Frank Virtue And The Virtues Frank Virtue And The Virtues - Rock (CD)

Frank Virtue is a significant name when it comes to the history of the Philadelphia sound. The state of Pennsylvania with its metropolis Philadelphia, affectionately known as Philly by Americans, was a true melting pot of musical virtuosos during the rock 'n' roll era. Of course, one immediately thinks of Bill Haley, Charlie Gracie and Chubby Checker. The name Frank Virtue fits in seamlessly here. Not only did his studio work until the 1970s provide a solid foundation for Northern Soul, but years earlier he had already caused a stir with various rock 'n' roll formations. This is impressively demonstrated here on 33 tracks. Starting in the early 1950s, when Virtue was bassist with the Esquire Boys, up to instrumental recordings of the 1960s, this CD deals with the career of Frank Virtue in chronological order.  

Frank Virtue and The Virtues are still associated with their only top 10 hit, 'Guitar Boogie Shuffle' from 1959. In addition to this rock 'n' roll classic, we have included two more 'Guitar Boogie' recordings: an early version with the Esquire Boys (1953) and the 'Guitar Boogie Twist' (1960). 

Virtue, who sometimes called himself Frank Virtuoso, was indeed virtuosic. This is particularly evident in his arrangements of cover versions of famous classics such as Carl Perkins' 'Boppin' The Blues', Haley's 'Rock-A-Beatin' Boogie' or Chuck Berry's 'Roll Over Beethoven', all in the typical style of the Philadelphia Northern band sound, which, as a further development of Lindy Hop, is absolutely amazing. This also applies to numerous original compositions. The overall picture is rounded off by instrumental numbers and twist songs from the early sixties.  

Included is a 36-page booklet in color with the Frank Virtue biography, which contains many previously unknown details and was written by the well-known music journalist Bill Dahl from Chicago, as well as rare photos and illustrations, plus discographical information on his releases from 1953 to 1969! Frank Virtue rocks, and The Virtues, too!