1957.

Hector Delfosse was a successfull composer, he played with his ensemble, accompaniate to Belgian and French singers, received several golden discs, toured all over Europe, especially in France.

The second track is called “Teach You to Rock”. It was written by Freddie Bello, an Italian-American singer. Freddie recorded it in 1958 with his band The Bellboys.


The same year the song was recorded on the other side of Pacific by Peppino Di Capri and his band Rockers. Note space guitar solo by Mario Cenci in the middle of the song!

“Red Sputnik Rock (Red Planet Rock)” arrived from Great Britain. It was written and recorded by Don Lang in late 1957.

Don’s real name is Gordon Langhorn. When Rock’n’Roll movement has started, he was already a professional jazz musician.

After touring over Europe he decided to form his own combo. In 1956, Don Lang and His Frantic Five were chosen to be one of the cornerstones of the BBC teenage show “The Six Five Special”. And for two years they appeared as resident accompanist and in their own right.

Instrumental number called “Orbit” was recorded in 1963 by The Hurricane Strings – four-piece big-beat band from Rotterdam. Very nice melody with spacewomen backing vocal.


Russian “Rocket” was recorded by Aleksandr Vladimirtsov orchestra from Leningrad and written by K. Martiyanov, as it states on the EP sleeve from 1961.

Vladimirtsov formed his first orchestra in the early 1940s, and in the 1960s became official band leader of the Leningrad Radio orchestra. “Rocket” is an instrumental orchestra number, with cute swingin’ flavour.

The song “Satelliitti Kahdelle” (“A Satellite for Two”) has Finnish roots. It was recorded by established singer Kai Lind for Finnish National Final in the early 1964. As you know, the winner of the National Final would proceed for Eurovision contest.

However this song received only the 2nd place in National Final. But, if it was a Spacevision contest, I guess it will proceed ;-)

Serbian big-beat band Detlići (translated as “Woodpeckers”) play driving “Moonshot”. Originally , it’s a “Gunshot” written by The Fireballs. Thanks to The Spotnicks, this track became known as “Moonshot”. Detlići’s version was recorded for Novi Sad radio in 1965.

Next moon track comes from Spain. Gelu sings the song called“La Luna, el Cielo y Tú” (“Moon, Heaven & You”). Being written by Italian-Spanish composer Torrebruno in 1961, it first appeared in a movie “Horizontes de Luz” (“Horisonts of Light”).

Looks like the song became popular in Latin world soon, as I have more versions, like Brazilian. But I like Gelu’s version most of all – outstanding vocal, arrangement, lyrics. Everything is here in one bottle, err… rocket.

When it comes to romantic songs, one of my favorites is a Czech song “Orion” (you can see these stars if you’re in equator). It is about girl who’s talking to the stars. Female singer Judita Čeřovská recorded it in 1962.

Another romantic song is “Kosmos–Maa” (“Cosmos–Earth”) comes from Estonia. It was written by composer Alex Rasmussen and Estonian songwriter Heldur Karmo, who’s been writing both for jazz and light music. Vocals are by experienced musician and singer Kalju Terasmaa, and female singer Anu Anton-Õunapuu. The song was recorded for radio in 1966. Accomponiation by Emil Laansoo ensemble.

“Echo Boogie” was written and recorded by Danish guitarist Joergen Ingmann in 1961. It’s interesting, that the A-side of this 7” inch is “Apache” – a version that appeared to be a competitor to the Shadows "Apache" back in those days.

Joergen was one of the first and famous Danish electric-guitar players. He was also popular on the pop-scene, but I like his instrumental solo-works most of all.

And last, but not least, French girl Dani (or Danièle Graule, as her real name) sings a song called “Partir Pour la Lune”.

Have a space week!

Space Intro (Manzerock)
Hector Delfosse Spoutnik (Belgium, 1957)
Rockin' Intro (Manzerock)
Peppino Di Capri Teach You To Rock (Italy, 1958)
Don Lang and His Frantic Flive Red Sputnik Rock (Red Planet Rock) (UK, 1957)
Hurricane Strings Orbit (Netherlands, 1963)
Aleksandr Vladimirtsov et son Orchestre Raketa (Russia, 1961)
Kai Lind Satellitti kahdelle (Finland, 1964)
Detlići Moonshot (Yugoslavia, 1965)
Gelu La Luna, el Cielo y tú (Spain, 1961)
Judita Čeřovská Orion (Czechoslovakia, 1962)
Anu Anton-Õunapuu ja Kalju Terasmaa Kosmos-Maa (Estonia, 1966)
Jørgen Ingmann Echo Boogie (Denmark, 1961)
Dani Partir pour la Lune (France, 1965)

Beep-Beep!

P.S. Big thanks to Misha, Dima, Max, Andrej, Si for the big help with this show.

Music For Sunny Place, vol. XXI

Hello everybody, hi all! This is Karel and radio Manzerock is on the air. Since last time I’ve received lot of requests regarding certain songs and performes. Today, I’ll try to satisfy some of you :) Also, I have a chance to make this programm is 192 Kbps.

Well, the first song in today’s programme was recorded by Children’s choir and orchestra of Yugoslavian Radio Zagreb in the year of 1954.

Nikolay Istratov was Russian double-bass player and accomponiator. He played with different dance ensembles and accomponiated to different singers during the 1950—1960’s. This instrumental track written by Domenico Modugno was recorded by Nikolay Istratov own ensemble in the early 1960’s. The original title, as you might know, is “Nel Blu di Pinto di Blu”!

Instrumental number “Kogda Prihodit Vecher” (“When Evening Comes”) was composed by Armenian composer Aleksander Arutunjan (b. 1920) and was recorded by Armenian Radio sextet in the 1950’s. Arutunjan successfully mixed ethnic tunes with modern music tendencies in his theatre works. And this jazzy record is an example of his innovation.

Vocal duo Butterflies were two brothers: Luc and Godert van Colmjon from Amersfoort, Holland. They formed the duo in 1956 when they were 13 and 17 y.o. and became very popular with their cover-songs and Dutch ones. Song “Dixieland” was their big hit in 1957!

Not much known about the next performer — mystery James Award orchestra. French guy whoops, who originally digitalised this record, said that it was a pseudonym of more or less known French conductor: "since all the tracks he has recorded are credited to A. L. Prevost, i believe that this is his real name". I suppose, this would let him to record on a small label and accomponiate to many singers. However, James Award recordings are worth to mention.

German organ player Klaus Wunderlich (b. 1931), a son of a police-inspector, got his first piano at the age of 7, and became a performer at the age of 16. He always preferred dance music to classical, so he arranged music for orchestras and formed his own band in 1951 where he played piano and accordion. In 1955 the guitarist of his band had rented a new Hammond organ and the new sound of the band was born. “The organ is my life!", Klaus stated later.

I’ve aired Italian trumpet player Gastone Parigi before, and here I go again. This song “Donna” is from his early repertoire. It was written by Ovale Testoni and recorded by Gastone Parigi quintet in 59. Vocal by Gastone.

Speaking of pseudonims, Danish singer Gustav Winckler (b. 1925) was also known as Gunnar Winkler in Germany and Sam Payne in England. In his teens he studied painting together with his brother, but soon decided to become a singer. In 1948 he won a singers contest in Copenhagen and his crazy popularity has begun. Wikipedia states, that “he participated in Eurovision Song Contest 1957 where he sung "Skibet Skal Sejle i Nat" ("The Ship Is Leaving Tonight") with Birthe Wilke. They ranked number 3, and stunned television audiences with a 32-second long kiss at the end of their performance”. Wow! Here he sings the song "Patricia" in English language. It is from a rare 78 R.P.M. record.

Vico Torriani is one of my fav singers. He sings “Siebenmal in der Woche” here – the song that was written by Austrian composer and band leader Erwin Halletz together with German songwriter Hans Bradtke. This danceable tune was released in 1957 and reached #1 in all three countries that have been involved in its birth: Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

Cherry Wainer arrived in London in the middle 1950’s from South Africa, where she was born.
Cherry’s talents as a dancer and organ player made her a star within a very short time – rare thing in showbusiness! I chose this tune because one of my mates asked me, if I know who is playing on his old tape. I listened – and that was her! This recording has stood the test of time for sure!

Iceland is presented by a song performed by singer Egill Ólafsson (b. 1953) who is also a composer and lyricist by himself. Anyway, this popular tune “Anna Maja” wasn’t written by him, but by composer Henni Rasmus and songwriter Tómas Guðmundsson.

And last, but not least, Anni-Frid Lyngstad — Frida of the late ABBA fame! Before she met her band mates, she won a prize as a singer and was given a chance to make a record. This song from 1967 could be translated as “Weekend” or “A Day Off”. It was written by composer B. de Filippi and Swedish lyricist Bengt Sten. The tune was scored by Marcus Österdahls orkester.

See you next time, dudes!

Dječji Zbor Radio Zagreba Pjesma o Tati (Yugoslavia, 1954)
L'ensemble de Nikolay Istratov Volare (Russia, 1960?)
Le Sextet du Radio de Armenia Kogda Prihodit Vecher (Armenia, 1960?)
The Butterflies Dixieland (Muskrat Ramble) (Netherlands, 1957)
James Award et Son Orchestre Atout Surf (France, 1963?)
Klaus Wunderlich Teufelstanz (Germany, 1964)
Gastone Parigi e Il Suo Quintetto Donna (Italy, 1959)
Gustav Winckler Patricia (Denmark, 1956?)
Vico Torriani Siebenmal in der Woche (Switzerland, 1957)
Cherry Wainer More (UK, 1964)
Egill Ólafsson Anna Maja (Iceland, 1973?)
Anni-Frid Lyngstad En Ledig Dag (Sweden, 1967)

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Music For Sunny Place, vol. XX

Hello everybody, hi all! This is Karel and radio "Manzerock" is on the air. Today's programm contains:

Optimistid Boogie (Estonia)
Hana Zagorová Svatej Kluk (Czechoslovakia)
Klan Wait and See (Bulgaria)
Paul Würges Olympic Nights (West Germany)
Caterina Caselli Sono Qui Con Voi (Italy)
Eskos Habitat 736 (Portugal)
Eglutes Dainą apie Kauną (Lithuania)
ZZ en de Maskers Beat Girl (Netherlands)
Koncz Zsuzsa Rohan az Idő (Hungary)
Gamblers Little Girl (Austria)
Forminx Jenka Beat (Greece)
Phoenix Vremuri (Romania)

I'll write notes someday!

Link to download

Happy listening and see you next time!

Music For Sunny Place, vol. XIX

And another one, with Best Wishes :)

Orchester Max Greger Maxi-Rock (Deutchland)
Latin Combo East of the Sun (Spain)
Barbro Skinnar Ingen Tvist om Twist (Sweden)
Cristian Popescu Liliana (Romania)
The Freedom Riders Pizzicato Twist (Belgium)
Aspalathos Brass Sjecanje Na Granadu (Yugoslavia)
Tony de Matos Vocês Sabem Lá (Portugal)
Fred Frohberg und die Babsis Die Sterne der Heimat (DDR)
Mieczysław Wojnicki Jabłuszko Pełne Snu (Poland)
Karin Kent Loop Nou Niet Weg (Netherlands)
Janice Peters A Girl Likes (UK)
Öijwind’s Creole Jazz (Sweden)

Downloading

Music For Sunny Place, vol. XVIII

Hello!

Thanks everybody for keeping in touch with me and for your interest! Hope in the next year there'll be more music here :)

I'll write notes someday!

Until than, Happy New Year and all the best,

Sincerely,
Karel :)

Vocal quartet Accord Princess Of The City (USSR)
Jan og Kjeld When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (Denmark)
Anita Hegerland Hutte-tutte-tei (Sweden)
Irma Sokhadze Orange Song (Georgia)
Dalida Le Petit Gonzales (France)
Lille Eris Jeg vil ha en liten hund (Norway)
Kovács Eszti A pancsoló kisgyerek (Hungary)
Diny Snijders De Rock School (Netherlands)
Jiří Strnad, Dana Pustinová Motýl kosmonaut (Czechoslovakia)
Alicia Alicia es así (Spain)
Vladislav Lynkovskij Me & Kinder Garden (Latvia)
Danuta Rinn i Bogdan Czyżewski To est taka gra (Poland)

Downloading

Aloha From Europe (Music For Sunny Place, vol. XVII)

Hello everybody, hi all! This is Karel and radio Manzerock is on the air.

Let's take a trip in the 30-50's. That was when Hawaiian music really spreaded all over the world, including our motherland Europe.

The early traces of Hawaiian culture in Europe lead back to the late XIX century. That was when lots of music ensembles toured Europe. Some of the artists, like "Bird of Paradise" show, presented exotic sounds of Hawaii island.

Soon, European ensembles began to include Hawaiian themes in their repertoire and put them on records. Today we'll listen to just a couple of them, just to give a clue what it looked like in Europe.

I can comment just a few artists presented here. But if you have more info, please let me know!

One of the most popular Swedish steel-guitarists Yngve Stoor from Sweden recorded his selfwritten "Sjømannsjul på Hawaii" in 43.
Russian singer Ivan Milovidov recorded the song "Hawaii" in 33, with John Danker on steel-guitar.
German vocal ensemble Comedian Harmonists recorded this version of "Blume von Hawaii" with Marek Weber orchestra back in 31.
And that’s all I can put in here. Most of these records are from the 30s. The last three are 50s recordings for sure.

Have a nice trip!

Ansamblul Mihai Daia O căsuţă mică (In a little hula heaven) (Romania)
Instrumentální soubor Karla Slavíka Maui no la ka oi (Czechoslovakia)
Ivan Milovidov Gavai (Russia)
Kostas Bezos Ta aspra poulia sta vouna (Greece)
Malihini Hawaiians Moonlight and shadows (Denmark)
Yngve Stoor med sin Hawaiiorkester Sjømannsjul på Hawaii (Sweden)
Waikiki Serenaders Bei mir bist du schön (UK)
Gino Bordin et l'ensemble Hawaii-marche (France)
Comedian Harmonists Blume von Hawaii (Germany)
Sylvia Mayer en de South Sea Hawaiians Aan 'tmooi Waikiki strand (Holland)
Lys Assia mit Aloha Islanders Die weissen blüten von tahni (Switzerland)
Onni Gideon ja hänen Aloha-Hawaijiyhtyeensä Palmujen alla (Finland)

Aloha! (49.2 MB)

Music For Sunny Place, vol. XVI

Jokers Sabre dance (Belgium, 65)
Adriano Celentano e i Ribelli Ciao ti dirò (Italy, 59)
Nora Brockstedt Jeg trodde (Norway, 63)
Atlantis együttes Szöcske (Hunagry, 66)
Benny Quick I'm Coming Home (W. Germany, 64)
Beti Jurković i Marko Novosel Autobus-calypso (Jugoslavia, 59)
Hubbubs Express to Gloryland (Austria, 67)
Britt Damberg Jocke juke-box (Organ Grinder's Swing) (Sweden, 62)
The Danish Sharks Rock A-Beatin' Boogie (Denmark, 64)
Luisita Tenor Yeh yeh (Spain, 65)
Vadim Ludvikovsky et son orchestre Vecher v Parizhe (Russia, 68)
Karel Vlach se svým orchestrem Dnes není všední den (Czech, 65)

Have a nice weekend!

Music For Sunny Place, vol. XIV

Jumping Jewels Darktown Strutter's Ball (Holland, 62)
Adriano Celentano Il tuo bacio é come un rock (Italy, 59)
Orchester Erwin Halletz Der Puls von St. Pauli (Austria, 67)
Freddy Sunder Calling Car Boogie (Belgium, 72)
Gitte Hænning Basin Street Blues (Denmark, 60)
Tercet Florida Singing the Blues (Yugoslavia, 59)
Les Quatre de Paris Daisy (France, 57)
Alice Babs After You've Gone (Sweden, 63)
Caterina Valente Cherokee (West Germany, 64)
Zespół instrumentalny Andrzeja Kurylewicza Wieczorem po Marszałkowskiej (Poland, 64)
Allanovy Sestry Dej si říct (Sail Away) (Czechoslovakia, 53)
Orchester Max Greger Chattanooga Choo Choo (E. Germany, 67)

Have a nice day!

Music For Sunny Place, vol. XIII

Romanian vocal duo Fratii Mentzel with an opening tracks called "Curcubeul". In fact, it is a cover version of the song called "Over The Rainbow". And intro is taken from Ted Heath's record "Skin Deep". Quite outstanding, eh??

I'll write full notes someday!

Have a nice weekend!

Fratii Mentzel Curcubeul (Romania)
Vocal quartet Gaya Geyran (Azerbaijan)
Kjell Öhman I Saw Her Standing There (Sweden)
Milady's Guantanamera (France)
Kvartet 4 M Buona Sera, Signorina (Yugoslavia)
Filipinki Mr. Wonderful (Poland)
Karel Štědrý a Inkognito kvartet Bonbon (Czechoslovakia)
Melody Sisters with Black & White Sh-boom (Holland)
Quartetto Cetra Aveva un Bavero (Italy)
Oktáv vokálegyüttes Tánczenei Randevú (Hungary)
Vocal quartet Akkord Dancing Teens (USSR)
Orchester Hugo Strasser Tintarella di Luna (West Germany)

Music For Sunny Place, vol. XI

Hi, friends, this is Karel and radio Manzerock is on the air. Today we will tour all over Europe.

Grass skirts and leis, hula-dancing babes with fire in their eyes, tropical nights under the palms... that was how Hawaii appeared to Europeans in the first place. Dozens of bands saluted the islands in music and song.

The Waikikis spearheaded this movement. Behind the scenes, producer Horst Fuchs promoted the band's career and pulled the strings. Composers such as Hans Blum and Michael Thomas created their repertoire. The Waikikis - all of them Belgian studio musicians - sold their colorful island reveries by the millions, and some of the instrumentals made their way into the charts in several countries.

Peter Hinnen was a popular Swiss singer & yoddler. He sang pop songs, country and offcourse he did some pretty rock'n'roll tunes.
"Moonlight-Kss" is a nice version of Douglas Cornell's "Hey, Cool" from 58 (written by Beverly Ross and Julius Dixon). This version has got German lyrics.

Kilima Hawaiians were founded in 34 by Aris-Jereke Buijsman and his wife Mary Buijsman. The band played a Dutch variant on the exotic Aloha music. Its heyday the band enjoyed in the 50s, also in neighbouring Germany. Until 89 the Kilima Hawaiians performed live concerts.
"A Song of Old Hawaii" was written by Gordon Beecher and Johnny Noble in 37.

Die Optimisten were formed in 52 from Peter Alexander, Erni Bieler and Erwin Halletz. All of them soon became the stars of Austrian pop music. Erwin Halletz was a band-leader, he made many top records with Austrian and German singers.
"Jambalaya" was originally written and recorded by Hank Williams in 51. It means a french fish dish which is very popular in French speaking States of America. German lyrics by Kurt Feltz.

Conny Froboess is a German singer, made her first hit in 51 and never stopped since then. She starried in many teeenage musical films in the 50s and 60s, sang rock'n'roll and pop songs. Here's a 62 hit "Lady Sunshine".

France Gall, a popular singer, was born in Paris. Her father was lyricist. In the early 63 he encouraged his daughter to record some songs and send the demos to a musical publisher. In July she was signed with Philips. After the song "Sacré Charlemagne" whose lyrics were penned by her father, was an enormous hit in 65, selling more than 2 million copies around the world, Gall was then selected to represent Luxembourg for the 65 Eurovision Song Contest. With the song "Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son" she took the Grand Prize. And here's a romantic song from her 66 album.

Four Hawaiians is a Danish quartett with Hawaiian influence. Here's a song "Stop den Lille Kaenguru" ("Stop the Little Kangaroo") wich was recorded in 63 and released on 7" Columbia Records 45-DD 721 (see the picture sleeve).

L'ensemble de Mescherin is unique in its way. Led by the legendary producer Vyacheslav Mescherin, the ensemble made their first record in 57, especially for the 6th International Youth Festival in Moscow.
One interesting thing was that the ensemble played on electric instruments only: electric guiars, organs, hammonds, and other nameless experimental instruments. This made them one of the most original and unique groups on the Rusian music scene.
Vyacheslav Mescherin was like a pioneer when he experimented with the sound, recording process and instruments, many of which established in music forever.
Music of his ensemble still surprises and sounds original even today. Here's an example of his late recordings, the instrumental track called "On the Beach", recorded in 69, jolly number.

Not only Mescherin was experimenting with space age sounds. Some of the other early electronic recording in Europe were produced in the late 50s by Dutch composer/keyboard player Tom Dissevelt and technician Kid Baltran. Their 57 debut album included this composition called "Song of the Second Moon". And in fact, The Electrosonics were Tom Dissevelt and Kid Baltan. Their music was way too experimental in composer way, not very danceable but interesting to listen to.

I like vocal of Anca Agemolu very much. She's from Romania, became popular in the 60s and recorded some great songs on Electrecord label. Here's a song from the late 60s.

Hungarian singer Korda György was born in 39. At the age of 18 he performed at music festival and at the age of 19 started to record songs. His first hit was "Szeretni Kell" in 58.
Here's an example of his early repertoire - a song that was written by composer Deák Tamás. With Deák Tamás ensemble György recorded many songs, including "Nem Vagyok Ideges". It means "I'm not Nervous" in English.

Ticky Show Quintet was a Swedish instrumental band formed in the 60s. Led by guitarist Lennart Carlsson they released some nice records. This popular number "C'est Si Bon" was written by French composer Henri Betti back in 47.

Here's the full track-list:

The Waikikis Tahiti Tamoure (Belgium, 62)
Peter Hinnen Moonlight-Kiss (Switzerland, 62)
Kilima Hawaiians A Song Of Old Hawaii (Holland, 55)
Die Optimisten Jambalaya (Austria, 53)
Conny Froboess Lady Sunshine (West Germany, 62)
France Gall Quand on est ensemble (France, 66)
Four Hawaiians Stop den lille kænguru (Denmark, 63)
The Electrosonics Song Of The Second Moon (Holland, 57)
L'ensemble de Mescherin On The Beach (Russia, 69)
Anca Agemolu De-aş avea un baby (Romania, 67)
Korda György Nem vagyok ideges (Hungary, 63)
Ticky Show Quintet C'est si bon (Sweden, 63)

Have a nice day!

Music For Sunny Place, vol. VII

Freunde, wir haben alles verkauft,
Die letzten Teppiche,
Die schönsten Frauen,
Das beste Öl,
Und nun verkaufen wir Musik...
— Hazy Osterwald-Sextett.

Hello friends, and again "Sunrise Party" is on the air.

Mario Bertolazzi is an Italian pianist and composer. In the late 1940's he played jazz in Bologna and in the late 1950's became interested in Rock'n'Roll movement and even recorded an album in 1960 simply titled "Rock'n'Roll", where he played outstanding version of this music.

Ragnar Nygren, well-known in Sweden and over Europe as Rock-Ragge. He formed his band The Four Comets in 1957 and played in parks, and later put some nice tunes on vinyl. Here's a Dick Lory's song "Ballroom Baby" form his first EP released in 1958 on Decca Reocrds.

Wenche Myhre is a Norwegian singer and actress who has had a great number of hit songs since the 1960s in the Norwegian, German as well as the Swedish markets and languages. She got her first recording contract with composer and producer Arne Bendiksen at an age of 13, when she won a talent contest in Oslo in 1960. Here's a Don Gibson's cover "Oh, Lonesome Me" from 1960, which Wenche sings in Norwegian.

Ivo Robić is one of my favorite Yugoslavian singers. He started to sing and make records in the 1940's. He sang Italian songs, toured Germany where he sang in German. But "Pjesma o Švrći" is an original Yugoslavian song. It was written by Nikica Kalogjera - great composer and arranger - and was recorded in 1957.


There are more nice songs, like Tamara Miansarova's "You're the Best" written by Eddie Rozner (also listen to great accompaniation from "L'ensemble 3+2"), funny "Caravan" from Swiss hero Hazy Osterwald, Romanian Dan Georgescu's "Cu Tine Nu Pot Sa Ma Cert", Hungarian actress and singer Kiss Manyi with Koltay-Papp együttes, French Petula Clark with Beatles song "Please, Please Me", Icelandic Hljómar and Dutch indo-rock band Tielman Brothers with beautiful "Moon River" by Mancini.

Here's the track list:

Mario Bertolazzi e I Suoi Rockers Train Rock (Italy, 1960)
Rock-Ragge & His Four Comets Ballroom Baby (Sweden, 1958)
Wenche Myhre Åh Det Er Søndag (Oh, Lonesome Me) (Norway, 1960)
Ivo Robić Pjesma o Švrći (Yugoslavia, 1957)
Tamara Miansarova Ty Luchshe Vseh (USSR, 1964)
Tabányi Mihály és szólistái The Breeze and I (Hungary, 1962)
Hazy Osterwald-Sextett Caravan (Switzerland, 1961)
Dan Georgescu Cu Tine Nu Pot Sa Ma Cert (Romania, 1966)
Kiss Manyi Mesélj a Böbebabáról (Hungary, 1963)
The Tielman Brothers Moon River (Netherlands, 1961)
Petula Clark Tu Perds Ton Temps (Please, Please Me) (France, 1964)
Hljómar Fyrsti Kossinn (Iceland, 1965)

Have a nice party!

30.7 MB

Music For Sunny Place, vol. VI

Hello, friends! My names is Karel and radio "Manzerock" is on the air!

This morning we will continue touring all over Europe.

Let's begin with classic stuff. The Shadows was British beat group. Started as Cliff Richard's backing combo, they soon start to write their own material. Their hope was to be a real group, not just Cliff's shadows. Hence the name: Shadows.

Ted Herold was among the first German rock'n'roll singers. He released his first single in 58 when he was only 15 years old, and the rest is history.
After the army he continued to sing and still is famous all over Germany. This song is from his single from 60.

Irina Brzevskaya started to sing in swing orchestras in the early 1950's. With her husband (trumpet player) they formed "Vesna" octet after quitting from Pokrass big orchestra in 57.
Since, "Vesna" oсtet have recorded many lovely songs, won Drezden Music Festival prize in 64. Here's a song from the early 1960's called "We're Dancing".

Composer and band leader Roger Mores was born in Belgium. He wrote music for films. Here's an instrumental track from vinyl LP recorded by Roger Mores Orchestra in 66.

Elly Vilhjálms was well-known all over lil' Iceland in the 50-60s.
Song "Ég veit þú kemur" is a nice example of her lyrical singing style, though she can sing not only lyrical songs.

Musician Mihály Tabányi is among the best Hungarian instrumentalists. "Csillogó harmonica" is his own instrumental from 53.

Milan Chladil was a Czech swing and pop singer. You'll hear him singing Louis Armstrong masterpiece "Mack the Knife", recorded in 60. Karel Vlach Orchestra playing here, in which Milan was a member for a long time.

Czerwono-czarni is a Polish goup, usually shadowing female singers, but this track is from their own fully instrumental EP. This is a cover version of Louis Prima song "Just A Gigolo", recorded in 63.

The Greenbeats (originally they were Caravelles), were Irish 60's beat group. The song we hear today is from 64.

Olympians was Greek beat group oranised in 65 from the members of The Bramhs. They started like as many other European beat groups playing The Shadows-Bealtes-Rolling Stones songs, but also try to write their own compositions. This song "Istoria" is from their vinyl single from 68. Later, vocalist Pascalis started his solo career. He was, and still is, very succesful.


Rundfunk-Tanzorchester Leipzig was among the famous swing orchestras in East Germany. "Palmen am Meer" is a nice tune which receives a good Hawaii resting feeling.

Last (but not least) is Romanian beat band Sincron. Leader Cornel Fugary was also well-known for his solo projects. He's a good singer. But Sincron became famous for me for their instrumental works. So, here you are Romanian folk piece "Jocul fetelor" from their German release, where it's became "Play With The Maiden".

The track-list:

Shadows Blue Star (UK)
Ted Herold Nur Sie (Germany)
Irina Brzhevskaya Tantsuem my (USSR)
Roger Mores et son orchestre Silver Lake (Belgium)
Elly Vilhjálms Ég veit þú kemur (Iceland, 69)
Tabányi Mihály és szólistái Csillogo harmonika (Hungary)
Milan Chladil Mackie Messer (Czechoslovakia)
Czerwono-Czarni Little Gigolo (Poland)
Greenbeats If This World Were Mine (Ireland)
Olympians Ιστορια (Greece)
Rundfunk-Tanzorchester Leipzig Palmen am Meer (DDR)
Sincron Jocul fetelor (Romania)

Have a nice party!

Music For Sunny Place, vol. V

Hallo, friends, here's Karel an' "Manzerock" is on the air! I wish to say Happy New Year to all of you, retro lovers. Hope the next year will bring you lots of nice music.

The first artist today is Alfi Kabiljo ensemble. Alfi was born on December 22, 35. He wrote, and still writes, lots of music for film and TV, arranges light and classical music. The track is called "Morning Twist" (hope it will make you wake up ;)

El Toro et les Cyclones is a French beat group, they released a few EP's in the early 60's. This song is "Twenty Flight Rock" with French lyrics, from 62.

I still quizzy how many music lovers are aware of Icelandic artists? I think they are just amazing. For example, lyricist Ási í Bæ or composer Oddgeir Kristjánsson. Here's their song sang in 68, backing by Ólafs Gauks sextett.

István Selmeczi, a Hungarian organ player, plays a famous "Green Fields" together with Vilmos Körmendi ensemble.

Hugo Strasser was a well-known German clarnetist, formed his big band in 55 and still in active. He was also successful as a composer, his "Lonely Trumpet" with Ray Anthony became a hit.

There are more lovely tracks here, like "Santa Lucia" by Vico Torriani - very nice piece of Italian origin, "Hello, Mr. Sir..." by Austrian beat-group called The Hubbubs, Margareta Pâslaru - romanian music and film star, Camillo Felgen from Luxembourg, Mimi Nikolova backed by Bulgarian Radio and Television Orchestra conducted by Milcho Leviev.

The last track is Alexander Zatsepin' masterpiece from the comedy picture "Kak rozhdayutsya tosty". It was recorded by Zatsepin' ensemble in 62.

Here's the full track list:

Ansambl Alfija Kabilja Jutarnji twist (Yugoslavia)
El Toro et les Cyclones Vingtième étage (Twenty Flight Rock) (France)
Svanhildur Jakobsdóttir og Rúnar Gunnarsson Sólbrúnir vangar (Iceland, 68)
Körmendi együttes Zöld volt a mező (Green Fields) (Hungary)
The Bachelors Only You (Ireland)
Hugo Strasser-Tanzorchester Popocatepetl Twist (Germany)
Margareta Pâslaru Două rândunici (Romania)
The Hubbubs Hello, Mr. Sir... (Austria)
Vico Torriani Santa Lucia (Switzerland)
Camillo Felgen Petit Bonhomme (Luxembourg)
Mimi Nikolova Sinee (Bulgaria)
L'ensemble de Alex Zatsepin Prazdnichniy vals (USSR)

Music For Sunny Place, vol. IV

Hallo, friends, here's Karel, "Manzerock" air-station is on the air!
This time I'll continue to acquaint you with European retro music. Today I'll start with the Dutch "A.V.R.O. Dansorkest". They were among the most known orchestras from the 30's, and the first more or less dance orchestra employed by Dutch A.V.R.O. Radiostation back in the early 30's. The song is "Copper Colored Gal", the singer is Freddy Johnson, american vocalist and pianist. The song was recorded in 37.

Hula Hawaiians is a Swiss band from Basel, formed with inspiration from Dutch band Kilima Hawaiians. This is an instrumental track, it's called "The Chimpanzee Rock", recorded back in 57.


Marino Marini's combo was the first European quartet that got a fantastic popularity in the 50-60's. The song "Sei Bella" ("You're Beautiful") was released on a Soviet vinyl record in the late 50's.

Pompilia Stoian is a Romanian singer. With her fantastic vocal she was popular in Europe.

Larissa Mondrus was a young singer who has recorded some very lively tunes with Egil Schwartz Orchestra. They are from Latvia.

Here are also some big-beat bands, like Crveni koralji, Meteor, Nightrunners, Hitmakers.

Johnny Hallyday sings a nice love song "Retiens la nuit". Karel Vlach Orchestra is very good with the swing tune "Say It Softly to Me". Caterina Valente with Peter Alexander sing in duo a funny song "Sing, Baby, Sing", recorded in 55.

There are more interesting tunes to come, just keep on tuning.

Here's the track listing:

A.V.R.O. Dansorkest & Freddy Johnson Copper Colored Girl (Holland)
Hula Hawaiians The Chimpanzee Rock (Switzerland)
Marino Marini ed il suo Quartetto Sei Bella (Italy)
Pompilia Stoian Kiss Me Quick (Romania)
Crveni Koralji Tema Mladih Ljubavnika (Yugoslavia)
Johnny Hallyday Retiens La Nuit (France)
Karel Vlach Orchestra Say It Softly to Me (Czechoslovakia)
Larissa Mondrus Miliy Moi Fantaser (Latvia)
Meteor A Gardista (Hungary)
The Nightrunners Riders In the Sky (Sweden)
Hitmakers Jambalaya (Denmark)
Caterina Valente und Peter Alexander Sing, Baby, Sing (Germany/Austria)

Farewell, have a nice party!

Music For Sunny Place, vol. III

Hello friends, "Sunrise Party" is on the air.

Again, you'll travel all over Europe. Little Gerhard from Sweden sings a nice love song from 58, Jacob Sisters presented their hit "So Ein Boy" from 64, Radmila Karaklajic from Jugoslavia wrote her own lyrics for Louis Prima' "Angelina Zooma Zooma" and sings it here... Well, lots of lovely songs.

Here's the full track listing for the party:

Skupina Karla Duby Aerotaxi (Czechoslovakia)
Little Gerhard All Right (Sweden)
Sheila Pendant les vacanses (All I Have To Do Is Dream) (France)
Jacob Sisters So Ein Boy (East Germany)
Laila Halme Muistojeni laulu (Finland)
Jan Høiland Inden sol finner vei (Til min gate) (Norway)
Vamosi Janos Csini baba (Hungary)
Werner Müller mit sein Orchester Music Box Favoriten (West Germany)
Vello Orumets Kui kõnnib mannekeen (Estonia)
Radmila Karaklajić Angelina Zumba Zumba (Angelina--Zooma Zooma) (Jugoslavia)
Oleg Anofriev Suppose that... (USSR)
L'ensemble Electron Guarda Come Dondolo (USSR)

Have a nice party!

Music For Sunny Place, vol. II

Hello, friends! Here you are – the new issue of the European compilation called "Manzerock Party". I enjoy making this, so are you, I hope.

Some tracks here are rather obscure. The Cliffters is a Danish band, well-known in the 60's. The track "Sleepwalk" is from their early rehearsal.

Anita Traversi song is not the best sound quality, but I doubt there is a better copy anywhere?

Burt Blanca is my fav Belgium guitarist, was well-known with his band in the 60s. This version of "Telstar" has English lyrics, with magic organ at the beginning (and at the end of the song, too).

Again Lehel Németh presents Hungary – so, I just like him. And the same goes for Ivo Robić.

Elisabeth Granneman sings a funny song called "Square Waltz", she is from Norway.

Sile Dinicu and his Orcestra was transcribed from LP, so expect a little hiss. This Romanian swing band make a good point at the end of my new compilation.

The full track listing looks like this:

Cliffters Sleepwalk (Denmark)
Adriano Celentano Rip It Up (Italy)
Anita Traversi Cielo e Terra (Switzerland)
Burt Blanca Magic Star (Telstar) (Belgium)
Ivo Robić Stranci u noći (Strangers In the Night) (Yugoslavia)
Lehel Németh Ramona (Hungary)
Oliver Twist u.d. Happy Twistler Twist für Gina (West Germany, 62)
Elisabeth Granneman En god gammel, pirkantet vals (Norway)
Milan Chladil Snění, to pro mne není (Czeskoslovakia)
Caretakers Caravan (Sweden)
Orchestra RTV, dirijor Sile Dinicu Potpourri, Part I (Romania)
Orchestra RTV, dirijor Sile Dinicu Potpourri, Part II (Romania)

Have a nice party!

Music For Sunny Place

I'm starting a new wave of my nostalgia show - "Music for Sunny Place". These are going to be comps of the 50s-60s music, perfect for retro parties.

So, let's go through a brief veiw! The British Shadows is a beat group, accompaniators for Cliff Richard, hence the name - Shadows. They were such a big inspiration for young guitarists all over Europe.

It is unknown for me when Peter Neumayer changed his stage name, becaming Peter Alexander. His nice music taste is shown here in "Rocky-Tocky-Baby", which came to light in Autumn of 56. Kurt Edelhagen orchestra also perfectly backed him in the style.

Norwegian singer Wenche Myhre (of Wencke, as it spells) sings a nice pop song which got a 3rd prize in Eurovision Song Contest of 64. Ye-ye was all over the place in that year.

Vico Torriani has lots of talents. He sings in German, Italian, playing cowboy songs, yodels since late 40's, his records were issuing all over Europe, West or East.

Josef Vobruba was a maestro for Czech National light music orchestra, though not for a long time, but his crew was making nice swinging in voguish style all the way through.

Dutch singer Rein de Vries was among the early rockers in his Lowlands, making concerts, records in various styles well through the 50-60s. Here is a sample of his cover-song talents, singing "Patches" from Dicky Lee repertoire, with Dutch lyrics by Jack Bulterman, who is also a chief for the orchestra & chorus here.

Andromeeda was Estonian beat group. Since late 60's they were making musical career well through the 70's.

Richard Anthony has a nice cover of Beatles song here.

Bachelors were a three-piece pop-group, playing acoustic instruments, singing acapella. Thought I should place them here for their nice style.

Last, but never least, Peppino di Capri (Giuseppe Faiella his real name), Italian singer born on Isle of Capri. He's making records since 58. Here's a song from his 63 single. There is also an EP version exists, but I chose the 7-inch version.

Here's a full songlist:
Shadows Cosy (UK, 62)
Peter Alexander mit Kor Rocky-Tocky-Baby (Austria, 56)
Wenche Myhre og kor La meg være ung (Norway, 64)
Vico Torriani mit Sunshine Quartett In der Schweiz (Switzerland, 55)
Josef Vobruba se svým orchestrem Píseň pro Kristinku (Czechoslovakia, 63)
Németh Lehel és a Oktáv vokálegyüttes Ó Serenella (Hungary, 61)
Rein de Vries en Koor o.l.v. Jack Bulterman Patsy (Pathces) (Netherlands, 65)
Andromeeda Minu vanem vend (He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother) (Estonia, 70)
Richard Anthony Toi, l'ami (All My Loving) (France, 64)
Bachelors Whispering (Ireland, 64)
Danuta Rinn i Bohdan Czyzewski Bądź wiosną cały rok (Poland, 65)
Peppino di Capri Roberta (Italy, 63)