Show 8: Summer Songs

It’s official... summer starts tomorrow. So let’s welcome the summer season with a few different types of summer songs...


Song 1 : : The Warmth of the Sun
Artist : : Gary Usher
Album : : Add Some Music to Your Day (A 1970 Symphonic Tribute to Brian Wilson)

This record was put together by Brian’s friend Gary Usher (co-writer of In My Room) back in 1970. From what I understand, the idea was to cheer up Brian and also to cash in on the easy listening market. Due to a situation with the record label it was never released... until a few years ago. Nice versions of some good Beach Boys songs... Lots of harpsichord. As well as members of the LA Symphony, the record features several “Wrecking Crew” members who played on the original Beach Boys tracks.

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Song 2 : : The Lonely Surfer
Artist : : Jack Nitzsche
Album : : The Lonely Surfer

A surf song... but not what you’d normally think of when you think of a surf song. This record also features members of the “Wrecking Crew.” Plenty to read about composer / arranger / producer / musician Jack Nitzsche and his amazing career here.

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Song 3 : : Summer Breeze
Artist : : Jackie Mitoo
Album : : The Keyboard King of Studio One

A cool, breezy island version of Seals and Crofts early 70s song. Not sure they got all the lyrics quite right. Jackie Mitoo is amazing though... Founding member of the Skatalites and, yes, the keyboard king of Jamaica’s Studio One. Some info here.

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Song 4 : : Summer Samba
Artist : : Combustible Edison
Album : : Blue Light (EP)

Also known as So Nice. This is a great, laid back summer tune. Cool that the late, great Combustible Edison did a version of it... from an early EP by the band.