On The Road Again. In the mid-1960s, as folk and psychedelia were reshaping rock, a band from Los Angeles set out to revive the blues: Canned Heat. Founded by Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson and Bob “The Bear” Hite—both passionate collectors and scholars of old shellac records—the group stood for authenticity from the very beginning. Their name, borrowed from a 1928 song, hinted at the rawness from which they drew their power. Their breakthrough came in 1968 with the album Boogie with...
The Quiet Milestone. A summer day in June 1961, New York’s Village Vanguard: Bill Evans, Scott LaFaro, and Paul Motian step onto the small stage – and create music that endures. From these concerts came two albums that shaped jazz history: Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby. The latter, named after Evans’s niece, is regarded as one of the most tender and moving recordings in the genre. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey in 1929, Evans was a quiet revolutionary. Classically...
From Elvis With Love. Elvis Loves You is more than just a collection of the King's love songs - it's a tribute to the legacy of the ultimate romantic. It is a reminder of Elvis Presley's unique ability to touch hearts, bring people together and provide countless moments of love and joy. From the tender strains of “Love Me Tender” to the timeless beauty of “Can't Help Falling in Love,” each song captures emotions that are both intimate and universal. Songs like “Are You Lonesome...
So Exited. The Pointer Sisters were founded in the late 1960s by the sisters June and Bonnie Pointer, later joined by Anita and Ruth. After Bonnie’s departure in 1977, the trio experienced the greatest success of their career. With their unique mix of R&B, soul, pop, funk, jazz, rock, and country, along with precise harmonies and a dynamic stage presence, they set new standards in American pop music. Raised in the gospel tradition, they broke through genre boundaries and achieved...
Walk On By . Dionne Warwick, born as Marie Dionne Warrick on December 12, 1940 in Orange, New Jersey, is one of the most significant voices in American pop music. With a career spanning over six decades, she enchants her audience with her warm, velvety voice and unmistakable phrasing. Raised in a family steeped in gospel music, she began her musical journey in church at an early age. Her major breakthrough came in the 1960s through her collaboration with Burt Bacharach and Hal David –...
The Giants Of Soft Rock. Air Supply's story began in 1975 when Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met during the Australian production of "Jesus Christ Superstar." Despite different backgrounds, they bonded over their shared love of The Beatles and formed Air Supply. Their 1976 debut album featured the hit "Love and Other Bruises," gaining them attention in Australia. Their breakthrough came in 1980 with the album "Lost in Love," featuring hits like "All Out of Love" and "Every Woman in the...
Through The Decades. Starship's story begins with Jefferson Airplane, the pioneering psychedelic rock band from San Francisco, formed in 1965. Known for hits like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," they became symbols of the 1960s counterculture and were headliners at Woodstock in 1969. By the early 1970s, Jefferson Airplane's lineup began to change. Paul Kantner, a founding member, formed Jefferson Starship in 1974, blending rock with mainstream elements and achieving success with...
The Night is Long, Go On! Our first compilation, Midnight Jazz, is one of the most successful releases in the Magic Of Vinyl series. We are delighted that we have been able to inspire jazz fans as well as introduce night owls to jazz with our hand-picked compilation. The night is long - and that's exactly why it needs more: More Midnight Jazz. As with the first edition, much time and attention to detail have been invested in this vinyl to curate additional masterpieces of the genre that...
King Of The Swing. Frank Sinatra, "The Voice," became one of the most influential figures in American entertainment during the swing era. His rise began in the 1940s with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras, where he refined his vocal techniques and captured the hearts of a nation during World War II. In 1943, Sinatra signed with Columbia Records, launching his solo career. His early recordings, known for lush string arrangements, earned him the nickname "The Sultan Of Swoon," making...
The Sentimental Sinatra. Frank Sinatra is not only convincing as the King Of The Swing, he also touches you in a unique way with his ballads. His impeccable phrasing and warm voice create a strong connection with the audience. Sinatra's collaboration with Capitol Records was pivotal. His 1955 album "In The Wee Small Hours," with tracks like “Mood Indigo” and “What Is This Thing Called Love?”, showcases his emotional depth, complemented by Nelson Riddle's orchestration, making it a...