Phil Alvin - Un Sung Stories

Digitally remastered edition. The first-ever UK CD release for this fantastically eclectic solo album by the original lead singer (and co-founder) of the Blasters - one of only two that Phil Alvin has made in a near 40-year career. Originally issued in 1986 on vinyl and cassette only, Un-'Sung' Stories embraces blues, R&B, big band swing and gospel, with repertoire dating from the 1920s through to the 1950s. It should have had commercial success to match the original critical acclaim it received, but the lack of an original digital release at a time when CD was fast becoming the industry standard audio mode, hampered it's progress and reduced it's commercial visibility. Several tracks feature the Sun Ra Arkestra and are notable for being the very last recordings the Arkestra made while it's founder and leader was alive. Also featured across the album are New Orleans' Dirty Dozen Brass band and a host of guest musicians including New Orleans R&B saxophone legend Lee Allen, two of Alvin's fellow Blasters in Gene Taylor and David Carroll, former Herd bass-player Gary Taylor and Seatrain violinist Richard Greene. An invigorating flip through the book of American music's back pages which still sounds fresh and vibrant more than 30 years after it was made - guaranteed to appeal to anyone who likes or has at any time liked Ry Cooder, Leon Redbone and their ilk, as well as long-time Blasters fans.