Australian historically significant recording, particularly late 1960's Melbourne.
THE SETTING:
Let's go back in time ....Melbourne in the early 1960's, Queens Road St Kilda.
The John Batman Motor Inn was a building of architectural significance, with architects Bernard Evans & Partners (former Lord Mayor) and Robin Boyd, a great advocate for Modernism, in twentieth century Australia.
But besides being considered very modern for the times, The John Batman Motor Inn was well known to the "glamorous people" of Melbourne society and Eliza's Restaurant on the first floor was often frequented by well known personalities from Australian and International society. I have included a nice photograph of the Motor Inn, for those who may remember it!
Being a first class Motel, of course they included first class entertainment and this is where The Johnny Edwards Quartet comes in.
THE JOHNNY EDWARDS QUARTET:
All members of the quartet came from international destinations (Mediterrean mainly) and had already achieved considerable success in the Italian night club scene and in film prior to their arrival in Australia.
The members were:
Johnny Edwards - Leader of the quartet, writes, arranges, sings (4 languages) and plays bass
Tony Villanti - plays guitar and sings
John Turner - plays drums and also sings
Pino Alescio - plays accordion, cordovox (a unique sounding accordion) and sings.
They were the "resident" band and many a couple having a nice cosy evening together would have heard the Quartet playing these songs.
Eventually, in the 1970's, ANZ bank purchased the property and it became a residential training centre for staff. The John Batman Motor Inn was no more.
So, set up your dining table at home for your loved one, put on this record and be whisked back in time to the late 1960's. Imagine a beautiful star-lit evening sky while dining and dancing at Eliza's - such a special evening and a very special place!
The Johnny Edwards Quartet - Playing It By Ear At Eliza's
W&G Records
Cat# WG 25/2/5119
1967
Australian release
Cover is in very good condition, no seam splits, no writing or tears although the white rear shows a little "grubbiness"
New inner plastic sleeve
The vinyl is in very good condition, visually inspected under a white halogen light source and I can only see a couple of light scratches on each side. A visual inspection just isn't good enough though so I then played the ENTIRE release, both sides, and there are no issues with surface noise or clicks/pops. Very "Continental" music for the sophisticated set of the day, none of this noisy Pop stuff!
New outer protective sleeve
Tracks: Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me, From Russia With Love, Who Can I Turn To?, Triana Morena, Maria Elena, Nessuno mi Puó Giudicare, El Cumbanchero, Lara's Theme, Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te, Luna Rossa, O Barquinho, Summertime In Venice, La Pachanga
