Jo Ann Castle and Bill Justis

[electra225]

A lady at work gave me her mom's collection of Lawrence Welk records, all in the same as new condition, even with the original plastic wrapper. I have been enjoying my record collection as I work in the shop. The ones I played this afternoon was my fairly extensive collection of Jo Ann Castle records. There was a Jo Ann Castle record in the six or eight LW albums I got from work. "The Queen of Ragtime Piano" on Dot DLP 25799. This particular record is a re-issue. Originally on the "rainbow DOT" label, this one is on the later "square DOT" label, so it must be from the early 1970's or so. LW started recording on his Ranwood label in the 1973-ish era. I'm guessing this album was recorded somewhere close to 1963, judging by the songs on it. "Thoroughly Modern Millie", "I Will Wait For You", "Down At Papa Joe's" "Cabaret", "A Walk in The Black Forest", "Winchester Cathedral", "Tijuana Taxi" among others. Material you would expect by Floyd Cramer or Roger Williams rather than by Jo Ann Castle. Another unique feature is that she is accompanied and directed by Bill Justis. None of the typical accompaniment by Richard Maloof, Myron Floren, Buddy Merrill, Neal Lavang, Jack Imel and his noise makers or The Hotsy Totsy Boys. Bill Justis provides the bass via an electric bass guitar, has an chorus for background vocals, and uses his orchestra for accompaniment. A rather unique sound for Jo Ann Castle. Of course, the record was produced by Randy Wood and Larry Welk (LW, Jr.) so LW's hand was on the material and in the till. The only copy I could find on YouTube is on Ranwood, so this album was re-issued more than once.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtvmUKnz7xo