Tag: europe

Ronnie Dunne Quartet

Ronnie Dunne Quartet – I Hope You’re Satisfied

(Introducing the Versatile Ronnie Dunne Quartet, 1967)

In the autumn of 1965, Ronnie Dunne made desperate phone calls to several of his fellow jazz instrumentalists from England, begging them to fly down to Spain in order to help him fulfill a performance contract he had no recollection of signing. He called Buckie, Dave, and John not only because they owed him money, but also for their excellent musicianship — they had all played with the best jazz musicians in England. Yet upon their arrival in the Canary Islands, Ronnie’s shady management team demanded that they all SING as well as play! Besides the fact that there was nothing in the contract requiring them to vocalize a single syllable for the next 50 years, “none of us had even entertained the idea of singing before” said Ron. Naturally the group was tempted to book the next flight home, but after only a year of practice, their four harmonizing voices and numerous instruments made them stars in the Canaries and Majorca. Then they travelled all over Scandinavia, appearing on countless TV and radio broadcasts, stage shows and cabarets. They even made cameos in 3 films, if you can believe that. Their debut album was a mix of covers, swedish folk songs, and original compositions. The originals (including the song above) are the best of the bunch. 

The Canarios

Canarios – Trying So Hard (1968)

The Canarios were a primitive tribe inhabiting the Canary Island Concert Hall when they were first discovered by the conquering Spaniards at the beginning of the 15th century. As they slowly integrated into Spanish society they managed to score several hit singles on the Spanish charts, and they even opened a few shows for The Beach Boys! (too bad it was during the “Kokomo” years). Eduardo “Teddy” Bautista, the tribe leader, was rather fond of wearing teddies but he disbanded the group in the late 60s to enter the military. When his stint was over he happily abandoned his army uniform and returned to his teddies, only to find his bandmates experimenting with synthesizers and talking about symphonic rock, of all things. One can easily guess what happened next… but for now let’s focus on their glorious garage days. 

Travolta Hommages

Anita – Je Suis Amoureuse De Travolta (1979)

While we’re on the subject of John Travolta, I find it amusing that there were two French singers in 1979 who were smitten enough to record a song about him.

Sandy – Mon Grand Amour C’est John Travolta (1979)

Who knows, there are probably even more franco-travoltian hommages out there. I mean, if his endless series of pelvic thrusts in Perfect didn’t inspire at least one Chantal or Frédéric to pick up a guitar, then I don’t know what this world is coming to.