Instrumentally Speaking

There are no words.

Vocalists of the BBI (Before British Invasion) era, including those who sing in foreign languages, are getting attention from online reactors. That invites a look at the so-called “instrumentals” that people might not know or may have forgotten.

Before rhythm and blues was rebranded as rock and roll, the primary solo instrument was the tenor saxophone. Here on Bill Doggett’s “Honky Tonk,” from 1956, is the great Clifford Scott. His brilliant turnaround is still quoted at blues jams around the world, and Billy Butler’s solo inspired more than a few guitarists.

When a Cleveland disc jockey played the raucous “Tequila,” the studio phones started ringing off the hook. Here are the Champs on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1958, with Danny Flores blowing strong on his King Super 20 tenor saxophone. Tenorist Harry Haller of The Viscounts showed some chops on Earle Hagen’s “Harlem Nocturne,” covered by many artists including the late David Sanborn.

With Moe Kauffman on flute, the jazzy “Swinging Shepherd Blues” swung its way onto the charts in 1958. That year Dave “Baby” Cortez showcased “The Happy Organ” but the guitar was taking over. Veterans of the time will recall “Guitar Boogie Shuffle” by The Virtues, and “Walk Don’t Run” by the Ventures.

In 1959 Preston Epps went wild on “Bongo Rock,” a preview of the drum solo on the Surfaris’ “Wipeout,” a one-hit wonder. As Jimi Hendrix said, “you’ll never hear surf music again.” On the percussion side, hear Sandy Nelson’s “Let There Be Drums” and “Bust Out” by, yes, The Busters.

Pianist Floyd Cramer scored a hit with “Last Date” in 1960. The magnificent “Waterboy” would climb the charts in 1961, and in 2018 the Green Book told the story of the classically trained Don Shirley, who could play anything. Also appearing in 1961 was “Last Night,” a 12-bar blues by the Mar-Keys, house band for Stax records, heard on hits by Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and such. Mar-Keys guitarist Steve Cropper is on the 1962 “Green Onions” by Booker T. and the M.G.s.

In 1963, guitarist Lonnie Mack tore it up with “Memphis” and Plas Johnson, tenor man for Henry Mancini, played “The Pink Panther Theme.” By then instrumentals were starting to fade, so check out some honorable mentions from the BBI era.

In 1955, the Perez Prado band scored a hit with “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White.” Percy Faith’s “Theme From a Summer Place” charted in 1960. Bert Kaempfert followed the next year with “Wonderland by Night,” and “Alley Cat” by Bent Fabric appeared in 1962. Rumor had it that Steve Allen was the pianist, but it turned out to be Bent Fabricius-Bjerre his own self. That year Dave “Baby” Cortez staged a comeback with “Rinky Dink.” Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers broke out “Wiggle Wobble,” with Joe Grier on saxophone. Many of the players are long gone, with notable exceptions.

Steve Cropper appeared in The Blues Brothers and carries on at 83. At 93, Plas Johnson is a year behind saxophonist Sonny Rollins, last man standing from the famous photo in 1958. Sonny, Plas, Moe, Danny, Steve, Lonnie and all the rest, thanks for the memories.