Willie Nelson, Durango-style

Most of you know I spent a good chunk of my life in Austin, TX, before moving back to Colorado, in 2015. While in the Lone Star State, I filled my ears with Robert Earl Keen, Slaid Cleaves, James McMurtry, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Bob Schneider, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, etc... I won't lie, I do miss being around that wealth of music (and good Mexican food).

Of course, you can't call yourself a true resident of A-Town without genuflecting to one musical name in particular, Willie Nelson. In Austin, the man walks on Town Lake. A street is named after him, a statue has been erected, and no doubt, when he passes, the city will lower flags at half staff.

So, imagine my shock when I discovered a Colorado-related Willie Nelson LP. An album so bizarre, you'd swear it was made aboard his beloved bus, while enjoying the braided one's favorite ground herb. I literally have no clue how the idea for this recording was even conceived. 

Released on the Soundmark label, out of Denver, Willie Nelson Family Album is credited as coming from the brain matter of The Sandpiper Agency, out of Durango. Willie Nelson voices a portion of the disc, with a biographical account of his life and career - through spoken word and song.

Darn it, so much for being a better blogger (blush). Yeah, yeah...

The album starts off with an intro from an unknown narrator, which segues into the same intro heard on his 1971 album, Yesterday's Wine - give a listen.

Side One:
Let Me Be a Man
Family Bible
Summer of Roses
Hello Walls
Crazy
Funny How Time Slips Away

Side Two:
I've Got a Wonderful Future Behind Me
Stay Away from Lonely Places
Remember the Good Times
Me and Paul
My Own Particular Way
Pick Up The Tempo
Heaven and Hell
December Day
Yesterday's Wine

Adding to the mystery is the large NOT FOR SALE - FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY across the back cover. So how many of these albums were pressed, and who received them? A quick Google search finds nada on "The Sandpiper Agency" of Durango, so that was a dead end.

The liner notes on the back offer absolutely no explanation:

This album is designed to guide the listener through the Willie Nelson Family Album in Willie's own words and music. The album is presented in four segments: Willie's early life in Texas, his first years in Nashville as a songwriter, the later years in Music City USA,  when his music and singing first became popular and his decision to move back to Texas, with a whole new sound.

As Patsy might say, "Crazy."

The Other Ray Charles

Pike's Peak Records Proudly Present "Mr. Music" Ray Charles

LP 1920 (1971)

You wouldn't believe the number of esoteric Colorado records I have unearthed - like this fantastic instrumental LP, from Colorado Springs keyboardist, Ray Charles, otherwise known as "Mr. Music."

Can't find a thing on this musician. Zilch, zero, nada. As always, dear reader, if you can't assist, please drop me a line. Apparently there was, believe it or not, another "Mr. Music," in Colorado Springs, the clarinetist Ed Nuccio.

2016 obituary for Mr. Nuccio:
Professional clarinetist Ed Nuccio was famous for nurturing children, teens and adults in their pursuit of music, so much so that he earned the moniker "Mr. Music."The longtime band director, educator and founder of New Horizons Band of Colorado Springs died April 12 from cancer. He was 80 years old. Nuccio arrived in Colorado Springs in 1958 to play with the Air Force Academy Band where he earned an Airman of the Year award in 1959. He performed with Arthur Fiedler, longtime conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, and in bands for Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dean Martin and others who played in concert at The Broadmoor.

Released, in 1971, on the Pike's Peak (apostrophe noted) label, this disc isn't on the same Pikes Peak label, of which Pueblo polka duo Frankie and Connie Bregar appear. Again, any help would be great.

Damn fine instrumental album, with lots of spacey keyboards - really diggin' that cover of "Caravan" (audio below).

Side One:
Sweet Georgia Brown
Stardust
Alley Cat
St. Louis Blues
San Antonio Rose
Tennessee Waltz

Side Two
Mame
Steel Guitar Rag
Ramblin' Rose
Caravan (listen to sample)
Satin Doll
Down Yonder




No acknowledgements or credits for the other musicians on this disc (who the heck is that fantastic guitarist?). Liner notes on the back:

From the majestic snowcapped rockies has emerged a fresh sound - the sound of Mr. Music, Ray Charles, who has appeared in person and thrilled audiences at most of the smart, plush nightclubs from coast to coast! The Hammond organ, always a lush, pleasing sound, seems to take on a new depth and dimension under the talented fingers of Mr. Music.