Ken Lazarus - Lazarus - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Ken Lazarus' path to solo stardom was anything but conventional. Born and raised in Jamaica, he first came to prominence as the lead vocalist of the iconic Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, the Dragonaires were a pivotal force in both the ska and reggae scenes, playing to global audiences and defining Jamaica's musical landscape during that time. Lazarus, however, was never one to be confined to a single sound, and his musical journey took him beyond the band's boundaries. Before stepping into the solo spotlight, Lazarus flexed his musical muscles with Tomorrow's Children, a band known for it's adventurous blend of rock and reggae influences. As an in-demand session musician, he contributed to numerous projects, honing his skills as an arranger, producer, and songwriter. But it was this album-released in 1977 on Midsong Records-that truly marked his breakout as a solo artist.

Vinyl LP pressing. Inch Twenty years ago we got turned on to Largo, this incredible venue in Los Angeles where a community of immensely talented musicians and comedians would play and watch each other's shows. We were inspired by the artistic cross-pollination and spontaneous life that sprang out of that place and our whole idea of songwriting and artistry shifted. Flanagan, who runs Largo, invited us to do our own monthly show there saying, It'll be great, you can call it Watkins Family Hour and play old covers, try out new songs you're working on and have guests join you. And that's what we did. This record celebrates two decades of Watkins Family Hour with songs that have been with us since the beginning and songs that have recently reached us. Similarly, we are joined by musicians, some of whom we met in the early days, and some more recently; musical heroes and friends who have come to be family. Among them are Tyler Chester and David Boucher who produced this album with us. Their contributions brought out a unique life in these songs. A life that embodies the spirit of musical collaboration crossing generations and genres. It's what drew us to Largo in the first place, and it's what continues to inspire us to this day.Inch

In the midst of a scorching European tour in 1959, Gerry Mulligan appeared with the Night Lights band at the peak of their powers. Released in conjunction with the Mulligan Estate, this set of recordings has never before been officially issued. Mastered and cut from the original tape transfers by Kevin Gray, it features a newly designed sleeve with rare tour photograph and words from original bassist Bill Crow.