#1 for weeks of January 9, 16, and 23rd, 1961.
Well, speaking of The Beatles and their collaboration with Tony Sheridan, we have a number one hit by the man who made the collaboration possible and produced the recordings. Bert Kaempfert was a German jazz and big band leader whose music until today remained a mystery to me.
It's quite unexpected to see a jazzy tune on here, especially one with a heavy emphasis on the trumpet. The song is definitely on the easy-listening side although that trumpet adds some much appreciated spice to the recording. Later on in the piece, there is a snazzy muted trumpet solo that helps diversify the different sounds heard in the recording.
There is quite a mix of sounds and instruments in the recording. Besides the trumpet part, there is a muted electric guitar, a near-ghostly soprano choir that can be just barely heard most of the time, and occasionally a more baritone choir that opens the record on a very staccato note.
As for this song becoming a #1 hit, I am a bit perplexed to be honest. It certainly is a pleasant sounding piece, although I still can't see it being played that much on radio, and for it to have that many copies sold to reach the top. Perhaps the early 1960's record buying public wanted a song that they could enjoy when the sun went down, hence the title, so perhaps they were onto something after all.
Final Verdict - Being a trumpet player myself, I always appreciate music which has that instrument in the spotlight. It makes this otherwise easy-listening tune interesting. Give it a listen when the night falls and maybe you will find it to be a wonderland.
Coming Up Next - "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by The Shirelles.
Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock -
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