AccuRadio Song Of The Day-The Viscounts

Artist:The Viscounts

Song:Harlem Nocturne

Album:Rock Instrumental Classics Vol. 1: The Fifties

Instrumental fans will enjoy this 1959 recording of the classic Harlem Nocturne. It charted in 1960 and 1965 and is still considered to be a classic oldie. First of all, there were two bands called The Viscounts. One was a British band which included future songwriting legend Gordon Mills (It's Not Unusual). They had some success in England in the late 50s but I don't think their music was released in North America. This band called The Viscounts were an instrumental band formed in New Jersey in 1958. I think listeners are confused because both bands were around at the same time. The Viscounts were Harry Haller on sax, Bobby Spievak on lead guitar, Billy Slavis on rhythm guitar, Larry Vecchio on organ and piano, Joe Spievak on bass and Clark Smith on drums. They recorded for Larry Uttal's Madison Records. Among the groups on that label was Tico and the Triumphs featuring Paul Simon. Harlem Nocturne was the first single. It reached #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #17 on the R&B Singles chart. It didn't chart that high. But the record is still a popular oldie because it's a jazz standard and and this is the only version that charted. Harlem Nocturne was written in 1939 for The Ray Noble Orchestra by Dick Rogers and Earle Hagen. Both were in the Noble band. Rogers was a singer. Hagen went on to write 60s TV themes like The Dick Van Dyke Show. There was renewed interest in Harlem Nocturne when it was used as the theme for the TV series Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer. Jazz musician Bud Shank played alto sax. No doubt Uttal heard the song on TV and he got The Viscounts to record it. The Viscounts recorded an album and a few singles without further success. Then Uttal bought Bell Records. He re-released Harlem Nocturne on Amy Records in 1966 and it reached #39 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Viscounts released a couple of 1968 singles on Coral Records. Jasmine Records has released a Viscounts comp. But I think most will only want Harlem Nocturne and you can get it on this Rhino various artists budget CD. Here's a video for Harlem Nocturne by The Viscounts.