Kenny Burrell circa 1960s
This week’s edition of the multimedia insurrection is bittersweet for me. The song I wanted to share in recognition of Election Day, a jazz instrumental, has never been issued on CD, is unavailable as an mp3 download, and several websearches failed to uncover anyone’s uploaded personal copy. Just to prove I’m not (completely) crazy, I did find radio station playlists showing that the song has been broadcast, in recent times no less. I also have in front of me a copy of the LP anthology on which it appears. It’s Poll Tax (Columbia CS 8410, mx 65784) by the Elliott-Burrell Quintet: Don Elliott (vibes); Ray Bryant (piano); Kenny Burrell (electric guitar); Major Holley (bass); Mickey Roker (drums). Recorded in New York, Spring 1961). I include all of this information for authenticity and padding. This little gem is so elusive that I can’t even locate a picture of the double LP’s cover to insert in the post.
As consolation, I could share a different song from Burrell’s extensive discography, but I’m trying to stick with the theme. Which (finally) brings me to this week’s offering: Adjust the Truth, by a Washington, DC band called French Toast. It’s more of a cautionary political song (“People die / When leaders lie”- it was released after George W. Bush was re-elected, by the way) rather than a song about voting per se, but I’ve come across it only recently and am still in the throes of new infatuation. I realize that cautionary political songs are a dime a dozen, but this one’s pretty darn catchy, you betcha!
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Due to my frustration with Poll Tax’s recalcitrance, I’m –you guessed it– including a bonus track this week. All giddy and patriotic, give Bill Frisell’s version of John Phillip Sousa’s Washington Post March a listen. It comes from his 1993 album Have a Little Faith, which altogether makes it apropos for today’s activities: patriotic for America, non-partisan, and hopeful. |  |
nb: Audio tracks will remain available for approximately 2 weeks after date of post; if you are interested in hearing something you have missed, please make a request in the comments.
p a n n a c e a e a e 
04 Nov 2008 Tue at 11:41 am
Happy Election Day! :o)
I’m sure that is not the appropriate thing to write but I thought you’d not mind as it was me! *gasp* Is that a smiley face I see? It’s my election fever smiley face!
pann sez: Looks to me like an “O” with some ribbons and streamers falling around it.
04 Nov 2008 Tue at 12:20 pm
O!
04 Nov 2008 Tue at 12:22 pm
The first song by French Toast reminds me of Flight of the Conchords. Especially the music in the beginning.
04 Nov 2008 Tue at 12:34 pm
I like the march – very up-tempo.
Thanks!
05 Nov 2008 Wed at 2:52 pm
I found a copy of Poll Tax by the Elliott-Burrell Quintet in .mp3 format if you want one :)
It’s on a compilation called 50 Years of Jazz Guitar.
pann sez: Yes, that’s the LP anthology I have. Wow! I’m in awe of your searching know-how and am flattered that you took the time to bother. I’d love to have a copy of it for both myself and to share here, even if it is a day or two late. Thanks again!
05 Nov 2008 Wed at 8:47 pm
No problem! :D I like making Google my b*tch.
Let me know how you’d like the anthology sent and I’ll get it to you! Or I can just send the song if you’d rather.
pnnsz: I sent an e-mail, but I’m starting to suspect you didn’t receive it.
08 Nov 2008 Sat at 3:14 pm
Update! Thanks to Ramblespiffyicious, “Poll Tax” is now available for your disconcerted ears.