what
we know
“Alexandria” drives forward immediately: clapping, scratching,
and thumping. The drums circle at about the one-minute mark, at which point,
the saxophone madness begins in earnest. And does not cease. This 1963 “instro”
grinds in all the best ways.
“How should I respond?” you might ask. Well, we advise you
to jump. “How should I execute the jump?” you might ask. Squat down low, we
suggest, and propel yourself into the air. Repeat. Vary the frequency and height
as you see fit.
If you have a sweetie pie, you can wave hello on the way up,
and on the way down. Do you have two sweetie pies? Well, you can wave to both on
the way up, and both on the way down. Of course, they may have two sweetie pies
themselves. You get the idea. Lots of sweetie pies. Lots of jumping. That’s not
a bad worldview, now, is it?
Some may say “jazzy” and others may say “exotica” and still
others may declare “northern soul.” Okay with us. We might add rock, R&B,
and the “undisciplined blowing” of the soloist. (A compliment.) Thank the heavens
for those saxophonists who blow mad jumps.
 |
| This may be the five core members of The Embers ca. 1962. |
what
we might know
A lot of bands called themselves The Embers, but this group likely
hailed from Philadelphia. In addition to their work on Newtime, The (Philadelphia)
Embers recorded on Newtown Records, also in Philly. The two labels were likely
related.
As part of their output on Newtown, the group may have
appeared as Ricky Dee and The Embers, a band that cut a few dance-pop sides in
1962. Their song “Work Out” will call to mind the 1962 Sam Cooke single “Twistin’
The Night Away.” Another ditty, “Tunnel of Love,” will recall the 1962 Nathaniel
Mayer hit “Village of Love.”
The same group may have also appeared on the Sunset label as
Pete Bennett and The Embers. This group cut two sides in 1961 — “Fever” and “Soft”
— that were arranged by Bobby Martin, a Philadelphia-based producer. In fact, The
Embers, if they are the same group across these three different labels, may have
helped form a somewhat forgotten R&B sound pioneered by Mr. Martin in the
Town of Brotherly Love.
As a “house band,” The Embers may have backed Patti LaBelle,
who was associated with Newtime and Newtown. It is also possible that The
Embers recorded on the New York City label, Wynne Records, in 1959. In all,
they may have produced ten to twelve sides.
what we don’t know
We know very little, of course. “Alexandria” as
in Egypt? We don’t know.
getting into the weeds: discography
The Embers featuring Geo. “Terror” Narr. “Burning Up The Airways.”
Newtime 513A. Songwriting credit: A. Levinson, Rick Spain. b/w The Embers
featuring Joe “Mack” Lackey. “Alexandria.” Newtime 513B. Songwriting credit: A. Levinson. Philadelphia,
1963.
[Comments: never underestimate the B-side. Ahem. “Rick Spain”
represents the nom de plume of the songwriter / producer Richie Rome, born
Richard V. Di Cicco. He apparently arranged the Inez & Charlie Foxx top-10 hit
“Mockingbird” in the same year. Of “Burning Up The Airways,” we will note that
it offers a mischievous and prowling score, with bari sax adding some gravity. We
recommend it, too. As for “A. Levinson” — not too shabby, mate.]
The core band members may have been: Anthony Corona aka Bobby
Arnell (tenor sax); Paul Longyhore (guitar); Tony Gasperetti (bass); Orlando
Capriotti (organ); Rick Wise (Drums).
extended
discography
Ricky Dee and The Embers. “Work Out (Part 1)” b/w “Work Out (Part 2.)” Newtown 5001. Philadelphia, 1962.
Ricky Dee and The Embers “Work Out” b/w “Tunnel of Love.” Newtown 5001. Philadelphia, 1962.
Pete Bennett
and The Embers. “Fever” b/w “Soft.” Sunset 1002. Philadelphia, 1961.
The Embers. “Peter
Gunn Cha Cha” b/w “Chinny-Chin Cha Cha.” Wynne W-101. New York, 1959.
Gloria Hudson
with The Embers. “Hawaiian Cha Cha” b/w “I’m Glad For Your Sake.” Wynne W-104.
New York, 1959.
sources of information
45cat entry
for “Alexandria
45cat entry
for Ricky Dee and The Embers (primary release)
45cat entry
for Ricky Dee and The Embers (second release)
45cat entry
for Pete Bennett and The Embers
45cat entry
for The Embers on Wynne
Discogs entry
for Gloria Hudson and The Embers
Billboard May
5, 1962
Billboard June
23, 1962
Billboard March
23, 1963
Wikipedia entry for
Bobby Martin
Wikipedia entry
for Richie Rome
Various blogs & speculation, etc.
