Chris Montez

Just snapped up DCC's Chris Montez All-Time Greatest Hits on ebay; still sealed. The best $4 CD I've ever bought. I can hardly wait for it to arrive in the mail.

Jim W.

 

And one of my favorite cds, Steve, for having Let's Dance in true stereo (I won't spoil the stereo surprise for those who haven't heard it) - what a pleasure! And what's more, it STILL sounds like the original 45 - quite an accomplishment.

But the details, please, can you share some of those? Where have the Monogram label tapes been stored? Why had they not been used before? What were A&M's reasons for not at first licensing their tracks? Did Chris Montez intervene to move the project along? What were the problems you encountered along the way remixing and remastering?

Thanks,
GM

 

That's one fine Cee Dee

 

I think the Ace UK version is still in print - same tasty mastering, yes indeedy...

 

Jim,

When your CD arrives, report back and tell us if you got a turquoise or white label pressing.

ED

 

Which one do you have ED?

 

Yep. The first has Chris' original "All You Had To Do(Was Tell Me)"[Monogram 500]in mono; the white label pressing has the same song, but by Chris & Kathy[Monogram 517]in stereo. In fact, Steve, it was you who clued me in and sent me to Tom Port to snag a copy. I did, and was surprised to find the label change. Still, nice having both copies.

BTW, while you're here, always wanted to give you a big for
the imaging of those Monogram mixes. Very nice, wide, the way music from that era should sound. Clean, warm, wonderful. And having Chris introduce the CD to us(in english and spanish)was great, too. A labor of love and the quality really shows.

ED

 

Oh I forgot, My Chris Montez is Turquoise.

 

Sorry; you're right. I'll edit the above post to reflect that.

ED

 

Okie Dokie, Sarah...er ED.

Jim W.

 

Hey Ed, I have a Torquiose Label Copy with All You Had To Do(Was tell me)
in Stereo?.

 

W E I R D ! ! Looks like Jim's about to get pot luck. Your copy does list Chris & Kathy on the back cover, right?

ED

 

From the back of the Cee Dee...

Track 5-ALL YOU HAD TO DO (Was Tell Me) (1964) "Chris & Kathy" Featuring Kathy Young

 

Looks like I'm in the white label club. Bought mine from dccblowout.com about 3 weeks ago. I'm guessing the secret handshake couldn't be far behind. Trying to remember descriptions I read about Chris Montez's voice, the word "androgynous" sticks in my mind. I think it's a fairly accurate description. I haven't heard anyone whose voice sounds quite like him. Anyone who doesn't have this CD, go pick it up. At $6.99 or less, it's a steal. This puppy glows. It's the real thing.

 

One of my favorites ... what happened to her Indigo tapes?

 

So ... why hasn't there been a Kathy Young CD ... other than the Black Tulip boot? ... her LP sells for over $100.

 

Well folks, this is quite a build-up for the Chris Montez CD. Now I'm *really* looking forward to it. And knowing that it was one of Steve's favorite projects will make it an even greater listening experience. I'm only familiar with his two hits (Let's Dance and Call Me), so this will be my "Chris Montez 101". Funny, I have the book "Barrio Rhythm - Mexican American Music in Los Angeles", by Steven Loza (1993) and there are only two scant references to him. Having grown up in the East Los Angeles area, that "eastside sound" is close to my heart.

Jim W.

 

Friends,

I now have this CD and the sound is vintage fantastic - it cooks!

Highly, highly recommended!

Bob