Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White – JERRY MURAD’S HARMONICATS***

Mack The Knife/Fascination/Polka Dots & Moonbeams/It’s a Sin To Tell A Lie/Ruby/Lonely Love/Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White/It Happened In Monterey/I’ll Never Smile Again/Paradise/Ramona/Kiss Of Fire

Harmonica trio The Harmonicats had been recording since the 1940s and enjoyed a string of US hit singles which ended in the early 1950s. They achieved a short lived revival in 1961 with the minor hit single Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White. (US:17)

“Unlike some of the other Murad albums, this one has orchestral backing, not just harmonica. Nevertheless, it's still a satisfying listen.”

“This trio took the harmonica from the back porch to the pop charts, scoring a smash with their 1961 LP Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White.”

“The trio are a joy to listen to. The band's popularity spawned hundreds of harmonica trios and it is a unique sound that I thoroughly enjoy listening to. The Harmonicats were certainly among the best of their genre.”

“The sound of the lead harmonica was strong and pure. Jerry could really make that harmonica 'sing'. Here there is too much and too loud background instrumentation. It severely takes away from the purity of the lead harmonica.”

“You just can't believe how good a harmonica can sound unless you hear this. I know it's an oldie... but it's a real goodie.”

“There's no group that can play harmonica's the way The Harmonicats do. The album features many of the old songs they recorded back in the fifties and some more contemporary hits like the title tune, Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White. If you like mellow, rich, tuneful harmonica music at its best, this album is a must.”

“The trio just seemed to be missing something. I wanted that wild, rapid harmonica sound. Jerry Murad's Harmonicats gave me that a few times, but didn't always deliver. Sometimes, the tempo just seemed a bit too slow. Still, as a novelty, and to round out your collection, you should get this album.”