Once in a Lifetime

5-STARS What a surprise: The first recordings of drummer Les DeMerle, previously thought lost, have now finally been released. Recorded in 1967 for the Atlantic label, the acetates were in the drummer's home. His band, Sound 67, featured a highly prominent lineup, including the young Randy Brecker (*1945), the outstanding Alan Gauvin and Lanny Morgan (as), as well as singer Genya Ravan ("Ten Wheel Drive").
A total of eight tracks were recorded at that time, a mix of uptempo and soul numbers and ballads. DeMerle's virtuoso drumming takes center stage throughout, but also leaves ample room for the magnificent solos of Randy Brecker, Alan Gauvin, and Danny Sandridge (p). The tracks were arranged by Bob Hammer, Frank Foster, and Ray Starling, among others. Standouts include "Come Back to Me," the boogaloo-infused "Feeling Good," the soul-jazz piece "Signifyin'," and the Zawinul number "Sticks." The singer impresses with her groovy, soulful, Aretha Franklin-esque voice in "On a Clear Day," "Alfie," and "That's Life." Two tracks from the Mike Douglas TV show have been added as bonuses: a drumming feature by Les DeMerle on "Once in a Lifetime" and his drumming on his legs and a chair in "Taking a Chance on Love," performed by singer Rosemary Clooney. The detailed liner notes by renowned jazz journalist Scott Yanow are also well worth reading!