The Persuasions
1-21-09 The Persuasions
CD ACAPELLA BIZARRE
1970? 13 TRKS
LP ACAPELLA REPRISE
1970? 13 TRKS
CD FRANKLY A CAPELLA RHINO
2000 16 TRKS Frank Zappa covers
CD SING THE BEATLES CHESKY
2002 14 TRKS Beatles covers
LP WE STILL AIN'T GOT NO BAND MCA
1973 10 TRKS promo
The Persuasions are a wonderful acapella group ( = no instruments, just voices). I first became aware of them in the early 70’s because they had an album made for Frank Zappa’s production company, Bizarre Records / Straight Records, “Acapella” – which I think came out in 1970.
So, there’s really not much surprise in finding that they made an album in 2000 that’s a tribute to Frank Zappa. In the CD booklet liner notes, they thank Mr. Zappa for giving them a chance “all those years ago”. The story is that Zappa heard them singing over the phone, and invited them to come to
Lately, I have been listening to The Persuasions via their 2002 CD of cover versions of The Beatles, “The Persuasions Sing The Beatles”. It sounds pretty good, an audiophile recording for the Chesky label. Certainly an eclectic selection of Beatles’ songs to cover.
Looks like The Persuasions also have ‘tribute’ albums for both U2 and The Grateful Dead. Sure haven’t seen those CD’s around, but…do acapella groups ever have their own section? Well, I suppose they would at places like Canterbury Records in
I just checked their on-line discography – looks like I am missing tons of releases by The Persuasions. Comparisons to groups like
No matter – dig up some Persuasions and listen to the harmonies, the smooth meshing of the voices.
Labels: Persuasions
posted by Ron Kane @ 6:20 AM
1 Comments:
I heard from one of The Persuasions:
My husband is Jerry Lawson, former lead singer, arranger & producer of The Persuasions for 40 years & 22 albums. I was just reading your blog. That Beatles CD may be cool for an audiophile but it’s one of Jerry’s greatest disappointments. And one of the least favorites for most Persuasions fans we’ve heard from. Call me sometime if the story interests you. I’m no typist & it’s too much to type about.
Also just to clear things up – The remaining Persuasions recorded that tribute to U2 (sans Jerry) – To date it is their only CD release after Jerry left. Jerry would appreciate it if you would note that in your blog as it is in his words “a disgrace” & would never want his name associated with it. Another long story – want an interview? Jerry & I could give you lots of stories...
Jerry left the group in 2003 – Lots of new projects going on working with bands & orchestras & Jazz quartets etc. Cast in films – a new one coming out with all the music from our newest CD (Jerry’s new a cappella group) www.jerrylawson.biz – This is 23rd album turned out to be the masterpiece of his career & we produced it ourselves , 20 tracks, an hour of the most eclectic material & a 20 page booklet of liner notes. www.myspace.com/jerrylawsonmusic
BTW, Gail Zappa loved Jerry’s tribute CD - She also came to the CD release party in L.A. & then we all gathered at her home. She invited a few close friends, Dweezil made pizzas in their patio brick oven & we visited Frank’s studio etc.. a special eve that was.
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