Poldo's Music Trivia II

This one was a suggestion from Judy. OK, girls and boys, back to the 70s: By far, the biggest single for this Canadian singer/songwriter was a 1978 yacht-rock ballad written by his younger brother Ross. A reflection on nostalgic memories of a past romance and the struggle to move on. His signature smash hit, it topped the Canadian charts and peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot 100. It won several Juno Awards and was Grammy-nominated. He was one of the first artists to appear on "Soul Train" and toured with Stevie Wonder. Artist? Song? Answer: "I Just Wanna Stop" by Gino Vannelli. Nice hair! Fond memories of my first year of ENT residency in Philly. He is now 74 (great age!), lives in Oregon, continues to perform in North America and Europe and teaches music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjfuDSPde_g&list=RDPjfuDSPde_g&start_radio=1

OK, boys and girls, back to the 60s: Steve Winwood was 21-years-old when he wrote this classic blues-rock standard. A meditation on feeling lost, inner turmoil and search for safety and clarity. First recorded and released by his British supergroup as part of their self-titled first and only album. Memorable, delicate fingerpicked acoustic guitars, shuffling jazz drum line and, of course, Winwood's signature soulful falsetto. Covered by, among others, Joe Cocker, Alison Krauss, Eric Clapton (solo), Styx and Bonnie Raitt. Song? Supergroup? For extra credit, name the band's three other members. Answer: "Can't Find My Way Home" by Blind Faith. Other three members: Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Ric Grech. Clapton's and Winwood's guitar work is beyond sublime. Ginger Baker's drumming - what can I say that hasn't already been said?! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jlLBs6YawM&list=RD6jlLBs6YawM&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.co...

OK, girls and boys, more Mop Tops: According to John Lennon, this 1964 Beatles pop classic was inspired by "Silhouettes", a 1957 hit first recorded and released by doo-wop quartet The Rays. A young man is unable to contact his apparently unfaithful girlfriend, even though he knows she is home. Song? Answer: "No Reply" by The Beatles. Not one of the blokes' most popular tunes, but certainly a little gem! The first time I heard it was on the little tableside juke box at Mastro's Pizza Palace in Hato Rey, P.R. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgFo9STa70E&list=RDYgFo9STa70E&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h5YJZS7x_Q&list=RD_h5YJZS7x_Q&start_radio=1

OK, girls and boys. back to the 70s: This Detroit-based R&B vocal quintet was formed in 1954 as The Domingoes. Their first Top 20 hit and their biggest Motown smash came in 1970 (great year!) with a Stevie Wonder/Syreeta Wright/Lee Garrett R&B/soul composition. A man complains about his lover "messin' around" (hint, hint!) on him. #14 Billboard Hot 100, #3 R&B. Smooth lead vocals by G.C. Cameron. First song produced by Stevie Wonder for another act. Smokin' guitar work by Dennis Coffey, Robert White and Eddie Wills of Motown's The Funk Brothers. Group? Song? Answer: "It's a Shame" by The Spinners. Fond memories of our senior year in high-school/freshman year in college. The Spinners were certainly a hit-making machine! They were hot in Philly when I arrived there in 1973. They did most of their recording at Sigma Sound Studios, not far from Phi Chi Medical Fraternity, where I lived during my four years of med school. http...

OK, girls and boys, back to the 90s (the 1890s, that is!): This Spanish composer and guitar virtuoso is widely considered to be the father of the modern classical guitar. An accomplished performer, he was dubbed "the Sarasate of the guitar". He singlehandedly took the instrument from small venues to major recital halls and set the standards for posture for and right-hand technique. He dedicated this challenging 1899 piece to a famous palace/fortress complex in Granada. Complex three-finger tremolo with the thumb playing an arpeggio pattern. Masterfully transposed to voice by Sarah Brightman and by Nana Mouskouri. Part of "The Killing Fields", "Sideways" and "The Sopranos" soundtracks. Composer? Piece? Answer: "Recuerdos de La Alhambra" ("Memories of The Alhambra") by Francisco Tárrega. I was introduced to this beautiful piece by my father, may he rest in peace. Just like his father before him and myself, he was sel...

OK, boys and girls, more 60s one-hit-wonders: Singer/songwriter Chip Taylor and session musician Al Gorgoni contributed significantly to other artists' recordings behind the scenes. As a pop duo, their only hit was a 1966 folk ballad written by Camille Monte and Estelle Levitt. Previously recorded by Nancy Sinatra and by The Browns. A song of unrequited love, emotional hopelessness and the hard acceptance that you cannot force someone to love you. #3 Adult Contemporary, #34 Pop. Duo? Song? Answer: "I Can't Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree" by Just Us. Always loved that song! I cannot listen to it without thinking of my dear departed childhood friend, Dr. Arturo Marchand, who first introduced me to it. A gifted musician, Artu was the lead guitarist for our rock group in high-school. I still have the original 45 rpm (well-worn!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmtHb1XuzU4&list=RDAmtHb1XuzU4&start_radio=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoKdF0_so6M&...