The Smith-Glamann Quintette - Poinciana

I've never had the distinction of making a "discovery", so naturally, with this introduction to the music world of the Smith-Glamann Quintet I feel that I am on the verge of doing so. About a year and a half ago, Rufus Smith and Betty Glamann, both of them with a wealth of musical background and experience, brought me the results of their first recording session for the A-V Tape Company. 

After I had played a few of the sides, like "Poinciana", "September Song" and "Lotus Land", I was quite impressed and suggested that they audition their tapes for several recording companies. I was very pleased when Bethlehem Records recognized their worth and invited them to their roster. I am a firm believer in music having a substantial sound, rather than a novel or a new sound. Certainly the harp is acknowledged to be one of the oldest instruments in the world and I'm sure the bass is not far behind. Together with the rest of the quintet composed of guitar, drums and accordion, all fairly common ingredients, this group manages to be most refreshing. And furthermore, it comes up with a genuine substantial musical sound. 

Actually, if you were asked to point out a single factor that sets this quintet apart from others, you would be hard pressed to put your finger on it. There's a lightness, an intermingling, a musical thread that is constantly changing in value and mood. Like the flavors in a delicately seasoned dish, there are flavors implied but never imposed. There is sufficient variety in the choice of tunes to display the range of not only their conception, but also the range of their instruments.

*Al "Jazzbo" Collins (liner notes)*

Side 1

1 - Poinciana

(Simon, Bernier)

2 - Liza

(Gershwin, Kahn, Gershwin)

3 - Laura

(Raskin, Mercer)

4 - Harp Capers

(Smith)

5 - Lotus Land

(Scott)

6 - Now Get Out

(Smith)

Side 2

7 - The Boy Next Door

(Martin, Blane)

8 - Stompin' At The Savoy

(Sampson, Webb, Goodman, Razaf)

9 - September Song

(Weill, Anderson)

10 - Ragtime Mambo

(Smith)

11 - That's All

(Brandt, Haymes)

12 - Pulling Strings

(Smith)

Nick Perito (accordion), Betty Glamann (harp), Barry Galbraith (guitar), Rufus Smith (bass), Frank Garisto (drums).

Recorded in New York City, 1955.