Two months ago, I posted an oddly enjoyable vanity record produced by the Film City label, of a song titled "Scotch Tape". As I wrote at the time, most of Film City's releases were of the song-poem variety, but a few here and there featured singers doing their own material, almost always accompanied by Film City's ubiquitous Chamberlin keyboard.
Barely had that post been written when I came upon another vanity record from the same label. And, as might be the case with you, as well, listening to this one made my mouth drop open in wonder.
While this one has none of the goofy charm of "Scotch Tape", it does have the benefit of being at least twice as peculiar. And although I had speculated that Rodd Keith was the Chamberlin master on most any Film City vanity pressing, the exceptionally poor keyboard performance on these tracks makes me wonder if I was off target with that assumption - the playing here is nothing short of atrocious. Some "Orchestra and Chorus"!
On the other hand, maybe the musician involved was simply struggling to find a way to appropriately accompany Bert Lowry, whose performing style is certainly unique.
Bert Lowry with Orchestra and Chorus - Portland Rose Song (MP3)
Bert Lowry with Orchestra and Chorus - Voice of the Rose (MP3)
Record Label A Side (JPG) - Record Label B Side (JPG)
The American Song-Poem Music Archives page for Film City indicates that Bert Lowry actually released "Voice of the Rose" twice - once, heard here, on the flip side to "Portland Rose Song", and again, as they A-side, with a song titled "Pasadena Rose Song" on the flip side. I sure wish I could hear that one.
Thanks for posting this! Love Portland rose song. That has a big warm soul.
Posted by: f | October 30, 2011 at 04:41 PM
Well, that was really 'orrible.
Posted by: Stu | November 02, 2011 at 06:45 PM