Larry Birdsong, "Scooter Poofin'" c/w "Wish I Didn't Love You So," Champion 1009 (1959)
Despite his obvious talent and the support of Black Nashville songwriter-producer Ted Jarrett, Larry Birdsong never broke into the mainstream--or had a chart hit of any significance. His beautiful voice, which soars into the high end with ease and feeling, was heard for a quarter of a century. Popular with audiences, Birdsong kept making singles for various labels, so somebody bought his records.
Jarrett got the singer on Chicago label Vee-Jay. He'd had success with another Nashville-based vocalist, Gene Allison, but lightning didn't strike twice, despite four excellent singles. Birdsong returned to the Nashville imprint Champion for another series of platters. This undated 1959 release offers one of his least typical songs, coupled with what he did best--moody ballads with thoughtful lyrics.
"Scooter Poofin'" is a bizarre uptempo romp with bar-room piano, a rollicking beat and a vibe that compares to Hank Ballard's 1959 hit "Finger Poppin' Time." This phrase appears to be a term for what might also be called "foolin' around." It involves stars, the moon and a sycamore tree to enact, and I'm sure it doesn't involve motorized two-wheelers.
It's a surprise to hear Birdsong onsuch a bouncy, carefree song. His co-singer offers hearty, sometimes-atonal harmonies. This might have been a hit, had a less bizarre phrase been its title. On the flip, you'll hear Birdsong in his natural environmernt, which makes "Scooter Poofin'" seem more an anomaly.
Jarrett got the singer on Chicago label Vee-Jay. He'd had success with another Nashville-based vocalist, Gene Allison, but lightning didn't strike twice, despite four excellent singles. Birdsong returned to the Nashville imprint Champion for another series of platters. This undated 1959 release offers one of his least typical songs, coupled with what he did best--moody ballads with thoughtful lyrics.
"Scooter Poofin'" is a bizarre uptempo romp with bar-room piano, a rollicking beat and a vibe that compares to Hank Ballard's 1959 hit "Finger Poppin' Time." This phrase appears to be a term for what might also be called "foolin' around." It involves stars, the moon and a sycamore tree to enact, and I'm sure it doesn't involve motorized two-wheelers.
It's a surprise to hear Birdsong onsuch a bouncy, carefree song. His co-singer offers hearty, sometimes-atonal harmonies. This might have been a hit, had a less bizarre phrase been its title. On the flip, you'll hear Birdsong in his natural environmernt, which makes "Scooter Poofin'" seem more an anomaly.
"Wish I Didn't Love You So" is co-written by Ted Jarrett and bears his stamp of authentic, thoughtful blues. This elegant song has the feel of a pop standard and benefits from a sparser approach. Jarrett's other protege Gene Allison could have recorded this without a change; Birdsong's lovely voice is a major asset on this atmospheric ballad that anticipates British Invasion songs such as The Beatles' "This Boy."
I hope to find more records by this fine artist at Don Kirsch's Tacoma Record Meet, where I'll be buying and selling this weekend. If you're in the area, drop by this Sunday from 9 to 5 and look for the tallest guy in the room. That'll be me! It's a 45s-only show and I can't wait for the fun to begin!
Tomorrow: we revisit one of my favorite records in any genre, Robert Mosley's fantastic April 1963 single for Capitol Records. Two incredible songs that reach across six decades to rivet, move and mesmerize. Please don't miss this one.
Tomorrow: we revisit one of my favorite records in any genre, Robert Mosley's fantastic April 1963 single for Capitol Records. Two incredible songs that reach across six decades to rivet, move and mesmerize. Please don't miss this one.
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