You find yourself in England, looking for swank entertainment and perhaps a good cocktail. From the distance you hear the sultry sounds for a samba. Congas call you with their rhythm. A gentle breeze of brass carries you along to that club just ahead...Club Montepulciano. There you order a Campari and settle in for the EZ sounds of the house band whose music drew you through the door...Numero Uno.
This Swank Generation has spawned more than its share of "New Lounge" combos. Those few rising to the top and getting the attention have done so deservedly. This music requires a level of skill and musicianship not found in your common garage band. For every Combustible or Altruda, there exist combos who have the chops but come in just below the media radar. Numero Uno's two 45rpm 10" Eps show a level of swank rarely found. With a sound straight out of the mid-sixties EZ set, they lean to the Latin in rhythm and ultra-smooth in vocal. Blend this with the stellar Ciano Brass section, and not only do you get a potent cocktail but also one with no after taste or hangover. Faithful to the style, but still moving it ahead, these two slices of vinyl provide an excellent glimpse into a small part of the British scene.
Volume One (Ciao EP 001)
A SIDE
You're Always Welcome At The Club Montepulciano
You Can Count On Me (Hawaii Five-O Theme)
A/A SIDE
Vermouth!
Thanks for coming...
Volume Two (Ciao EP 002)
A SIDE
Tea For Two Cha Cha Cha
Fully Perfumed (Lounge Pyjama Mix)
A/A SIDE
Turkish Delight
Champion Dancer
The hipsters of Numero Uno
Heilco van der Ploeg - guitar, vocals and tambourinePeter Clifford - electric guitar
Graham Fowles - bass guitar
Katie Hecker - congas
Adrian Leaman - claves, maracas and shakers
Louis Vause - piano and accordion
Victoria Worsley - backing chorus
and featuring The Ciano Brass
Beau Conway and Alex Newton - trumpetsKevin Wood and Sue Nove - alto saxophones
Nick "Barney" Perring - tenor saxophone, bongos and castanets