cktimes.ca Archives for Classic Vinyl


Classic Vinyl

With Allan Day

Drifting off into space, incense and all.....

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Brian Jones A Coral Sitar Vinnie Bell Advertisement Steve Howe 1973 with Coral Sitar Lemon Pipers album

Well this week i thought i would touch on the unusual instrument used to send our minds into space back in the 60's --- some songs would make it to the top 10 billboard hit list, just on this guitars sound alone --- THE SITAR

Now, not every rock and roll guitar player could master this instrument like the Great RAVI SHANKAR (George Harrison would come the closest) but when The Beatles recorded "Love You To" (the Simpson's theme RIFF to younger generation) off the Revolver album back in 1966, it was an opening for us to appreciate eastern music----Brian Jones tried to tell us this with his "Paint It Black" then George Harrison also did his Norwegian Wood and Sgt. Pepper's "Within You, Without You" I like to think i am drifting off into space, incense and all, listening to this piece. The trend had started and we wanted more of this amazing sound for the peace loving 60's.

Now around 1967, Danelectro made an electric "sitar" to be used by the rock guitar players that didn't have the time to master the real deal. Along comes Vinnie Bell---inventor and session guitarist, who noticed the demand for the trendy sitar sounds and he recorded many of the sitar hits that evolved in the 60's. One of the biggest amoungst them is the Lemon Pipers "Green Tambourine" also, Joe South's "Games People Play"

The Lemon Pipers band members Ivan Browne, Bill Barlett, Paul Lenka, Bill Albaugh, Steve Walmsley and Reg Nave had the HUGE hit "Green Tambourine" all with the help of this cool instrument. And remember Eric Burden and the Animal's "Monterey" a great California scene romp.

Check out the Coral Sitar on stage at a 1973 concert with Steve Howe--it was used in the song "Siberian Khatru" the band's Close To The Edge album---all great stuff to listen to.

Stones Facts: Rolling Stones first called "Little Boy Blue" and the Blue Boys glad they changed their minds on that one hahahaha----a rare reel to reel recording was just sold at Christie's for a grand total of $52,250 pounds on May 25th 1995------did anyone out there also manage to buy one of the cool Rolling Stones tongue flasher's in the 70's?

Now if you can tell me who bought this RARE REEL TO REEL, i have a special Rolling Stones gift for the winner. Contact me at bluesslider88@yahoo.ca or at cktimes.ca



Allan Day----long time acquaintance of John Gardiner----I presently live in Goderich Ontario, retired (oh yeah) and live for the sound of music, especially from the 60's music explosion---I hope you enjoy some of my articles and they bring back some lost memories of bands gone by. Now I have to let you know that I am a HUGE Rolling Stones fan, collector, historian and I hope to hear any stories you might have on this GREAT Band from the 60's----email me at CK Times and let me know what you have or memories you have of this group. I will include stories and short stories on The Stones each week.