Description

We have got some buried treasure here at Woodwork and we think it is time we shouted about it; we have some of the classiest vintage sounds on the block! The Soundies label owns a unique and extraordinary catalogue of rare, exclusive and unreleased music from the golden age of American entertainment. Covering an array of genres from big band, swing, jazz, to easy listening, pop, rock n’ roll, country, hillbilly and novelty hits.
Their concept is simple; to delve into a rich collection of old radio transcription discs - recordings from the '40’s and early '50’s that were made originally made to be broadcast on radio shows. This series is a veritable treasure trove with plenty of rare recordings and material by several superb artists who have been forgotten over the years. The label is named after 40’s versions of the music video: Soundies were three-minute musical films displayed on a coin-operated film jukebox called a Panoram in nightclubs and bars.
Soundies have released music by the first wave of pop stars like Doris Day whose gal-next-door vocals are legendary and need no more introduction and Helen Forrest  with her soft inviting tone similar to Judy Garland. Mel Torme, the master of subdued yet compelling performance  and one of the greatest pop/jazz singers ever. Kay Starr is also aboard; the husky-voiced, savvy performer whose command of phrasing and emotion nails standards every time!  For further evidence check  out her rendition of “It’s a Good Day” as used  on the latest Tropicana campaign.
Country artists are also represented, like slick fiddle player Spade Cooley, aka the King of Western Swing and his singer Tex Williams and one of the most playful performers of the time; Hank Penny who covered popular R&B tunes and composed novelty hits for the postwar country boom. Big Band leaders like swing trombonist Tommy Dorsey and Tex Beneke (The Glenn Miller Band) and Spike Jones’ crazy, riotous re-workings of hits, that often became bigger than the original eg “Cocktails for Two”. Jazz legends such as Count Basie ; one  of the most Important jazz bandleaders of his time and (Sir)Duke Ellington ; probably the most influential figure in American music.
Soundies come to us via Sugaroo!, our partners based in California They have recently placed Soundies tracks in Golden Globe nominated “Running with Scissors” and Bafta nominated “Lust, Caution” amongst others.
This music is rare and unusual, is sometimes heartbreaking but often fun and reeks of quality with bucketloads of style. There are plenty of instrumentals both hectically fast and slow-paced. Lyrically every theme is covered from holidays and travel to food and drink, glamour and beauty to seasonal novelty hits, plus of course plenty for those in the mood for love..

Releases we represent:

• Kay Starr | The Best Of The Standard Transcriptions | Album | 2006