Considered to be one of the greatest lineups of artists to ever to grace the stage, the 1967 Stax European Tour featured Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. & The MGs (and many other soul legends) in an attempt to take advantage of the rising interest in Black American music. Though the musicians, initially, perceived ‘Hit the Road Stax‘ with some apprehension, considering themselves nothing more than a small local record label, the European market loved them and were scrambling to get tickets. By the time it was finished, the artists’ stars had risen and music would never be the same.

This particular performance was filmed in Oslo near the end of the three-week tour, when the artists were at their very peak. Pay special attention as the Mad Man of Macon, Mr. Otis Redding repeatedly returns to stage. You simply can’t beat that enthusiasm.

June Christy was an american jazz singer, known and admired for her clear and expressive vocal style. Eventually hailed as ‘one of the finest and most neglected singers of her time’ after her passing away, Miss Christy gained immediate fame with her debut album ‘Something Cool’. An album which, according to jazz writer John Bush, pretty much launched the whole ‘cool’ movement in jazz singing (and I am not to disagree.)

I am pleased to have found a live performance of its title track, performed here at Playboy Penthouse in 1959 (and yes, that is a young Hef.) Do yourself a favour, pour a drink, hit play and be briefly whisked away to an era gone by, enamoured by Miss Christy’s silky smooth singing.