Record Digging: A Korean Caribbean Music LP... From Colorado

 

So I'm digging through a record bin, and come across a couple of 1990 Korean language (at least based on the liner notes) LPs entitled Due West Isle of St. Thomas. The album appears to have a smooth jazz Caribbean vibe, based on the cover art and song titles ("Toucan Strut," "Coconut Bay," Coral Reef Ballet"...). I was about to put it back, when I flipped over the album and noticed the record label address - Windsor, Colorado.

I obviously pick up both copies and head back to the house, to learn more.

Thank goodness for language translation apps. Although, I'm idly wondering just how accurate it is. See Korean-English translation below:

"Due West is a world-class musician Kip Kuepper, who was in the group Rare Silk, who was nominated for a Grammy, and Jim Ridi, from the jazz group Spyro Gyra. Accompaniment by Kim Stone. It is characterized by the refreshing saxophone performance of Ron Axelson. The debut album Isle of St. Thomas is a collection of homeways performances. The blend of smooth flowing rhythms and warn island sounds create a perfect heart passage for your life.  The Isle of St. Thomas album is casual, light, fast bit energy, and deep technique, giving you an unforgettable taste and aroma. Each track provides a view of cheerfulness, pleasure, joy and it is also a trip to warm the spirit and its purposed is to give a different feeling. The fresh sound of percussion and the smooth and beautiful melodic color playing along the river of various performances such as flute, mandolin, the new fusion sound that brightens the heart."

Ron Axelson was born in 1954, in Grand Junction. The liner notes mention that he moved to Nashville, before moving back to Colorado.

The players, as mentioned above, include Axelson (alto sax), Jim Ridi (keyboards), Kip Kuepper and Kim Stone (bass), along with Don Prorak (steel drums), Randy Chavez (guitar), and Mike Aggson (acoustic guitar).

The music has a very "drinking a mai tai, under an umbrella, watching the ocean" vibe to it. 

 Listen to a sample of "Coconut Bay" (1:10)

I couldn't find a domestic release of this vinyl album. It appears it was only released in Korea, as I found several links to the album, on Korean websites. 

In 1995, the album was reissued on CD, and was credited to Ron Axelson, rather than Due West. In a May 1996 issue of Mobile Beat, I found a review of the Isle of St. Thomas:

"A well-produced eight-cut CD on the Ivory Moon label. Ron's music is best described as a cross between Kenny G and Jimmy Buffett. All songs are a medium tempo, with a sunny Caribbean flavor, perfect for any type of event. But there's a twist - using the untapped marketing power of mobile DJs, Ivory Moon has begun a promotional mailing of the CD to mobiles across the country."

In 2006, he released another CD, Sun Tones.

I have messages into Ron, as well as the other players on the record. Hopefully we will soon learn more about the Korean-exclusive issue of this Colorado-made LP. Interesting, to say the least.

Gypsy Hale

Found this single shortly after I posted the previous blog entry on Carol Rose, so it's back to Grand Junction this month.

As noted in the previous story, a bio on Carol Rose mentioned that she owned the Misty record label.  This record was put out the same year as her debut LP.  No clue who the band members are on this,  if Gypsy Hale is the name of the band, the female vocalist, or if Carol Rose is, in fact, Gypsy Hale.  I'm sure someone can fill me in.  The only other names on here are producers Frank Chamberlain and Don Jones. Sorry for the quality of this sample. Sounds muddy to me, but I guess that's how Frank and Don mixed it.

Sample of Sleepy Lovin Summer Sunday Sunrise

Misty 784 (1978)

Flipside is a country instrumental, "Black Mountain Boogie."

Carol Rose

Going back to 1978 for this vanity release from Grand Junction's own Carol Rose.

Hi...I'm Carol Rose (Misty Records MSA-78-127) was recorded at Real to Reel Studios in town, and published by Mountain West Music. Studio players include Bobby T (just Bobby T) and Bob Mueller on guitar, Stormy Lee on drums, John Velarde on violin, and Jim O'Connor on bass. Jim also produces the album, and pens the lead off cut, "Tears of a Broken Lady."

Listen to a sample

In 2008 Carol Rose was inducted in the Seattle Western Music Society’s Hall of Fame as a pioneer in western swing. Her bio notes that she was born in 1943, in Oak Creek, Colorado. "After spending several years performing in the state, she moved to Vegas and did the nightclub/casino circuit." Bio also shows that she actually owned the Misty label, and that she has a total of three LPs. 

In 2013 the local Grand Junction paper had a mention of a concert she gave, featuring Big Band music.

Ghost Town Echo

Listen to a sample

Band members:
Hal Langer - banjo
Dorrie Langer - bass guitar
Nancy Langer - drums
Kay ?? - fiddle
Jim Starr - guitar
Dan Bright (passed away, 2006)

Nice bluegrass and square dancing singles out of Grand Junction. After the band dissolved, Dan Bright went on to form The Ghostriders Square Dance Band (still active), based out of California.

Releases (all 1977) 
Ghost Town label
Boot Hill Boogie / Ghost Town Boogie- GT1
Jesse James (called by Dave Kenney--passed way, 2013) - GT2
Ashes / Jenifer's Jig - GT3

Sets in Order

July 1977

KEKB Radio Grand Junction

Author's note: Just in case anyone thought I only collected Southern Colorado records, check out my other website, RadioUseOnly.com - my collection of radio station-produced recordings. It's where the record I feature in this edition first showed up in my stash.
Interview with Gary Smith conducted February 2011.

OldWest Hilltop 99 Country Album #1

(1984)

In the early 1980s, KEKB radio hit the airwaves of Grand Junction, playing the latest country hits. In an effort to promote the new station, the local Old West Recorders studios pitched an idea for an album featuring local performers.

"As part of the promotion, the LP was sold as a fundraiser for Hilltop, a local head trauma hospital," said Old West Recorders owner Gary Smith.

The OldWest Hilltop 99 Country concept began as an idea to support and promote musical talent that is "home grown" right here in Western Colorado. In a few short months, the concept has captured the imagination of Western Colorado so much that it has generated a tremendous wave of interest and enthusiasm. The result of this interest and enthusiasm is inside this album jacket. - Album liner notes.

The 11 songs featured were performed entirely by the Old West Singers (the studio singers for the local Old West Recorders studios - Jim Showalter, Dick Mullen, Sonja Makowski, and Vickie Wolfe), and other Grand Junction performers.

"The album also included Clyde Jorgensen and Ralph Smith, who performed locally as Ralph and Clyde, and Tom Bayne who had the FTM Band," said Smith.

Other singers included Geri Vaughn, Judy Lee, Doug Lenard, Mark Magruder, Cherie Slogar, Steve Back, and Johnny Garner.


Among the selections was a two minute jingle for the station. Composed by Gary Smith, "KEKB Song" was sung as a duet with Steve Back and Vickie Wolfe.

Listen to a sample of "KEKB Song"

Side One
Long Legged - Doug Lenard
You and Me - Cherie
I Had the Music - Ralph and Clyde
Whiskey Nights - Judy Lee
The Hustler - Steve Back

Side Two
Love Dorito Style - Tom Bayne and FTM Express
My Song is You - Jim Showalter and the Old West Singers
Paper Back Lies - Mark Magruder
KEKB Song - Steve and Vickie
All I Can Promise is Today - Geri Vaughn

Before Gary Smith moved to Grand Junction, he enjoyed a lengthy music career, working with a variety of performers, including Bernadette Peters, Frankie Laine, The Coasters, The Platters, and Danny and The Juniors. He has produced over 75 albums. In addition, he has produced music for the Nickelodeon Television Network.

While the album's title implied that there would be a second volume, Smith said the follow-up project never materialized.

COMING NEXT POST: Bill Goodwin