lPE lPIT(~1
VOL. 1 NO.1 JULY ,1980 KY l02-TONE WINNER WANTS WINGS
PennyLane opened the first Sum mer of the 80's with a tanning contest sponsored by KY 102 ra dio and inspired-or perspired by Columbia Records new release "Tommy Tutone." Debbie LaReau of Kansas City was judged first out of a field of one vying for a 102 second sweep through the store. Her entry was a discrete "KY 102" STORE SITS ON tanned ol').l1er thighs. the thigh was all it
KC area the COl').J;,.Aitt"l'c.W~s believed re sponsible for the low level of competition. Penny Lane is no chain. It's In late 1979, Hal Brody, the sort of the missing link in keeper of The House, carne up- Debbie, who was chided by the the world of retail. on the old Visiting Nurses build· many spectators for using up ing in historic Westport. The nearly 15 of her 102 valuable. Since the beginning way back air was much better above ground seconds in search of the elus1ve in 1975, Penny Lane has moved and, aside from the pink-tiled Wings section, quickly got in three times in search of the restroom, the nurses left a per the groove and carried away 113 right chemistry that would make fect horne for both Penny Lane different LP's. it different from the standard and The House. record shop. Debbie did alright considering albums weigh about a half pound In 1980, it seems to have all What this all means to the re each and duplicates were dis corne together. And in 1980, cord buyer is that a hard to get allowed. When the dust had set economic conditions surely jazz or blues record that would tled, she still hadn't grabb d dictate that a small business be unobtainable or at best a McCartney's new album. The 7Jud be more than average to stay special order in most record ges, which included. famous KY in business. shops is either in the bins at DJ Jay Cooper, Jim Lucas of CBS Penny Lane or a couple of steps and PennyLane's own Le Roi, al So what makes Penny Lane dif away. lowed Debbie an even swap for ferent? Below the feet of un the Ex-Beatle's new solo LP. suspecting record buyers is a And Penny Lane people will be warehouse where national dis glad to take those steps to see tribution of over 350 small, that the music and the customer independent record labels are joined whenever possible. takes place daily. The 1980 House catalog is now The distribution end is called available listing all those la The House, and the house liter bels and titles between two ally runneth over with jazz, covers. It can be had for the bluegrass, blues, classical and asking at Penny Lane or through some recordings which defy the mail (see information in classification. this issue of The Pitch). The House is called "The House" The purpose of this small paper because it was started in a is to let those folks who need house in St. Louis. It remained a regular diet of music know that The House even after a prolonged Penny Lane is a good place to stint in Kansas City's 31st. corne when you're hungry. Debbie: She W.nted Win,s Street limestone caves. The Penny Pit~h pale 2
THE LETTERS
Penny Pi tell Dear Pitch,
IS PUBLISHED ON OCCASION BY On June 4th, I went to a Genesis, con cert. Walking into the auditorium, I sensed that it was going to be a superior con ~l~tMUNE~ cert. I was right. The speakers hung in mid-air and the sound was incredibly 4128 BROADWAY clean. It could be loud. Undoubtedly,-Genesis displayed both "Just down the street from the old superior showmanship and craftmanship. Wolfburger's." \'Jhen playing older material, main show Kansas City, Mo. 64111 man Phil Collins had the whole audience involved. His props were entertaining Edi tor-in··Chief ••••• l"larren Stylus and amusing. Executive Pub •.•.••• Hal Brody While introducing the band, Collins Nev-ls Door ••.•••••••• Mon Dayberger began the story of Duke. DUKE, on City Door •..••...••. I-Sheryl Atlantic Records, is their new stage Store Door •••.•.•••. Kathy Roths project. Contributing Writers this issue: Genesis is on of those few bands that grow musically with age. The band should Lonesum Chuck Haddix, Le Roi®, be given credit for both their new al the Rev. Dwight Frizzell, Mr. bum and their performance in Kansas City. D. Conn, Marta My Dear, and Lane It's nice to get your money's worth and Dave of GENCO LABS. for once. Inspiration this issue:
Stan Andrews of KY 102, and M.M.D. Sid Musso Ed.' s note: Someone once said,
"Music is a sound
Dear Pitch, , ~T' So - how come you got letters to the BAT LFlATWJN 1 l'ow. Editor already and it's only your very first edition? Is this some kind of put on or what?
Puzzeled
ED. 's NOTE:
Through the miracle of editing , you get tomorrow's news and views today. The Penny Pitch welcomes any correspondence - excluding letter bombs. Send opinions, questions, or answers to:
EDITOR Penny Pitch 4128 Broadway Kansas City, Mo. 64111
Lonesum Chuck points to both the way prices are going and the way to Beat !nflation ~ow. Pennylane's-wall of Penny Pinching Deals offers $1.00 off the regular low price on new releases, check the BINS of Cut-outs priced from $1~99 to $3.49. Where is Foot Foot? The Penny Pitch page 3 NEWS AND REVIEWS ROCK AND ROLL
LE ROI'S SHORT REVIEWS
* POOR ** FAIR *** AVERAGE OR GOOD **** BETTER THAN AVERAGE; VERY GOOD ***** EXCELLENT
*** CAROLE KING/Pearls (Capitol 12073) King performs classic Goffin & King tunes such as "Locomotion," "One Fine Day" & "Chains", in very commendable style. Refreshing!
*** SAMMY HAGAR/Danger Zone (Capitol 12069) One of his finest efforts yet. Powerful rock that will probably go top 40.
**** LOU REED/Growing Up in Public (Arista 9522) One of his best efforts yet. Reed displays a sense of humor that's been lacking in other efforts.
***** BEST OF THE BUNCH * PAUL McCARTNEY/McCartney II (CBS 36511 CBS paid millions of $$'s too much for ***** GRAHAM PARKER/ The Up Escalator (Arista this. 9517) Excellent recording quality, excellent ***** JOAN ARMATRADING/ Me,Myself,I (A&M musicianship (the Rumour,parts of the E 4809) street band, Nicky Hopkins, and the Boss) , Another sparkling effort, with expanded and best of all Parkers pounding vocals and styles from this overlooked talent. prolific writing talp-nts. You can't miss Including Chris Spedding on Guitars. with this record. **** PETE TOWNSEND/Empty Glass (Atco 32- 100) Nothing empty about this effort. Over flows with fun, enjoyable tunes.
***** GRATEFUL DEAD/Go to Heaven (Arista 9508) Don't let the cover fool you. Best effort since Workingman's Dead.
*** TASMAN:IAN DEVILS/(same) (WB 3400) Very refreshing record. Has the potential and lightness of the first Dire Straits.
**** SQUEEZE / Argybargy (A&M 4802) Great Record! This is ~he one McCartney ALL ABOVE ALBUMS CAN BE PURCHASED should have done. *** TERRANCE BOYLAN/ Suzy (Asy. 201) DI R ECTLY FROM LeRoi® AT PENNY LANE Good, solid record. Unfortunatly, it may get lost in the shuffle of new records. I Hope not. The Penny Pitch Pa,e 4 JAZZ
Penny Lane Offers Ra Deal
SUN RA: MUSIC FOR WORLD SURVIVAL
STRANGE CELESTIAL ROAD Round~r Records 3035 (on the wall for $4.99) SUN RA is one of few who are transcendent of time. His mu sic points to the future and The title cut, STRANGE CELEST the past. Yet, the arrival o'f IAL ROAD, is a combination of his new album on Rounder, walking-swing, funk, black STRANGE CELESTIAL ROAD, could cnant, electronic music, and not be timed better. Ra's music lyrical jazz improvisation. is, literally, SOUL food. If John Gilmore's tenor sax slices the world is as large and per the air with his full-bodied verse as myth, then Sun Ra is a tone. Sun Ra doubles on elec revelation of the splender of tric piano and synthesizer, esoteric knowledge and the pow The Rev Picks treating each as a unique voice er of intuition. SUN RA's mu sic is food for the soul so that the electric piano in a jazz funk style and the synthesizer we may SURVIVE. as the ascending ELECTRIC SOUND of the Space Age. Marshal Allen --Rev. Dwight Frizzell (alto sax and longtime member of Much of JOURNEY TO THE ONE fea the Arkestra) and Michael Ray P.S. Looking forward to next tures an exceptional jazz quin (trumpet, a Ra discovery during issue featuring review of Ra's tet including John Hicks (piano) Ray's rock-band days) both have June 14th concert on Lake Mich Eddie Henderson (flugelhorn), an< distinct and notably powerful igan and hopefully exclusive Idris Muhammad (drums). John solos. Two vibe players extend interview in the PENNY Pitch. Bonner (piano) performs a shim Ra's multi-keyboard textures. mering duet with Sanders (tenor sax) of Coltrane's After the SAY is. a big-band number reme Rain. This album is a must. niscent of Fletcher Henderson's PHAROAH SANDERS' JOURNEY TO THE orchestra. Ra's band swings ONE boldly on new waves of a lyrical past. I'LL WAIT FOR YOU is al Theresa Records TR 108/109 so a classic, emplying a funk riff and pushing the intuitive complete line oj abilities of the Arkestra to new From the beginning, hearing worlds. JOURNEY TO THE ONE, transfixed me (for we are where we are not) STRANGE CELESTIAL ROAD is a tes' and calmed me. The albums ar tamental fruit of Sun Ra's long rived downstairs where, ironicl classical offered journey. He has recorded with ly, Hendrix's Crash Landing his Arkestra since '54. Many of rocked the subterranean ware the members have remained since house. I walked upstairs with PENNY LANE is proud to announce then (which includes most of his Pharoah's new album and played that we stock a full line of sax section which, along with this new music in the store. classical and twentieth-century Ellington's, is second to none The music embodies an immediate music. The classical labels we in power and talent). Ra's cos peace or wholeness of a healing have include Deutsche Gramma mological roots are deeply in spirit and the preparedness as phon, Phillips, Columbia Master volved eith Afro-American art sociated with the sunrise: pink works, Odyssey, RCA, RCA Digital, forms. Leroi Jones claims that sky, wetness, birds. WestministerGold, Angel, Sera Sun Ra "more validly than any phim, London, Nonesuch, Varese body else performs classical The calmness of the music was o Sarabande and International, 0- contemporary Black Music of an verwhelming. Duringmodally Tion, Lyrichord, Columbia Spec- cient Black Tradition." Per gentle koto playing of Yoko Ito ial Products, Vanguard (Bach haps it is this vital strength Gates, Hendrix's electricity is Guild, Everyman, Cardinal), of the music that contributes sued through the basement door. Archiv, Argo, Mercury Golden Im to the growth of our intuitive Sanders' music framed the vio ports, Quintessence, Privilege, facilities: union of body and lence of basement-rock, as it Festivo, Chalfont, Arabesque, soul, of nature and idea, myth does the world, w~th acceptance 1750 Arch, Grenadilla, CRI, An and reality art and extrater and forgiveness and the need to gel Sonic 45, Denon Digital, restrial or terrestriaL life. move onward spiritually. Sheffield Lab, Telarc Digital ..• The PennI Pitch page 5 CLASSICAL NOTES
For those of you who are Bolero' ed and Pavarotti'ed to death, WOURINEN: Two-Part Symphony here are a few off the beaten (1977-78) Cage: The Seasons path. (1947) CRI 410 Import Lahel American Composers Orch. SHOSTAKOVITCH: Symphony #4 Op.43 Dennis Russell Davies. Bernard Haitink conducting This live recording Jives the London Philharmonic orch us two of the most accessable Features Mahler estra--LONDON CS 7160. works by both of these remark This is the 3rd in the series able American composers who The imported SYMPHONICA label of 15 Shostakovitch symphonies are generally known for their thus far completed by Maestro Avant-gardism .. includes Mahler's Symphonies Haitink. The work dates from . This is one of the finest No. 2,5,8 & 9, as conducted by the period in the composers l~fe live performance recordings Wyn Morris. Morris is a well which found him under fire from of new music I have heard. respected British conductor who the Soviet Art Commission for Davies & the ACO give a polished follows closely the interpre writing one of the most adv~n flair to ,the complex sometimes ti ve mance of Bruno Walter's turesome compositions by th~s pointillistic Wourinen. The Mahler. Soviet master. This new record Cage is much more subdued rarely Also available are Debussy's ing is a welcome addition to rising above Forte the inten La Damoiselle Elue and Chaus the three listed in the Schwann. sity'level is constant however. son's Songs of Love and the Sea It is the most cohesive rhythmi with Montserrat Caballe. ally as well as the best blended sound yet available. The r~cord ing quality is up to par ~~th what has become the best ~n dom estic issues. Now It Can Be Sold! THE 1980 HOUSE CATALOG
Why not? Sure! I'll admit it. That I o sometimes have uncontrollable urges to spend a hefty chunk of my ever-dwindling paycheck on records. Even in the privacy of my own home. So go ahead and send me a 1980 HOUSE CATALOG with over 50 pages of incredibly small print listing more CATALOG 1980 PETTERSSON: Symphony #8 . than 350 labels and 15,000 titles. En closed is ONE DOLLAR (good towards the Baltimore Symphony - Serq~u Comissiona DGG 2531 176. purchase of any mail order LP or any Alan Pettersson is one of Penny Lane LP) to cover the postage costs. Sweden's most respected contem porary composers. Thi~ is the No, I just spent my last dollar on re only available domest~c LP of o this man's music. A deeply cords at Swap'n'Shop, but put me on the philosophic and spiritual work, PENNY PITCH mailing list anyway. the 8th fairly sums up Pe~t~rs son's technique of compos~t~on. He is solidly implanted in the o Forget it, I'm not even mailing this in. Romantic period however his tonal language is modern. If your taste is symphonic drama NAME ADDRES-S~~______this album is a must. The performance is well con trolled and balanced which city state zip CATALOG 1980 allows the sublety of the dr~a to unfold naturally. The qual~ty of the pressing is one of the FAVORITE TYPE OF MUSIC ______better on DGG which makes it FAVORITE COLOR ______great. The Penny Pitch page 6 ~~------~~"------IBLUEWAVE-NUWAVE
New CranstonLP by Syd Slithis & Stiletto Slim
Best to' Date THE FEELIES/Crazy Rhythms Stiff 4 Coming out of New York, LAMONT CRANSTON BAND/Up from the The Feelies offer a new wave Alley - Waterhouse #10 sound with a clean, fresh ap This is the fourth Lp from this proach. All four members play Mpls~ based rock in blues band, percussion such as shoes, coat and probably their best yet. The racks, cans. and pipes which adds group has had several personnel a nice flavor to the music. changes on every Lp with the ex The Feelies can't be compared ception of Pat Hayes (vocals-harp to other new wave groups which & guitar), Jim Novak (drums), is why this is one album that Bruce Macabe (vocals-keyboards). should be listened to. You Billy Shiell (trumpet) & Dick won't be disappointed. Best cuts Perna (sax)played on the El Cee - all of them. Notes & this new Lp. Ne\-l comers to LC are Charlie Birgham (guitar) & Mick Mazoff (bass). Produced by Steve Raitt, (yes •• Bonnie's SLICK/GO For It (Fantasy 9696) brother & LC's fulltime sound What a pleasant surprise for engineer) this record is more the non-dance oriented R&B fan. relaxed & generally superior to Slick's second album hopefully other LC recordings. How can you shows a trend in Philidelphia Ten Years Later ••• lose ••• recording an album in soul for the 80's. This is just Del's tire mart (Steve Raitt's plain good music. Check out is the world ready for home - pictured on back of Lp.) "Sunrise". In particular, "Working for Rosey" shines as a possible MITCH RYDER/Naked But Not Dead THESHAGGS? single release. Seeds & Stems 7£04 THE SHAGGS/Philosophy of the What a monster. If just a r (We regretfully announce that touch of R&B runs in your blood, ;f !dp1~~~~a:~~ J:2 ttlo~-saiid~0420.'.,-, Dick Perna (sax) of LC band check out this release on the words, this album cover tells passed away last week. We send small Cleveland label Seeds & all. My congratulations go out our regrets to the band and his Stems. Mitch Ryder definitely to the people who searched des family. The band was scheduled did not peak in the 60's! Just peratly for ten years to own to tour but no dates have been a killer!! the album, which asks the eternal confirmed for now) question: \vhere is my pal foot foot?' I hope it was worth the wait. For Collectors only! ~ ", "THE AT DEL'S ) N"",. HAW"S AT TI~E MA~T PENNY LANE RE0RJ)J ~uly 7'l:N FEEL... FREE IHN.(iH'IH.WI(~ Sunday July 6 4128 BROADWAY KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64111 PENN VALLEY PARK
THEN TAKE THE MONEY THAT YOU WOULD HAVE ,=£~p~~n~p SPENT,HAD IT NOT BEEN FREE, DOWN TO PENNY LANE ANDBUY YOURSELF A NIGHTHAWK not already on sale ----~ ALBUM! EKPlP,eS gj3,{flO I-IJ..~'JAM ..It-r:J,/~ ~. : ALL NIGHTHAWK LPs 1.1,.,'" olIif' COlJPt:lN~ ?1>lrt:)11( !.I ~~~-~-~...... -_... -... -...... --- ... -~~ ...... --~..,.,- --- .... SALE PRICED at JUST $4.99! ! The Week of July 6 ~...... ~.lTlhleJP~eupup~y~,P~;t~c~hL...... ~p.a.l.e .. 7...... ~ BLUEGRASS-NUGRASS Picker s Picks ~ BYRON BERLINE/Outrageous Flying Fish 227 Champion fiddle player together Greensleeves with some of his old "Sundance" buddies such as Dan Crary,. put out some really fine totally instrumental tunes written by Re-issues Byron. EMMYLOU HARRIS/Roses in the Snow Reggae Records Warner Bros. BSK 3422 Once again, a fine collection of songs sung by Emmylou, all in the bluegrass tradition. She even #l-Dr. Alimantado asked Byron Bowers, a great auto Best Dressed Chick~n in Town harpist, to assist on a few songs #2 Ranking Joe such as "Gold Watch & Chain". A Weakheart Fadeaway record you definately should add #3 Jah Thomas------to your collection. Stop yu Loaf~.!!. #4 The-Revolutionaries Goldmine Dub #5 Keith-Hudson Rasta Communication #6 TheHeptones----- Good Life #7 capi taiLetters Rasta Raves Headline News The Uptown theatre came alive #8 Agustus Pablo June 3rd with reggae. Toots & Original RockeE~~ the Maytals opened the show with #9 Barrington Levy their classic "Pressure Drop". Englishman 110Scl.entist and Prince Jammy Toots added a flare of soul to BUCK'S GIRLS his performances but mostly he Big Showdown kept in tune with his albums, I llClintTa-stwood doing songs from Funky Kingston BUCK WHITE/More Pretty Girls ~~x~du9.-a tion than One - Sugarhill 3710 to his most recent release on Buck and his ,daughters com Mango ~ass the Pipe. bine with Ricky Skaggs on fiddle, "Everybody take a hand" he sang Jerry Douglas on dobro, David as he crouched at the edge of the stage shaking hands. Toots sang Grisman on mandolin, Tony Rice his message from his rreart,spread on gui,tar, and Sam Bush on f id RED LIGHTNING IS BACK ing the message of love and one- dle to make this one of our ness between people. Toots went favorite new releases. 001 - Buddy Guy 002 - Little Walter on to "Reggae Got Soul" - you got 003 - Johnny Lee Hooker soul , I got soul , so much soul. OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS/Ozark 004 - Albert Collins Toots transferred his incredible Mountain Daredevils - CBS 36375 005 - Blues'Anthology amount of energy from the stage Although this album really fits 006 - Blues Anth. - double to the audience. We wanted more in the rock catagory, it does 007 - Junior Wells but the lights came on - then it have some bluegrass roots. The 008 - Walter Thorton was on with the show. Daredevils just keep progressing. 009 - Earl Hooker Third World couldn't maintain the This is a really powerful smooth 010 - Gatemouth Brown spark that Toots & the Maytals rock sound which I'm sure you 011 - Little Milton generated. Third World fuses soul will enjoy. Their recent concert 012 - Billy Boy Arnold & reggae to create their own here in K.C. at the Uptown was 013 - Johnny Guitar Watson sound. The 'Vlay they have developed epjoyed by all. Give this new 014 - Bill B Arrol their sound is unique 'and well LP a listen 015 - (soon corne) polished. They are versatile 016 - Ike Turner musicians and quite a show band. They did a percussion jam that RIVERROCK/Midwest Man 017 - Guitar Style 018 - Earl Hooker was particularly interesting. Hannah 2101 Good show - hope you made it. A well known Midwest band has 019 - Best of Cadillac Blues their first record out and it is 020 - available at Pennylane! Tasty 021 - cover and even tastier music, 022 - Tommy Tucker these boys are out to get you 023 - Issac Scott with their brand of country rock. 024 - BB Arnold Riverrock is: Rick Harrelson, 025 - Screamin Jay Hawkins John Monthei, John Mumma, Paul 026 - Buster Benson 027 ~ Bill B. Arrol & Little ~PEMlYWNE~ Mumma & Dan Smith. Walter SPECIALISTS IN RECORDED MUSIC
• The Penny" Pitch page 8 CONCERT NEWS UPCOMING
June 25 Albert Collins uptown Theatre 25 Riverrock Opera House 25 Norman Blake Off-·the-v.7all 27 Journey, Doobies, K. Loggins, April Wine Arrowhead 27 Southern Fried Opera House 27 Bobby Bare Uptown Theatre 28 The Artists Opera House 28 Margie Adam Lyric Theatre 29 Blood, Sweat,Tears Brush Creek July 2 Dry Jack/Sextant Opera House 3/4 David Sanborn Uptown Theatre 3/4 Blue Riddim Band Opera House 6 The Nighthawks Penn Vlly. Prk 11 Jerry Lee Lewis Uptown Theatre 11/12 Billy Spears Off-the-Wall 13 David Grisman Sunnyside Park GRITZ 18 Ronnie :t-1ilsap Uptown Theatre 19 Commander Cody Opera House 19 The Singer uptown Theatre Aug. 22 Tanya Tucker Uptown Theatre Flatpicklng Champs Sept." 5 B.B. King uptown Theatre
uptown Theatre Opera House Return to Wi~field 36th and Broadway 7th and Mass. K.C. ,Mo. Lawrence, Ks. EVERYONE has a little bluegrass in them. If it takes stringed music under a starry off-the-Wall Hall Lyric Theatre summer sky to reach yqq, 737 New Hampshire 222 W. 11th St. ning to end (or continue) Lawrence, Ks. K.C., Mo. The 9th National Guitar Flat-Picking champ ionships in Winfield, ~ansas.
This years expanded 4-day music and arts/ crafts festival, to be held September 18, 19, 20 and 21 at the Winfield Fairgrounds, promises to satiate the appetites of the AREA JAZZ hungriest enthusiasts of bluegrass, folk and old-time music. AFRODESIA Mon.-Tues. 5938 Prospect (8-12) Big names this year are Doc and Merle Wat K.C., :t-l0. 444-7777 SSSLick son, living legend Norman and Nancy Blake, professer Dan Crary, and autoharpist Bryan Costello's Greenhouse Mon. Dixie G Bowers. Also on the lineup is Cathy Bart 1414 W. 85th Tu. Steve on, Art (have-pun-will-travel) Thieme, K.C. , Mo. 333-5470 Nutter Claudia Schmidt, Hot Rize, The Front Porch WAn-~~+- ~~~T.; roll" String Band, Wrystraw, Magpie, The Dulci King Henry,s Feast mer Alliance, Bill Hubert, Booger Hole Re 811 W. 39th Wed. Stan Kessler vival, and Joel Mabus. Returning this K.C. ,Mo. & his Flat 5 year is our House-favorite, acoustic blues guitarist George Gritzbach. Paul Gray's Jazz Place Featuring the 926 Massachusetts (upstairs) Gaslight Gang The Penny Lane delegation will be there a Lawrence, Ks. 842-9458 gain this year, as usual, manning the re cord booth, gulping down the World's lar The Point (0' s) gest ice teas(available at the local Jay 919 W. 44th St Ron Roberts/ Cees' booth), and sneaking back to the tent K.C;;;,Mo. Steve Cardenas for some of Lonesum Chuck's campfire de lights. Eddy's South Mon. thru Sat. 103rd and State Line Mike Ning The cost for the weekend is $17. Single day admissions can be purchased for $7 ~.C. , Mo. Trio Friday and Sunday, and $8 on Saturday. Thursday is free if you have purchased a ticket for either Friday or the weekend. Further information can be had by con Check the Penny Lane tacting The Walnut Valley Association, inc. 117 E. Ninth, Winfield, Kansas 67156. Or stop by Penny Lane and pick up a copy of the Walnut Valley Occasional, which comes Calendar for Additions out occasionally and can occasionally be found on the counter.