Junk Box Jury

Taken from the LP ‘Antonio and the Trumpets In The Sun’ | (Philips 6308056) 1971

Obviously I had no idea who Norman Newell was but this LP intrigued me when I chanced upon it in a local charity shop, not because the fella on the cover was wearing an over-sized sombrero but because I noticed a version of the Doors’ “Light My Fire” had been recorded.

It turns out that young Norman worked his way up to the highest ranks in Columbia Records, eventually becoming the Head honcho in the sixties.

He was also a successful songwriter with several of his creations becoming hits for the likes of Shirley Bassey, Petula Clark, The Tokens and Matt Monro. I had to dig deep into my research for this information because he wrote under the alias of David West.

When he wasn’t being a successful lyricist and music producer he was making thriving West End musicals. It’s claimed that he didn’t understand rock and roll so perhaps played it safe during the psychedelic era but did produce this highlight.

Norman Newell | “Light My Fire” | (Philips)

By the start of the seventies, and with the money rolling in, Norman donned his smoking jacket, puffed on a huge cigar and began to churn out classy easy-listening instrumentals, including the previously mentioned Doors classic.

Think background music in episodes of Jason King’s Department S, think “Antonio & the Trumpets In The Sun.”

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cost of record: £1.50
from: charity shop