Vanguards

The Vanguards were a rock band from Bærum, Norway that debuted in 1961. Although the band disbanded eight years later, members continued to reunite for appearances during the 1970s. The Vanguards was one of Norway's most popular rock band during the 1960s, playing mostly cover songs. Known band members included Bjørn Nordvang, Terje Rypdal, Gerry Beckley, best known as a member of the folk\rock band America (band), and Johnny Day.

Behind many of the great rock’n’roll instrumental acts of the late 1950s and early 60s was a great producer. The Fireballs had Norman Petty, the Champs had Dave Burgess, the Ventures had Bob Reisdorff, Sandy Nelson had Richie Podolor, Johnny & the Hurricanes had Harry Balk and, perhaps most significantly, Duane Eddy had Lee Hazlewood, who not only produced but also wrote many of his signature recordings. It took the emergence of Hazlewood and Eddy to turn what might have seemed a passing fad for rock’n’roll instrumentals into an identifiable genre. Previously, records without vocals tended to be regarded as novelties, but after ‘Moovin’ N’ Groovin’’ entered the charts early in 1958, followed by the Top 10 success of ‘Rebel-’Rouser’, such discs became a stand-alone category and soon every record company sought their own twangy guitar act.

UK collection. It's been almost three years since Sean Hampsey and the Southern (California) Soul Spinners created "This Is Lowrider Soul" for Kent Records, and the ensuing acclaim and enjoyment have made this second volume essential. Only three artists are repeated, which shows the depth of the genre, and two of those - Barbara Mason with her Philly slow-burners and Lee Williams & the Cymbals' fantastic East Coast harmonies - epitomize the Lowrider soul sound between them.