George Kirby - The Real George Kirby (George Kirby Sings)- Argo LP 4045 - Argo Pressing, Blue Label, Stereo, Sealed
George Kirby - Vocals
[uncredited] - Rest of Players
All sides with exception of A3 Arranged By Richard Evans
[Orchestra] Conducted by Richard Evans
Recorded - February & March 1965, Universal Recording Studio, Chicago
Album Production & Supervision - Esmond Edwards
Engineer: Bruce Swedien
Cover Design: Don Bronstein
Liner Notes: Harry Belafonte!
Released: August 7, 1965 (Approx according to contemporary advertising)
This posting is another intriguing discovery from Argo's Blues/Pop/Folk series; a nice Jazz-Soul-Pop vocal side by George Kirby with arrangements from Richard Evans! Kirby a trailblazing African American entertainer and mostly comedian who broke into American mainstream television in the 1960s surprisingly does a credible job with his vocal stylings and doesn't embarrass himself.
But of course, the wonderful arrangements and consummate professionalism of Evans and the unfortunately uncredited Chess session players are mostly responsible for transforming this potentially borderline croonin' /celebrity/vanity side project into a listenable if not pleasant side. This I promise is a genuine Argo/Cadet rarity as it never been reissued on CD or otherwise. Acquired a still sealed copy, excellent fidelity.
Get it
New to me, but I see it`s got a version of "Feeling Good" and arranged by Richard Evans, so looking forward to it. Thanks for the share.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to thank you for sharing these amazing Argo etc releases.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Kirby sang???!! Wow, who knew? Can't wait to hear how he holds up. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteJust got 'round to listening to this and what a surprise, he sings rather well. A very enjoyable album, thank you.
ReplyDeletemerci
ReplyDelete